Archives for March 8, 2012

Are You Paying too Much for Health Insurance?

March 8, 2012

This week, there have been a couple interesting news items discussing why people buy insurance for relatively low cost, predictable … Read more »

Life changes happen, and when they do, it’s important that your insurance options keep up. It’s exciting when Junior gets … Read more »

Trying to find a health insurance provider on your own comes with many challenges. This is where a health insurance … Read more »

Despite legal and political challenges, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has remained in place and is no longer under threat … Read more »

There are many factors that affect your premiums, and finding the best health insurance in Texas may seem overwhelming. Read … Read more »

Are there several companies offering Texas online health insurance quote?

Yes, there are many websites for online quotes. In fact, you will get the most varied and comprehensive range of health insurance offers online. Some of the most highly regarded Texas health insurance brokers can give you multiple quotes from several different insurers.

Can I purchase Texas health insurance for less if I deal directly with an insurance company?

No. Health Insurance charges are strictly regulated by the state. Texas health insurance will cost the same whether you use an independent health insurance agent or communicate directly with an insurance company of your choice.

Is buying Texas Small Business Health Insurance Online a Good Idea?

Purchasing Texas small business health insurance is a complex process and requires substantial knowledge of many issues. Online stores are generally automated to handle huge numbers of transactions, and therefore will try to simplify the choice for you, which may be very helpful. On the other hand, especially if this is your first time purchasing Texas health insurance, online stores may make you feel more like a number than like a client. This is especially true if you have unique medical needs, substantial preexisting conditions, or a complicated medical history.

If this is the case, see if the website has a phone number and try calling it. Ask the operator your questions and only purchase from them if you are pleased with their service.

How do I evaluate Dallas health insurance policies online?

The first rule for shopping for online Dallas health insurance is to level the playing field by making sure that you are comparing policies with corresponding levels of coverage. Make sure that you will be able to go to a physician you like, and that any particular health needs you may have will be covered, like chiropractic, homeopathic physicians, physical therapy, eye sight, dental, etc.

If you have a limited budget but substantial needs, it might be helpful to prioritize your most important health services in the form of a list. For instance, maybe you have a disease of the eyes and eye care is substantially more important for than for someone else. Maybe you take a lot of prescription medication or require frequent x-rays for an old injury.

Maybe a health savings account is especially important to you. Once you can identify what is most crucial for your health needs then you can better evaluate the policies offered online.

Can I get Dallas health insurance from any company online?

The insurer that you get from should be licensed in your state to provide health insurance. Not all online companies service all states - but most quote generators ask you for your state of residence to make sure you are covered.

You can check on their website which states they are licensed to do business in or you can fill out a quote form.

Should I get more than one quote for Texas online health insurance?

You should gather at least five quotes from different companies to make sure that you are getting the best price. You just want to take a little extra time and do some due diligence to make sure that you are getting the best plan. The cheapest plan is not always the best plan. What is important is finding the right balance between coverage and cost and this cannot be done by looking at just one quote. Plus, getting extra quotes ensures you are not getting scammed or ripped-off by one company.

Does one have to pay an extra health insurance fee as a commission to an independent health insurance agent?

No. An independent Texas health insurance agent is paid a commission by the health insurance company. No extra fees should be added to your health insurance cost.

What is the main difference between group and individual health insurance coverage?

A Texas health insurance individual plan is purchased by you directly from the insurance company. Whereas, with a group health insurance plan, the group is insured and the insurance company contracts within the group. Insurance credentials, issued to a participating member, act as your policy. Often group health insurance costs less than if the insurance company sold individual policies to all members separately. In addition, group health insurance sometimes holds special coverage's that are not obtainable (or are very costly) on an individual basis. The purchasing power of the group makes this reasonably feasible.

Can my Dallas health insurance premiums help me on my income tax return?

If you are self-employed you can deduct your Dallas health insurance premiums. However, if you work for a company who provides health insurance, you can't deduct the premium, or part of your premium, that your employer pays.

You can, however, deduct the part of the premium that you contribute.

What is a Health Savings Account?

A Health Savings Account is like a regular savings account except that it allows you to save pre-tax income for health related purposes only. In order to qualify for a health savings account, you must already be covered under a high-deductible plan that will cover your medical costs if they are very expensive and you cannot pay them (ie. if you are involved in a traumatic accident and require a costly hospital stay. A high-deductible plan is used mainly for these type of catastrophic accidents as it does not cover the first few thousand dollars of medical expenses). A health savings account is beneficial as it allows the consumer to be in control of their own money and choose how to spend it, as opposed to letting the insurance company decide how to spend it.

If I don't have any health insurance, can I still set up a health savings account?

No, you must be covered under high-deductible insurance to be eligible for a health savings account.

If I don't have a job can I still have a health savings account?

Yes, as long as you are covered under a high-deductible insurance policy you are allowed to start a health savings account, even if the money is not "income," per se. You can use personal savings or investment dividends to contribute to your health savings account instead.

Are You Paying too Much for Health Insurance?

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