Health Insurance helps pay for covered medical expenses. There are minimum essential benefits that must be covered in order to be considered a Qualified Health Plan. You must be covered by a Qualified Health Plan to avoid a federal income tax penalty. More information about minimum essential coverage can be found here.
Most health plans require you to share in the cost of your health care in the form of a yearly deductible, co-pays and/or co-insurance.
Our office can help you find and apply for a Qualified Health Plan either through MNsure or with an insurance company directly. Minnesota residents must apply through MNsure to receive federal income tax credits. South Dakota residents can apply for coverage through Healthcare.gov.
Generally, you need to apply for Health Insurance during the yearly Open Enrollment Period. For 2018 coverage, the Open Enrollment Period is November 1, 2017 to December 15, 2017. Minnesota has a Special Enrollment Period from December 15, 2017 to January 15, 2018.
You may also be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if you have certain life events, such as:
- getting married
- having a baby
- losing other health coverage
- moving to a new residence
- gaining citizenship
- leaving incarceration
- becoming eligible for Medicaid
For Qualified Health Insurance, you must apply by the 15th of the month preceding the month in which you want your coverage to be effective.
Group Health Insurance
If you’re looking for Group Health Insurance, our office can help you select the right plan for your business. We represent plans from:
- BCBS of MN
- HealthPartners
- Medica
- Preferred One
We would be happy to meet with you to get the information needed to obtain a quote.
Medicare
A Medicare Supplement Plan can cover medical expenses not covered by Medicare.
Part A Medicare has a deductible and daily co-pays during an extended stay in a hospital. A Supplement Plan can cover the deductible and daily co-pays.
Part B Medicare usually pays 80% of your doctor charges and other services covered under Part B. A Supplement Plan can cover the portion not covered by Medicare.
Part D Medicare provides prescription drug coverage. Prescription Drug Plans are purchased from an insurance company, not Medicare. If you don’t obtain a Prescription Drug Plan when you are first eligible, you will need to wait until the annual Open Enrollment Period and pay a penalty. If you currently have a Prescription Drug Plan, you can change plans during the annual Open Enrollment Period. The Open Enrollment Period is October 15 to December 7th for 2018 coverage.
Here’s some helpful information on Medicare.
Good friends are good for your health. — Irwin Sarason