Cindy Harris

3 Benefits of Working With an Independent Insurance Agent

An independent insurance agent is one who offers plans from multiple providers rather than a single carrier. Though they represent various insurance companies, they are not direct employees of any one insurance provider, which provides the client with many benefits. Below, discover a few of the advantages of working with an independent insurance agent.

Why You Should Choose an Independent Insurance Agent

1. More Choice

Insurance shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all prospect. Different people have varying coverage needs and budgets. When you choose an agent who works for only one provider, they can only show you the policies that their employer offers. However, an independent agent will have a more comprehensive selection of plans, with different coverages, policy limits, and price points, drawn from an array of carriers. With a broader range of choices available, you will have the protection that is unique and inclusive of your goals.

2. Personalized Service

An independent agent provides an enhanced level of customer service that you can’t get when working directly with an insurance provider or a large agency. They are accessible and easily reachable, and if you need to file a claim, they will walk you through the process. Also, if you need to change insurance carriers, you don’t need to change agents as well. The independent agent is a longtime ally and is someone uniquely qualified to understand your needs and concerns.

3. Greater Convenience

The average person is not aware of all the health insurance companies in their state nor what policies they offer for Medicare and Health Insurance. Looking for the policy that is the best for you can become overwhelming. With an independent insurance agent, you have someone with the knowledge about all the available insurance plans in your area and they can find one that is best tailored to your needs.

Receive the benefits of working with an independent insurance agent by contacting Harris Insurance Agency. Headquartered in Centerville, OH, they serve clients throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Arizona. Call (937) 387-6672 to request a quote. Visit their website for a list of their insurance services.

What Should You Know About Health Insurance?

Whether you catch a common cold or experience a severe injury, having health insurance is crucial. Medical policies make it easier to afford doctor’s appointments, prescription drugs, procedures, and surgeries. Below, you’ll find several frequently asked questions about this insurance and why you need it.

4 FAQ About Health Insurance

What is it?

When you purchase health insurance, you enter into a contractual agreement with an insurance company that will pay a portion of your medical bills according to the specifics and duration of your policy. For your plan to take effect and remain active, you must pay a monthly premium to the company.

Why is it significant?

Healthcare is expensive and challenging for most people to pay out of pocket in full. Purchasing an insurance policy and paying your monthly premium will protect you from incurring serious debt if you need treatment for an illness, disease, or injury.

What are deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance?

Each of these terms refers to out of pocket payments. Your deductible is the minimum amount of money you must spend on medical care before your insurance benefits begin. For doctor or specialist visits, you either pay a copay, which is a flat rate, or coinsurance, which is a percentage of the costs.

Does the law require it?

Health insurance is not legally required. However, you may have to pay a tax penalty if you don’t have a public or private policy. Consult with an insurance agent to find out whether or not you qualify for exemptions and learn more about how to enroll in an affordable plan.

When you need health insurance, contact Harris Insurance Agency. We offer medicare throughout Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. We offer additional health insurance options to clients throughout Ohio. Call (937) 387-6672 to get a quote on health insurance and find a plan that covers your doctors and prescriptions. Visit our website or our Facebook page to learn more about how we can help you protect your well being.

Are You Covered?

Since the Covid Pandemic, a lot has changed for many people. Many have completely changed how they live their lives, whether it is staying at home to work or changing where and how your children receive their education. Healthcare has been changing too. There are new options available that developed over the pandemic. But all of this change can be confusing and you may need someone to help you navigate this post-Covid healthcare world.

Do not let your health insurance or Medicare be one of those things that you let go because things may be different from before. If you have just turned 65, you have a window of opportunity to enroll in Medicare. This window includes the three (3) months before your birth month, your birth month, and three (3) months after your birth month.

Have you lost your job, are you moving, having a baby, getting married, losing your current health insurance? These are all possibilities which open Special Enrollment periods for health insurance. However, they are only for 60 days once your current health insurance ends. Do not let that time lapse.

Are you self-employed and have no idea what to do for health insurance? You have options for individual or family coverage.

The independent agents at Harris Insurance Agency can help guide you through all of these times and help you find the best plan to fit your needs.

If you have any questions related to any of the above or any other questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We would also be happy to take a look at your current policy and complete a review at any time. Please give us a call at 937-387-6672. Or fill out our Form to Request a Free Consultation here.

What’s the Difference Between Medicare & Medicaid?

Medicare and Medicaid offer health coverage through a government-ordained program. Although the two may seem similar, they’re quite different. Understanding what sets them apart is crucial to ensure you get the right coverage for your needs. The guide below highlights some of these differences to help you make an educated decision.

Medicare

Medicare is a health insurance program that the federal government offers. It is only available to individuals who are at least 65 years old or those who a doctor diagnoses as disabled. Deductions from your earnings throughout your life fund the coverage from this program; you likely noticed these deductions when reviewing paystubs over the years.

Similar to non-federally mandated health insurance plans, Medicare requires policyholders to pay deductibles and monthly premiums. However, these expenses practically guarantee you coverage when you turn 65. The only requirement is that you have the necessary amount of work experience and credits.

Medicaid

Unlike Medicare, the state and local governments run Medicaid. As such, the rules and regulations for this program vary depending on where you live. For example, in Ohio, adults between the ages of 19 through 64 can only earn up to $1,823 per month to qualify for coverage. The state determines this number as being 138% of the federal poverty level. They will raise this threshold depending on the number of individuals in the household.

Another significant difference between the two is the age requirement. With Medicaid, you can apply for coverage no matter how old you are. The purpose of the program is to offer those with little to no income with affordable health care. After approval, the program will cover most of your services fully.

If you want to apply for Medicare, turn to Harris Insurance Agency in Centerville, OH. The representatives at this family-owned and -operated firm will work with you to organize your paperwork and file it correctly. Call (937) 387-6672 to schedule a consultation with a licensed agent.

A Beginner’s Guide to Medicare: Parts A–D Explained

Medicare is the national government health insurance program that covers people 65 years and older, as well as younger people with disabilities. It began in 1966, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services manages it. However, with different types available, the system might seem confusing without prior knowledge or experience. If you need to start using it, below is an explanation of each part.

Part A

With Medicare Part A, you receive coverage for hospice, hospital visits, and short-term hospital stays. You can also use it for long-term hospital stays, but that requires additional fees. If you need home health services, like at-home visits from caregivers, nurses, companions, doctors, or therapists, you can apply this type to that as well.

Part B

Covering a broader range of Part A, Medicare B is necessary for regular visits with doctors, specialized therapists, and outpatient care. It also promises help with lab tests, accessing an ambulance, and obtaining appropriate, high-quality medical equipment, such as those that you may use for physical therapy or rehabilitation.

Part C

Also known as a Medicare Advantage Plan, Part C includes everything covered by plans A, B, and sometimes D. However, a private health insurance company that the Medicare system approves will administer it, as long as it follows the same rules. It allows for more differentiation in terms of pricing and conditions, usually resulting in fewer fees for the insured individual.

Part D

Like plan C, a private health insurance agency provides the approved care for Part D. However, it covers prescriptions, rather than hospital stays and equipment. You can set up a plan that applies to the specific drugs you need, which adjusts the premiums to your area and circumstances. An insurance agent is helpful for such customization, as they know how to file the necessary paperwork and billing information.

As experts in health insurance, the Harris Insurance Agency can help you navigate the process of obtaining Medicare coverage. Located in Centerville, OH, the independent and family-owned business creates customized plans that fit your specific needs and circumstances. They’re available to help anytime, whether you missed an enrollment period or qualify for special elections. To get a quote, fill out our contact form here or call (937) 387-6672 to speak to a licensed agent.