Cindy Harris

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.

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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.

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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.

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2023 Marketplace Circle of Champions!

Harris Insurance Agency
Achieves Marketplace
Circle of Champions Recognition

December 7, 2022

Centerville, Ohio — Harris Insurance Agency has been recognized by the Health Insurance Marketplace® as a member of the 2023 Marketplace Circle of Champions for helping consumers gain qualified health coverage.

This Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) award highlights Harris Insurance Agency’s success in actively enrolling 20 or more consumers during this Open Enrollment Period and demonstrates its expertise and experience in helping consumers find health coverage.

“Agents and brokers are key partners to CMS in our shared goals of helping expand access to coverage for Americans,” said Ellen Montz, Director of the Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight within CMS, which oversees the Marketplace. “We thank Harris Insurance Agency for its dedication to providing exceptional service and helping access coverage.”

This year’s Open Enrollment Period for applying for Marketplace coverage runs from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 15, 2023. Consumers with questions about their coverage or who would like help enrolling can contact Cindy Harris at admin@harrisinsuranceagency.org.

If you would like a January 1, 2023 start date, you must contact Cindy Harris and enroll by December 15, 2022! Call Cindy today at 937-387-6672!

What is the Marketplace Circle of Champions?

CMS created the Marketplace Circle of Champions program to commemorate the hard work and commitment of Marketplace-registered agents and brokers throughout America. This award recognizes agents and brokers who have actively enrolled 20 or more consumers. Each year, thousands of agents and brokers reach the Marketplace Circle of Champions, highlighting their hard work, expertise, and service.

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3 Factors to Consider When Selecting a Health Insurance Plan

Health insurance helps individuals manage their healthcare costs throughout the year. With so many providers and plans to choose from, getting the right coverage can seem overwhelming. Here are a few basics to keep in mind as you search for the right options.

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance for Your Needs

1. Your Health Needs

Different providers and plans offer various levels of coverage. Many providers use terms like platinum, gold, silver, and bronze to describe their options. Generally, platinum and gold plans offer more coverage, while silver and bronze may offer slightly less.

Those who visit doctors or have serious health issues may feel more comfortable with higher levels of coverage, while lower options may be sufficient for healthy individuals. You should also check to make sure any prescriptions you take or may need are covered under your chosen plan.

2. Premiums vs. Out-of-Pocket Expenses

A premium is the amount you pay for an insurance plan each month. Out-of-pocket expenses include copays and other costs that you pay for each doctor visit, hospital stay, or prescription. Generally, higher premiums come with lower out-of-pocket expenses, and vice versa. Those who prefer predictable payments may prefer higher premiums, while those hoping to save money and limit doctor visits through the year may prefer lower premiums.

3. Networks

If you have a doctor you like, make sure they’re included in the network for any insurance plan you consider. Providers must approve hospitals and doctors’ offices to provide coverage at those locations, so if yours is not included in the network of the plan you choose, you’ll either have to switch or pay more out of pocket. Many providers let you search for doctors within their network, or you can work with an agent who can ensure your doctor is included.

If you’re looking for an insurance agent to help you find the right plan for your needs, contact Harris Insurance Agency in Centerville, OH. The family-owned, independent insurance agency focuses only on Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance, so they fully understand the options and providers available to individuals throughout the Miami Valley. To request a quote, call (937) 387-6672.

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Are You Covered?