health insurance basics


HMO dental plans typically have a fairly narrow network; you can only use their providers to receive services. Though the networks are small, there are no waiting periods. It’s a scheduled-benefit structured plan. So in other words, you pay nothing or a copay to see the dentist whether it’s a cleaning or a procedure. […]

4 Types of Dental Plans: the HMO Dental Plan


Discount Dental Plan A discount dental plan is how it sounds; you get discounts off preventative services like cleanings and checkups, as well as basic services, such as fillings and extractions. Additionally, a discount dental plan reduce the cost for major services like surgeries, deep cleanings, caps, crowns, dentures, etc. Though […]

4 Types of Dental Plans: the Discount Dental Plan


Have you ever heard of a plan having first-dollar benefits, no deductibles, and no rate increases? These three descriptors are the basis of fixed indemnity plans. Moreover, fixed indemnity plans operate on a set schedule. To explain, they only pay so much for you to see the doctor, visit a hospital, […]

Fixed Indemnity Plans



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Penalty Exemption #1: Qualified Health Plans According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), anybody who has a qualified health plan is exempt from paying the penalty. A qualified health plan can be one of the following: ACA (on/off-marketplace) Plan Group Health Plan Medicare Medicaid CHIPs V.A. Medi-Share Plans for Alaskan natives and […]

3 Ways to Avoid Paying the Penalty


High risk pools were actually around for about ten to fifteen years prior to the ACA. They were available in the majority of the states. But when President Obama’s healthcare law went into effect, high risk pools went away. However, as the new administration works on reforming the healthcare system, the idea […]

Terms Defined: High Risk Pools


According to the American Cancer Society, one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with some sort of cancer during their lifetime. The odds that somebody you know, whether friends or family or even you, may get cancer. To make matters worse, cancer induces high medical expenses. Sixty-percent […]

The Best Type of Cancer Plan



The subject of H.S.A.s has popped up more recently in the news. Specifically, the new administration is talking more about H.S.A.s, which have been around for a long time. There’s nothing new about them. Over a decade ago, they were called M.S.A.s – medical savings accounts. Now, they’re H.S.A.s – health savings […]

Health Savings Accounts and How They Work


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During the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) when you purchased a plan, you should have received an eligibility letter. In order to receive a subsidy, the letter states that you’re required to submit proof of income, residency, or citizenship, or all of the above. So when you purchased the plan -let’s say […]

Don’t Lose Your Subsidy or Coverage in 2017


The health insurance industry tends to cause a lot of confusion for individuals shopping for a health plan. The primary reason for this confusion is the excessive use of acronyms! Below is a comprehensive list of healthcare acronyms: A ACA: (Patient Protection and) Affordable Care Act ACO: Accountable Care Organization […]

Terms Defined: Commonly Used Acronyms in Health Insurance



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Empower Brokerage can’t stress enough the importance of getting a health insurance agent to assist you get the coverage you need. Since the health insurance industry changes every year, it’s difficult for an agent to stay on top of all the changes, let alone someone who doesn’t have a career […]

What You Should Look for in a Health Insurance Agent