Many of us take our health for granted—until we don’t have it.

We are surprised at the number of people who do NOT have health insurance, a sign of the times without a doubt. Health insurance premiums are significant. But all you need is one serious illness to appreciate that it’s better to pay those premiums than to risk the serious financial loss caused by paying out of pocket. Uninsured medical costs often lead to bankruptcy.

1. Who can Prime of Life Insurance help with health insurance?
2. What's the application process like for health insurance?
3. What is temporary health insurance?
4. What is Short Term Medical?
5. What is a Medicare Supplement policy?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Who can Prime of Life Insurance help with health insurance?

We help individuals and very small businesses in New Hampshire get health insurance. Unfortunately, there are few companies or options available in our state, but we will help you find the best plan for your situation.

Return to top

2. What’s the application process like for health insurance?

Applications include questions about your health history, and companies may decline you if you have serious problems. If are unable to get insurance elsewhere, you WILL be able to qualify for coverage through the state’s high-risk pool. Go to http://www.nhhealthplan.org for more information. Many people who pay all premiums themselves are taking policies with lower premiums and higher deductibles. You may also want to set up a Health Savings Account (HSA), which allows you to set aside money for medical expenses on a tax-free or deferred basis.

Return to top

3. What is temporary health insurance?

There are various reasons to get temporary health insurance, including:

• You’re between jobs or waiting to get coverage through your new employer
• You’ve just graduated from high school or college and are no longer eligible under your parents’ insurance
• You’re no longer eligible for COBRA coverage

Temporary health insurance is usually very affordable, and quick and easy to get, but it has limitations. It does not cover pre-existing conditions. It does not cover routine preventive care, and it is not permanent. You can usually renew it after the initial term (typically 6 months), but if you develop a serious medical problem you may not be able to get new coverage. So you should not consider temporary health insurance if you really need it for a longer period. Ask us about your temporary health options.

If you travel abroad, your regular health insurance may not cover you. Medicare DOES NOT cover foreign travel. We can help you get travel insurance to cover medical expenses while you’re abroad.

Return to top

5. What is a Medicare Supplement policy?

Most Americans are covered by Medicare once they turn 65. But Medicare has deductibles and co-payments. Many people choose Medicare Supplements (“MedSupps” or “Medigap”) to pay for those gaps in Medicare coverage. If you are just turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare, you are automatically eligible to get any of the available Medicare Supplement plans. If you wish to change plans at a later age, you may be more limited in your choices.

There are several different plan options, all with letter names – e.g. Plans A, B, C. The very good news is that the government has standardized Medicare Supplement policies so that all companies must offer the same benefits for the same plans. In other words, Plan A from the ABC Company will include the exact same benefits as Plan A from XYZ Company. However, companies may differ in which plans they offer and what the premiums will be. As usual, you should choose your company carefully—some are more stable financially than others.

If you live in New Hampshire, please contact us for further information or a quote.

Return to top