Supplemental Coverage

Individual and family health insurance plans are designed to cover essential healthcare services like doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, prescription medications, and preventive care, ensuring your family gets the care they need without surprises. These plans can be purchased privately or through the Health Insurance Marketplace, with subsidies available depending on income to help lower monthly premiums.

In addition to these comprehensive plans, there are also short-term health insurance options. These plans provide temporary coverage, often for gaps between jobs or other life changes, and usually cover emergency care and basic services but may not include the full range of benefits found in longer-term plans.

When selecting a plan, it’s important to consider not only the costs, such as premiums and out-of-pocket expenses but also whether the plan includes your preferred doctors and hospitals. Options range from basic to more comprehensive plans, allowing you to choose one that fits your family’s needs and budget.

With the right plan, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re protected from unexpected medical expenses and have access to critical services like mental health care, maternity services, and more. Whether you opt for a comprehensive plan or a short-term one, both options help bridge coverage gaps, ensuring you’re always protected.

FAQS

What is the Affordable Care Act, and how does it affect my health insurance options?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as "Obamacare," is a law designed to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for everyone. It provides protections like coverage for pre-existing conditions and requires plans to cover essential health services such as doctor visits, prescription drugs, and preventive care. The ACA also offers financial help, like tax credits and subsidies, to lower the cost of premiums for qualifying individuals and families. This means you have more options to choose from and can find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

How do I know if I qualify for subsidies or tax credits to help pay for my health insurance?

You may qualify for subsidies or tax credits to help pay for your health insurance if your income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. Eligibility is based on your household size, income, and location. When you apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you'll be asked for income and household details, and the system will automatically determine if you qualify for financial assistance. These subsidies can lower your monthly premiums and, in some cases, reduce out-of-pocket costs.

What’s the difference between an HMO, PPO, and EPO plan, and which one is right for my family?

An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), and EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) are all types of health insurance plans that differ in how they handle care.HMO plans require you to choose a primary care doctor and get referrals to see specialists. You must use in-network providers for your care, except in emergencies.PPO plans offer more flexibility, allowing you to see any doctor without a referral. You can see both in-network and out-of-network providers, though staying in-network costs less. EPO plans are a mix of both. You don’t need referrals to see specialists, but you must use in-network providers unless it's an emergency.The right plan for your family depends on your budget and healthcare needs. If you prefer lower costs and don’t mind using a network of doctors, an HMO might work best. If you want more flexibility to see specialists without a referral, a PPO or EPO could be a better fit.

What happens if I miss the Open Enrollment period? Can I still get health insurance?

If you miss the Open Enrollment period, you may still be able to get health insurance through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience a qualifying life event. These events include things like losing other coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or a significant change in your income. If you qualify for an SEP, you’ll have a limited time window to enroll in a new plan. If you don’t qualify, you may be able to get short-term health insurance or wait until the next Open Enrollment period.