Best Health Insurance Agencies in Roanoke

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.
  

• Is it possible to maintain Medicare insurance coverage in Roanoke after reaching age 65, even if you or your spouse are still employed?

  If you or your spouse are 65 years of age or older and still employed, your employer in Roanoke might offer health insurance, and you can also enroll in Medicare. In this scenario, the employer's plan acts as the primary payer, covering initial expenses, while Medicare serves as a secondary payer, covering remaining costs.

• If you're under 65 and experiencing permanent kidney failure, can you qualify for Medicare coverage in Roanoke?

  Individuals under the age of 65 with end-stage renal disease in Roanoke can be covered by Medicare even if they are still working. Additionally, if they have both an employer's group health plan and Medicare, the employer's plan will be the primary payer for the first 30 months after Medicare benefits begin, regardless of group size or employment status.

• When should you contemplate acquiring short-term health insurance in Roanoke?

  You should think about getting short-term health insurance in Roanoke if you are:

  • Under 65 and healthy.
  • Unemployed and seeking new job opportunities.
  • No longer covered by your parents' insurance.
  • Uninsured, have missed open enrollment, and don't qualify for special enrollment.
  • Awaiting your Affordable Care Act coverage.
  • Waiting for new job benefits to start.
  • Awaiting Medicare.
  • Losing coverage due to a divorce.

• What are ways to reduce your expenses for short-term health insurance in Roanoke?

  Here are methods to reduce costs for short-term health insurance in Roanoke:

  • Opt for upfront premium payment: Save 18% by paying the complete premium at the start of your coverage term.
  • Consider a higher deductible: Choosing a higher deductible means paying more initially, effectively lowering your premium.
  • Select a more basic plan: Customize your plan by opting for copays for doctor visits or including prescription drug coverage, helping to lower expenses.

• Who qualifies for Medicaid in Roanoke?

  Low-income Roanoke residents who are 65 years old or older, are pregnant or have a young child, have a disability, or live with a disabled household member are eligible for Medicaid. Residents aged 19 to 64 in households with an income below 130% of the federal poverty line also qualify for Medicaid. In 2022, this equated to $17,131 for an individual and $29,207 for a family of three.

• 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.