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life-insurance

Life Insurance

Life insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. There are two main types of life insurance: temporary (or term) life insurance and permanent life insurance.

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Temporary life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, usually ranging from ten to 40 years. This type of insurance is designed to provide protection for a specific period, such as while you are paying off a mortgage or while your children are still dependents.

Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, provides coverage for your entire life. This type of insurance is designed to provide long-term financial protection for your beneficiaries, regardless of when you pass away. Permanent life insurance policies are typically more expensive than temporary policies because they provide coverage for a longer period and often include a savings component. There are two main types of permanent life insurance: whole life insurance and universal life insurance.

Whole life insurance provides coverage for your entire life and includes a savings component that accumulates cash value over time. The premiums for whole life insurance are typically fixed, and the death benefit and cash value of the policy are guaranteed.

Universal life insurance also provides coverage for your entire life but offers more flexibility in terms of premiums and death benefits. Universal life insurance policies often allow you to adjust your premium payments and death benefits over time and may also include a savings component that earns interest.

It’s important to carefully review and compare life insurance policies before selecting one, as they can vary widely in their coverage, benefits, and limitations. Factors to consider when choosing a policy include your age, health, financial goals, and the needs of your beneficiaries.

group-insurance

Group Health Insurance

Group health insurance is a key component in most employee benefit packages because it is much more desirable than health insurance purchased privately. Employers subsidize the monthly premium amount, and the employee’s

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contribution is made with pre-tax dollars. The coverage offered is often a much better value than what individuals could purchase independently. With a group insurance policy, an employer can attract more talent. Group Insurance also promotes higher employee retention within the company as well.

Group health insurance policies typically have several features that make them attractive to employers and employees. These may include:

  •  Cost sharing: The cost of the policy is shared between the employer and employee, with the employer typically covering a larger portion of the cost.
  • Network of providers: The policy may include a network of healthcare providers that offer discounted rates to members of the group.
  • Wellness programs: The policy may offer wellness programs, such as smoking cessation or weight loss programs, to help members improve their health.
  • Flexibility: Group health insurance policies can be customized to meet the needs of the group, including the level of coverage, deductibles, and copayments.
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Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance is a type of health insurance policy that is purchased directly by individuals or families usually using an insurance broker or agent. This type of health insurance isn’t usually purchased through your employer, or through a government-sponsored program like the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 

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also known as Obamacare.

Private health insurance can offer many benefits over Obamacare, including more options, greater flexibility, and more personalized coverage. First Dollar Coverage is an insurance policy in which the insured does not have out-of-pocket expenses required before coverage begins. For those who can’t receive a subsidy to help pay for ACA/Obamacare, Private Health Insurance premiums are significantly lower than ACA.

One of the benefits of private health insurance is that it can offer first-dollar coverage, which means that the policy covers medical expenses from the first dollar, without the need for a deductible or coinsurance. This can be beneficial for individuals who have high medical expenses and need frequent medical care.

Private health insurance can also offer nationwide PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations), which allow policyholders to see healthcare providers across the country. This can be helpful for individuals who travel frequently or who have family members who live in different parts of the country.

In addition, private health insurance plans can offer no-deductible plans, which means that policyholders do not have to pay a deductible before the insurance company starts covering medical expenses. This can be beneficial for individuals who need regular medical care or have chronic health conditions.

Private health insurance can also offer indemnity plans, which allow policyholders to see any healthcare provider they choose and get reimbursed for a portion of the cost. This can be helpful for individuals who want more flexibility and control over their healthcare choices.

Another benefit of private health insurance is that it can offer more options for coverage, including more specialized plans for specific health conditions or lifestyles. For example, there may be private health insurance plans that offer coverage for alternative or complementary therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.

In summary, private health insurance can offer many benefits over Obamacare, including first-dollar coverage, nationwide PPOs, no-deductible plans, indemnity plans, and more options for specialized coverage. These options can provide greater flexibility and personalized coverage for individuals and families who want more control over their healthcare choices.

supplemental coverage

Medicare Insurance

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for individuals who are 65 years of age or older, certain individuals with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease. Here’s an overview of the different parts of Medicare:

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  • Medicare Part A: Also known as “hospital insurance,” Part A provides coverage for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A.
  • Medicare Part B: Medicare Part B is a health insurance program that is offered by the federal government of the United States. It is a voluntary program that covers a range of medical services and supplies, including doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical equipment.

    Medicare Part B is designed to provide coverage for medically necessary services that are required to diagnose or treat a medical condition. Some of the services that are covered by Medicare Part B include:

    Doctor visits
    Laboratory tests and screenings
    Outpatient surgeries
    Ambulance services
    Preventive services, such as flu shots and cancer screenings
    Medical equipment, such as walkers and wheelchairs

    In order to enroll in Medicare Part B, you must be eligible for Medicare. This generally means that you are either 65 years of age or older, or have a qualifying disability or medical condition. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

    There is a monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which is based on your income. Most people pay the standard premium amount, but higher-income individuals may pay more.

    It’s important to note that Medicare Part B does not cover all medical expenses. For example, it does not cover prescription drugs, long-term care, or most dental services. However, you may be able to get additional coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan.

    In summary, Medicare Part B is a health insurance program that provides coverage for a range of medical services and supplies and is available to eligible individuals who are enrolled in Medicare.

  • Medicare Part C: Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a type of health insurance plan offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. It provides the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) but often includes additional benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing services, as well as prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicare Advantage plans may also offer benefits such as wellness programs, transportation to medical appointments, and fitness memberships. Some plans may also include coverage for services not covered by Original Medicare, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care. One key difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is that Medicare Advantage plans typically have network restrictions and may require beneficiaries to use doctors and hospitals within the plan’s network. However, some plans may offer out-of-network coverage for certain services, typically at a higher cost. Medicare Advantage plans may also have different cost-sharing requirements than Original Medicare, such as different deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It’s important to review the specific details of each plan to determine the costs and benefits.
  • Medicare Part D: Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs. It is offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare, and beneficiaries typically pay a monthly premium and a portion of the cost of each prescription.
  • Medicare Supplement: Also known as “Medigap,” Medicare Supplement plans are offered by private insurance companies to help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. There are 10 standardized Medigap plans, each with different levels of coverage, and beneficiaries typically pay a monthly premium for this additional coverage.
individual-insurance

ACA (Obamacare)

ACA health insurance plans, also known as Obamacare, are a type of health insurance that is available to individuals and families through the Health Insurance Marketplace. These plans are designed to provide affordable coverage to people who may not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance or who are self-employed.

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ACA plans cover a range of essential health benefits, including preventative care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. In addition, ACA plans cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing medical conditions. The goal of ACA health insurance plans is to make health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans.

supplemental coverage

Supplemental Coverage

Supplemental coverage, such as critical illness plans, refers to health insurance policies that provide additional financial protection in the event of a specific medical event or diagnosis. Critical illness plans are designed to help cover the costs associated with a serious illness, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Critical illness plans typically pay out a lump sum benefit to the policyholder upon

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diagnosis of a covered condition, regardless of the actual medical expenses incurred. This lump sum payment can be used to cover a variety of expenses, including medical bills, living expenses, and other costs associated with the illness.

Unlike traditional health insurance, critical illness plans are not meant to replace comprehensive medical coverage. Instead, they are intended to supplement existing health insurance coverage by providing additional financial protection for specific, high-cost medical events.

Critical illness plans are sold by private insurance companies and are not affiliated with Medicare or Medicaid. Policy terms and benefits can vary widely between insurers, so it is important to carefully review policy details and exclusions before enrolling in a critical illness plan.

dental insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

Dental and vision insurance are two types of insurance plans that provide coverage for specific health needs related to the mouth and eyes, respectively. Here’s a breakdown of each type of insurance:

Dental Insurance: Dental insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs of

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dental care, including preventative care, routine cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, and other necessary dental procedures. Dental insurance plans may have deductibles, co-payments, and annual maximums that limit the amount of coverage provided.

Vision Insurance: Vision insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs of vision care, including routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.

Overall, dental and vision insurance can help individuals save money on their healthcare costs related to dental and vision needs. It’s important to understand the coverage provided by each plan and to choose the plan that best meets your individual needs.

life-insurance

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

Long-term and short-term disability are two types of insurance policies that help individuals who are unable to work due to an injury or illness. These policies are typically offered through employers or purchased individually.

Short-term disability insurance provides benefits for a limited period of time, 

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typically ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the policy. This type of insurance is designed to provide financial support to individuals who are temporarily unable to work due to an injury, illness, or medical condition. Short-term disability benefits typically cover a portion of the individual’s salary or wages, ranging from 60% to 80%, and can help cover expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, and medical bills.

Long-term disability insurance, on the other hand, provides benefits for a longer period of time, typically ranging from several months to several years or even until retirement age. This type of insurance is designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term or permanent disability, such as a chronic illness or injury. Long-term disability benefits also typically cover a portion of the individual’s salary or wages and can help cover expenses such as ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and other necessary expenses.

It is important to note that disability insurance policies can vary widely in their coverage, benefits, and limitations, so it is important to carefully review and compare policies before selecting one. It is also important to understand the terms and conditions of the policy, including any exclusions or limitations on coverage, and to make sure that the policy meets your specific needs and circumstances.

Mother showing her child how to wash hands

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Insurance broker?

An insurance broker is a licensed professional who acts as an intermediary between insurance buyers and insurance companies. Insurance brokers work with a variety of insurance providers to help their clients find the best insurance coverage at the most competitive rates.

When you work with an insurance broker, they will shop the insurance market for you and present you with options from different insurance companies. They will also help you evaluate the coverage and costs of each policy, and assist you in making an informed decision that meets your specific insurance needs.

One of the key benefits of using an insurance broker is that it is a free service to you. Insurance brokers are paid by the insurance companies they work with, so there is no additional cost to you for their services.

In addition to shopping the insurance market for you, insurance brokers can also provide you with valuable advice and support throughout the insurance buying process. They can help you understand complex insurance terms and policies and can advocate on your behalf if you need to file a claim or dispute a denied claim.

Overall, working with an insurance broker can save you time and money, and can help you find the right insurance coverage to protect yourself, your family, and your assets.

What are copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance – and how do they differ from one another?

Co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurance are all different types of out-of-pocket expenses that you may have to pay for healthcare services, in addition to your insurance premiums. Each of these terms refers to a different aspect of how you share the cost of medical care with your health insurance provider.

  • Co-payment: A co-payment, or “co-pay,” is a fixed amount of money that you pay for a specific medical service or treatment. Co-pays are usually a set dollar amount, such as $20 for a doctor’s visit. Co-pays are typically required for each visit or service, and the amount may vary depending on the type of service and the insurance plan.
  • Deductible: A deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and you receive a medical bill for $2,000, you will be responsible for paying the first $1,000, and your insurance will cover the remaining $1,000. After you reach your deductible, your insurance will usually cover a percentage of your medical expenses, while you will be responsible for paying the remaining amount (either through coinsurance or additional co-pays).
  • Coinsurance: Coinsurance is the percentage of the cost of a medical service that you are responsible for paying after you have met your deductible. For example, if you have a 20% coinsurance rate for a specific medical service and the total cost of the service is $1,000, you will be responsible for paying $200 (20% of the total cost) while your insurance will pay the remaining $800.

To summarize, a co-payment is a fixed amount you pay for a specific medical service or treatment, a deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in, and coinsurance is the percentage of the cost of a medical service that you are responsible for paying after you have met your deductible.

What is a major medical plan, and why is it so important?

A major medical plan is designed to protect you financially against things such as a serious accident, or critical and chronic illnesses. The cost of the health services needed to treat such serious conditions can cause medical bills to be in the tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. A major medical plan has an out-of-pocket maximum. This is designed to limit your financial exposure. Once your max out of pocket is reached the insurance company will pick up the rest of the bill. This is true in most cases, but you also want to read through your E.O.B. (Explanation of Benefits) to verify your coverage amounts. As a licensed health insurance broker, we can help you do this.

CAN MY APPLICATION FOR INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY COVERAGE BE DECLINED? ARE PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS COVERED?

ACA (Affordable Care Act) regulates plans so they can’t decline you based on pre-existing conditions. These plans are also called Obamacare plans. Unless you have a S.E.P (Special Enrollment Period) ACA are only available during Open Enrollment which is usually November 1st- January 15th. a S.E.P. is a life changing event such as marriage, divorce, having a baby, moving, or loss of employer provided coverage. Private Insurance companies that are not ACA regulate to require medical underwriting. This means that they do look at pre-existing conditions during the approval process. There are pros and cons to both ACA regulated plans and non-ACA regulated private insurance plans. As a licensed health insurance brokers, we can help decide which option is best suited for you and your family.

Not all pre-existing medical conditions will result in a declination of coverage. If your application for individual or family coverage is approved, the insurance company may or may not require a waiting period before coverage of certain conditions begins.

Do health insurance policies have contracts?

With most employer-sponsored group insurance plans you are locked into your plan for a year. This is true unless you are laid-off or leave the position. Unlike employer-sponsored health insurance plans, individual and family plans that you buy on your own can be cancelled at any time. You’ll typically pay for your coverage on a month-to-month basis. When you want to discontinue your coverage, contact your licensed agent or the insurance company directly. We can always review your health insurance policy to make sure you have the best plan possible for your current situation.

What’s an HMO?

An HMO gives you access to specific doctors and hospitals within its network. A network comprises providers who have agreed to lower their rates for plan members and meet quality standards. But unlike PPO plans, care under an HMO plan is covered only if you see a provider within that HMO’s network. There are few opportunities to see a non-network provider. There are also typically more restrictions for coverage than other plans, such as allowing only a certain number of visits, tests, or treatments. HMOs often have a smaller network of doctors and hospitals than PPOs but usually have lower premiums.

What’s a PPO?

PPO plans provide more flexibility when picking a doctor or hospital. They have significantly larger networks than HMOs. They also feature a network of providers, but there are fewer restrictions on seeing non-network providers. In addition, your PPO insurance will pay if you see a non-network provider, although it may be at a higher rate. On a PPO you are also able to see a specialist without seeing your PCP (Primary Care Provider) first. Because of these reasons, PPOs are usually significantly more expensive than HMOs.

What is an indemnity plan, and how does it work?

Indemnity plans allow you to direct your own health care and visit almost any doctor. Much like a PPO plan, it gives you the freedom to choose any facility and doctor you would like to go to. The key difference between an Indemnity plan and your traditional PPO and HMO plans is how it pays. It uses a Fee for service payment type instead of co-insurance and co-pays like traditional insurance. The great thing about this is you know exactly how much your insurance pays for each covered service, which gives you more buying power when selecting where you get medical services.

What is Short-term Health Insurance?

Short-term or limited-duration insurance refers to health insurance plans with a limited duration, typically several months to a year. These plans were initially geared toward people who need temporary medical insurance to bridge the gap between longer-term plans. It typically works like most traditional insurance, with the key difference being a time limit. These plans also usually offer limited out-patient benefits.

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Testimonials From Clients

“Best Customer Service”

"Such a great experience! I have personally never used a broker before and I just wonder why I never thought about doing it before. I’ve stressed over the years with questions about insurance that I never could get answers to. I called Matthew and within a few MINUTES I had health insurance. When I had to cut the conversation short because I was about to start my shift, he let me text him!! That is literally THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE I’ve received. Last week I notified him that I started a new job and needed to update my application. There was NO WAIT TIME. NO HOLD TIME. He literally replied to my text within 3 MINUTES. And in less than 10 minutes my application was updated. I have asked him questions and he explains the answer in such a simple way and for that I’m so grateful. Thanks to the Farris Benefit Group, applying for health insurance isn’t so scary anymore. Thanks for all you do!"

—Ariadna Lopez

“Very Knowlegeable”

"Matthew is very knowledgeable about his trade. His desire to help people make well-informed decisions regarding this hard-to-navigate area of insurance really shines through in the way he provides clear explanations of your questions. He strives to make sure that you are getting the most appropriate coverage that works for your personal circumstances, and not merely attempting to sell you something for the sake of making a buck. I appreciate his responsiveness in taking the time out of his off-the-clock weekend hours to field one of my inquiries. Be assured that with Matthew, you are getting the best service possible. "

—Calvin Smith

“Timely and Professional”

"Matthew Farris provided timely and professional service for our family's insurance needs. Matthew explained in detail which policy would be affordable and provide suitable coverage. I greatly appreciate the guidance during the insurance process and would strongly encourage any person to consider Farris Benefit Group for assistance!"

—Elvira Stevenson

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