Best Health Insurance Agencies in Albany

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  If you're looking for health insurance for yourself or your family, an agent can help you save time, understand your options, and manage your costs. Insurance agents must be licensed in the state where they operate. They can provide information about on- and off-exchange plans to help you weigh all of your options, and they can see if you qualify for tax credits that can lower your monthly premiums. There's no cost to work with an agent, and they can help you save quite a bit by recommending the best plan for your needs. Here's what you should know before you get started.
  

• Where can you get subsidies on health insurance in Albany?

  Purchase insurance through the official online marketplace, New York State of Health. This is the only place in Albany and throughout New York where you can get health insurance subsidies through tax credits. Individuals, families, and small business owners can compare various plans in the marketplace. A buyer's guide can assist them at every stage of the purchasing and enrollment process.

• Which health insurance is in compliance with the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act for someone in Albany?

  Medicaid, TRICARE, and Child Health Plus are examples of public health insurance plans that meet the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Some plans administered by agencies such as the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and the Administration for Children and Families are compliant. Private insurance plans obtained through employment benefits and purchased through the New York State of Health can also help someone in Albany comply.

• Do you need to renew your Medicaid coverage every year in Albany?

  Most of the time, Medicaid coverage must be renewed annually. When it's time to renew, you'll be notified. If you obtained your coverage from a local Department of Social Services office, a renewal packet will be mailed to you in Albany. If your Medicaid coverage is through the New York State of Health, no action is required on your part. You will be notified if anything needs to be done.

• How can you maximize health insurance benefits to save on healthcare costs in Albany?

  To avoid out-of-pocket expenses, try to always visit a doctor or health facility within your insurance's network. Use your annual checkup benefits in Albany to help identify potential health risks. If your plan includes telemedicine, take advantage of it. Go to an urgent care center if you have non-emergency problems such as sprains, colds, or the flu. Choose a prescription refill that is valid for 90 days.

• What happens if someone in Albany is found to have no health insurance?

  A person in Albany who is found to be without health insurance must pay a penalty for each month they are without coverage. The amount is determined by the size and income of the family. Each year, the penalty that can be imposed is limited. However, there are some exceptions for specific situations. Financial difficulties and membership in an Indian tribe are two of these situations. For more information on exemptions, contact the New York State Department of Health at 1-855-355-5777.

• How can you find affordable health insurance? 

  Affordable insurance is available through employers, Medicare, Medicaid, and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers subsidies in the form of tax credits. You can also purchase coverage through private insurance companies and independent agents. Nearly half of all Americans have employer-sponsored health insurance, and about 10% of the population is uninsured.