“Metal Level” Insurance Categories: Explained!

Open enrollment 2015 is finally upon us! Now is the time to be consumed with thoughts of health care in order to financially prepare yourself for the future. If you are preparing for the important decision of selecting your new health plan, you are probably aware that there are a number of different insurance categories to choose from. The categories differ based on how medical expenses will be shared between you and your plan.

Five main categories currently exist, and are known in the health care world as “metal levels”. The different levels take an individual’s monthly premium, coinsurance, copay, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximum into consideration. Here is a break down of the metal levels:

  • With a bronze level plan, you will pay approximately 40%, while your health plan will cover 60%.
  • In a silver plan, the costs are split into 70%, and 30%. You will pay the 30%, and your health care plan will pay about 70%.
  • With a gold level plan, you will only pay about 20%! Your health plan will cover the remaining 80%!
  • A platinum level health plan will pay all but 10%. The remaining 10% will be up to you.
  • Catastrophic coverage plans are only applicable for individuals under the age of 30! Those with this type of plan will also need to qualify for a hardship exemption. Catastrophic coverage plans pay under 60% of health expenses.

In order to choose the right plan for your needs, at a price that you can afford, you must consult with a Certified Covered California Broker. These individuals have the experience necessary to provide you with quality health care advice. Contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services to get in contact with a broker, and make the open enrollment process much easier!

Important Open Enrollment 2015 Deadlines!

2014 is quickly coming to a close! The middle of November has passed, which means we are in the midst of open enrollment season. If you have not already taken the time to evaluate your current, and future health care needs, now is the time to do so. Knowing what you do and do not need in a health plan will make the selection process much easier.

In order to secure your new health plan, you need to make sure you meet the appropriate deadlines. You are only allowed to go 3 months with a gap in your coverage before you will be ordered to pay an expensive fine. In order to avoid this, and save yourself some time and money, familiarize yourself with these important dates:

  • Open enrollment 2015 officially begins on November 15th of 2014.
  • The final day to enroll for a health plan that will kick in on January 1st, 2015 is December 31st, 2014.
  • All health plans purchased through the 2014 Marketplace will cease to be effective beginning December 31st, 2014.
  • January 1st, 2015 is the first date that new health coverage can begin.
  • Open enrollment 2015 will close on February 15th, 2015.

Make sure that you do not miss any of these crucial deadlines. Do not take the risk of being under or uninsured for any amount of time. You will surely regret it when you are in the face of a health care-related emergency!

The best way to navigate the 2015 Marketplace is to first contact a Certified Covered California Broker. These individuals have the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you through the complex, and often confusing world of health care. They can dispense quality advice that will make choosing the right plan for you much easier. Certified Covered California Brokers can even find ways to save you money! Please contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services to speak with a licensed agent today!

You Have Enrolled In A Plan, But Want To Switch…What Now?

Being a first-time health care policy owner can be stressful, and confusing! What happens if you select a health plan, and then decide that you wish to change it? Are you out of luck, or is there something you can do? We are here to help answer your questions like these! Here are a few pieces of enlightening health care information:

  • You are allowed to change your plan, as long as it falls within the open enrollment window, which spans from November 15th, 2014 to February 15th, 2015.
  • There may be an overlap period where you will live with your previously selected health care plan before your second choice plan kicks in. It is smart to discuss this time period with an insurance agent who specializes in health care.
  • To change your health plan during the open enrollment period, your first step should be to log into your online marketplace account.
  • Next, you should navigate through the “My Plans and Programs” section, to the “End/Terminate All Coverage” tab. Click “Eligibility & Appeals”, then “Continue to Enrollment” where you are welcome to compare and contrast different health plans that you are eligible for.
  • Pay attention to the start date of your policy once you reach a decision.
  • If you have troubles with the process, you should get in contact with one of our certified Covered California agents here at Bernardini & Donovan’s Insurance Services to help you find the right plan for you!

We hope this information has eased your mind if you think you may want to change your plan before the enrollment period is over. If you have health care questions that need answers, please get in touch with the skilled insurance agents at Bernadini & Donovan Insurance, located in Redlands! We are an experienced insurance agency who cannot wait to fulfill all of your healthcare needs!

3 Advantages Of Teaming Up With A Health Insurance Agent!

With November on our tails, we will soon be consumed with thoughts of health coverage. The time has come to sit down, and critically evaluate our current and future health care needs. Finding the right coverage is an art of sorts. You want to make sure you can afford the plan, but that the plan will do its job in keeping you adequately covered. In order to master this art, you will need to team up with a health insurance agent. Here are just a few of the many reasons why this is a good idea:

  • The open enrollment process is only a couple of years old. While many adjustments have been made to make online enrollment less challenging, it is not a guarantee that all individuals will not run into technical difficulties. A certified Covered California agent here at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services is well versed in the process, and can help you overcome any speed bumps you may encounter.
  • Many individuals take less than 15 minutes to evaluate their options for a plan, and settle before thoroughly understanding how their decision could affect their life. An agent will not let you make this hasty, and unwise decision.
  • Health insurance agents have years of experience with health care, and are familiar with scenarios where an individual’s coverage was not enough. They can use this expertise to guide you in the right direction, and ensure you are not taking any risks.

You need a certified and experienced insurance agent to guide you through the process. Their assistance can help you to avoid overpaying for your plan, or having to settle for less coverage than you need. Never sacrifice coverage for price when collaborating with an agent! Please reach out to the experienced insurance professionals at Bernadini & Donovan Insurance for any assistance you may need.

Open Enrollment 2015: Where To Start?

With open enrollment 2015 right around the corner, you may be stressed out, especially if this is your first time applying for health coverage. However, there is no need to fret! We are here to break down the process and help you understand the often-confusing subject of health care. Here are a few useful tidbits of information to help ease your mind:

  • The only way to apply for health care before November 15th is to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
  • Your current health coverage will end on December 31st of 2014 if it was purchased prior to November 15th, 2014.
  • To apply online for health coverage, you will first need to make an account. Be prepared with a username and password that are secure, and memorable.
  • You can begin filling out your application on the 15th of November.
  • Be prepared to answer questions regarding your income, current health plan, how many individuals are in your household, and more.
  • After your application has been filed, you will be presented with the coverage options that you are eligible to take advantage of.
  • Once you have evaluated your options, you should select the plan that best suits your lifestyle.
  • Your next and last step is to enroll in the plan of your choice, and to pay your first premium before the payment is overdue.
  • Get in touch with one of one of our certified Covered California agents here at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services to help you through the process!

We hope that these tips have proven useful to you! For any additional answers to your health insurance questions, contact the insurance professionals at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services, located in Redlands! We cannot wait to assist you, today!

 

How To Prep For Open Enrollment 2015!

Before we know it, November will be nipping at our heels! Along with November comes Open Enrollment 2015! It is time to start thinking about your health insurance needs. During this time, you have the opportunity to adjust your current health insurance policy, or purchase a new one altogether. Being prepared for open enrollment now, will lead to less stress headaches come November. Here are a few things to think about before next month rolls around:

  • Be prepared to have the addresses for every individual that will be covered under your policy.
  • You will need to have your social security number on hand.
  • If you are a legal immigrant, you should have your immigration documents handy.
  • Be prepared with your pay stubs or W-2 forms to verify your employment and income status.
  • Try to find an estimate of your household income for the last year.
  • Be equipped with the insurance policy of your existing health coverage.
  • If you or anyone in your household is eligible for an employer-sponsored health plan, you should complete the employer coverage tool prior to open enrollment.
  • Make sure you know the start and end dates for open enrollment. The first day is November 15th, 2014 and open enrollment ends on February 15th, 2015. Make sure you do not miss any of the deadlines!
  • Contact your certified Covered California agent at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance!

If you still have questions about the open enrollment process, or your current health insurance, please contact the trusted agents at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance! We are located in Redlands, California, and are prepared to find you a comprehensive health plan that meets all of your needs. As healthcare continues to increase in price, so does your need for an advocate in the health insurance world. Let us be your advocate, and contact us, today!

Using an Insurance Broker to Successfully Maneuver the Open Enrollment Period

If you are one of the many Americans who missed Obamacare’s first open enrollment period, it is important that you start preparing so that you can be ready when the second open enrollment period arrives. If you miss this second period, you will be forced to pay a penalty for each month that you do not have health insurance. Unless you qualify for the special enrollment period, you could be paying hefty penalties for several months until the third open enrollment period arrives.

The second Covered California open enrollment period starts on November 15, 2014 and will end on February 15, 2015. During this time, you must obtain health insurance in order to avoid the penalty. During the weeks leading up to the second open enrollment period, you will want to gather all important documents such as birth certificates, proof of citizenship, etc. If you find the market exchange confusing, an insurance broker can guide you through this complicated process.

We understand how confusing the laws and regulations surrounding Obamacare can be, especially if you have never purchased health insurance before. Many individuals who are inexperienced in purchasing health insurance benefit immensely by using a broker. Insurance brokers such as the experienced brokers at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services guide you through each step of the health insurance process, free of charge. Our experience makes us the perfect candidates to sit down and compare varying plans and policies with you, to ensure that you obtain the most affordable policy possible.

Contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services in Redlands for all of your California health insurance needs. We are extremely knowledgeable in all regulations and laws surrounding the Affordable Care Act, which is why we are the perfect team to guide you in your health insurance endeavors. We can help ensure that your health insurance complies will all new rules and regulations.

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Managing Your Life Insurance Policy

Despite its significance, many individuals who have life insurance fail to review their policy after its purchase. Many individuals simply pay the premium amount and do not give their life insurance policy the attention it requires. Yes, purchasing life insurance is the first step in the right direction. However, it is equally important to manage and update your policy as life continues to change. Gathered are some helpful tips to guide you in managing your life insurance policy:

  • Once you purchase your life insurance policy, it is important that you schedule annual visits with your life insurance agent so that you can make any necessary changes. However, if you experience a major life change, it is important that you get in touch with your life insurance agent to make immediate changes on your policy. These life changes include getting married, having a child, incurring debt, etc.
  • In managing your life insurance policy, you will want to go over how much money you are putting towards the policy. Talk with your life insurance agent and see if you would benefit from dispersing your funds with a variable life insurance policy. This investment opportunity would allow you to continue investing throughout the years.
  • If you are receiving life insurance from your employer, you will want to speak with a reputable life insurance agent to determine if this coverage will suffice in protecting each member of your family. Typically, employer sponsored life insurance policies only provide minimal coverage, which means depending on your particular needs, you may need to purchase a supplemental form of life insurance for ultimate protection.

Contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services in Redlands for all of your California life insurance needs. Allow us to assist in managing your life insurance policy to ensure that your loved ones are always receiving the protection they deserve.

Understanding Life Insurance During Life Insurance Awareness Month

Since September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, chances are you have heard a thing or two about the topic recently. Nearly half of Americans do not have life insurance, despite how vital of an insurance policy it really is. Life insurance acts as a financial safeguard for your loved ones after you pass. Your life insurance policy will assist in paying all final expenses, burial costs, education expenses, and any income debt or liabilities.

When it comes to understanding life insurance, you must first understand who needs life insurance. While everyone can benefit from the extra security and the guarantee of their final wishes, those who need life insurance most are those who have someone depending on them financially. As your family begins the grieving process after you pass, the last thing you want is for them to have to deal with financial troubles. If you have any debt, a life insurance policy would provide your loved ones with financial protection. Additionally, your life insurance policy can replace your income for the time being until those who were dependent on you can determine an alternative income solution. This will allow them to continue paying all bills and mortgage payments.

As one of the most important policies an individual can purchase, insurance companies offer different types of life insurance policies to meet the financial limitations of nearly all individuals. Those in the market for a life insurance policy can choose between term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance. Your experienced agent will guide you through the process of choosing which type of life insurance policy best meets your needs. Understanding life insurance does not have to be confusing with one of our knowledgeable agents by your side.

We recognize September as Life Insurance Awareness Month! Contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services in Redlands for all of your California life insurance needs. Allow us to provide your loved ones with guaranteed security.

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