Having medical insurance in Florida that allows you to take care of your health is very important. Still, it is also essential to be informed to make the best decisions regarding coverage, costs, and, in general, everything related to your well-being and watch out.
What is a Medical Insurance?
In general terms, medical insurance or health insurance is a contract between an insured and an insurance company that shares health care costs. Health insurance offers you coverage when you or one of your family members requires medical, surgical, dental, or preventive care. In exchange, you must pay a monthly premium. It is a kind of umbrella that protects you when the storm arrives.
A person can purchase health insurance independently or in a group like the insurance offered by some companies to attract the best collaborators to their companies.
Types of Health Insurance in Florida for Individuals and Families
1. Private, without subsidy
Private health insurance is offered directly by insurance companies, not through the Insurance Market. They make extensive networks of health care providers available to you. You do not need to have a primary doctor assigned or be referred to specialists with private health insurance.
These insurers have an extensive directory of professionals with whom they make agreements to serve their clients. If you choose a provider within that list or “network” offered by your insurer, the costs will be lower than if you choose one that is outside the network.
Insurance companies guarantee you coverage accompaniment and help you pay your health care costs. In addition, they guarantee you a maximum out-of-pocket limit in exchange for paying your monthly premiums.
- Health Insurance with Obamacare
Obamacare, the common name by which the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is known, seeks to create the conditions for all Americans to have the opportunity to have health insurance.
The purpose of this Law is to make medical care affordable for those who need it, reducing the costs that you must pay and helping you to cover them through a subsidy that will depend on your income.
Obamacare also forces all insurance companies to accept those who want to get their health insurance and meet the requirements even if they have pre-existing conditions.
3. Trumpcare, Short Term
Trumpcare health insurance plans, or short-term plans, allow people to purchase health insurance for short periods and at a price that can be as much as a third below other programs.
The great advantage of these short-term plans is that they do not require you to sign up at a specific time and can offer you coverage for a period ranging from 3 months to 364 days.
These plans are an option for people who need insurance but didn’t purchase health coverage during open enrollment. We also recommend them to people without legal status, undocumented.
However, while the price is lower, the coverage is also limited relative to what you might receive with other Obamacare plans. Short-Term insurance does not benefit from the Obamacare Law does not cover pre-existing illnesses or pregnancy.
Where to buy Health Insurance in Florida?
Health insurance is offered directly by insurance companies, making health care plans available to you.
These plans are determined by the geographical area where you are located, the insurance company’s policies, and under the guidelines of the ACA.
You can also buy your health insurance through the Marketplace (healthcare.gov). Generally, people choose to have the accompaniment of an expert insurance advisor or agent who provides information and guidance.
Professional advice through insurance agencies or agents
You can request the help and advice of an Insurance Agency that supports you and accompanies you choosing your health plan. Some agencies that offer services in Florida and Texas:
- Broadus Insurance | Medical Insurance in Miami
- Majura Insurance
Do not hesitate to contact them to clarify your doubts to make the best decision. In Florida, it is crucial to have health insurance that takes care of your health and your family.
Health Insurance Marketplace in Florida
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace, and how does it work?
The Health Insurance Market is a service where you can sign up for a health plan with or without a tax credit, compare costs and coverage of the insurance companies that offer insurance in your geographic area, and choose the one that best suits your needs.
The Marketplace has a healthcare.gov website where you can go in person to ask questions and apply for health insurance and even affordable or subsidized insurance, as well as a call center.
Requirements to qualify
To qualify for health insurance, you need to meet some requirements.
- Have a legal status in the United States: work permit, residence, or citizenship, for example.
- Have a social security number.
- Have a minimum income according to the Federal Table.
- If you are married, file a joint tax return.
- Apply during the Open Enrollment Period.
Open registration
The Open Enrollment Period is a 45-day time during the year, generally from November 1 to December 15, where you can apply to purchase health insurance, comparing the options available in the Marketplace.
You can also apply for the government health subsidy during this period if you qualify for it.
Suppose you miss this window to purchase your health insurance on the Marketplace. In that case, you may not be able to access it unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a qualifying life event.
Special Enrollment Period
The Special Enrollment Period gives you the ability to access health insurance or modify it if certain situations arise in your life when Open Enrollment has already ended.
Situations such as:
- Marriage or divorce.
- Loss of eligibility for other coverage.
- Loss of dependent status.
- Changes in the family structure (deaths, births, adoption, etc.)
- Permanent transfer to another State.
- Changes in immigration status.
- Increase or decrease in income.
- Government error.
If any qualifying life events occur, you can request a window to modify or purchase health insurance. This period is generally 60 days.
