What To Expect After You Enroll in Health Insurance | How To Insurance 064
Hi, I’m Peter!
Welcome to HOW TO INSURANCE
Helping YOU understand insurance,
building CONFIDENCE for your future!
Congratulations!
You’ve just enrolled in a new health insurance plan!
So now what?!?
Will someone contact you?
Do you need to register somewhere?
How do you find a doctor and make an appointment?
What if there is an emergency?
How do I pay my monthly premiums?
All of these great questions and more will be answered here!
Today we are discussing:
What To Expect After You Enroll in Health Insurance
I’ll say it again - congratulations on your new health insurance plan!
You have chosen to do the wise thing.
You now have access to medical professionals and financial protection from the extraordinarily high costs of healthcare.
Any injury or illness could potentially bankrupt you forever.
Therefore, you need health insurance with an “out-of-pocket-maximum” so your financial costs are set and you know what to expect.
Also, you may have some medical issues or questions that need to be addressed now!
So, it’s time to get started making appointments and seeking the advice and medical care you need.
Every day (literally, every day) I’m assisting new clients in enrolling in new health insurance plans. I hear a lot of good questions and so I wanted to answer some of them here.
Here are some FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS after enrolling in health insurance:
Will someone contact you?
You will receive email and paper mail from your insurance carrier.
They will also send member ID cards for you and your family.
However, keep in mind that it usually takes 5-10 business days to get things in the mail from the insurance company, so be patient!
Also, if you enrolled recently on your state “exchange” (i.e. Covered California or WA Health Plan Finder) …it can take several days for the insurance company to get your records and recognize you in the system.
When you call the insurance company, please use your Subscriber ID, Case # or social security number for them to find your account.
Do you need to register somewhere?
YES!
Just like everything else… it’s always best if you create an online account with your health insurance company.
Often times you can download the mobile app for your insurance company.
Once logged in online, you can access care, set appointments, view your bills, and find doctors!
Do this as soon as you receive your member ID cards in the mail!
How do you find a doctor and make an appointment?
Now that you’re online with your insurance company - search for “find a doctor/facility” on their website.
You always want to know the nearest urgent care and hospital to you.
Pay special attention to make sure that you enter your zip code and the correct “network and plan name”.
The networks of doctors can be different if you enrolled “on exchange” (i.e. Covered California or WA Health Plan Finder) or “off-exchange” (directly with your broker and carrier). So make sure you choose the right plan name.
Then print/save the list of doctors, urgent care, hospitals, and other facilities to your computer or phone.
Have this list handy and ready when you need to access care.
What if there is an emergency?
If you have a life/health-threatening emergency - call 911 or go to the nearest hospital!
Every insurance company will have financial coverage for emergencies.
What you pay will be covered in the “summary of benefits” for your plan.
Keep in mind that many plans will have a large deductible to pay if you’re in the ER or hospital. But it’s your life and your life is worth it!
If it’s not an emergency, then go to the urgent care facility in your network and you’ll only pay a doctor’s co-pay!
You always want to know the nearest urgent care and hospital to you, so be prepared and know where to go!
How do I pay My monthly premiums?
Online and on autopay is the best method!
Remember that the only thing that can now cause you to lose your health insurance is… lack of payment. So make sure you pay every month! It doesn’t matter how sick you get or how much you “cost” the insurance company - thanks to the Affordable Care Act - you’re not going to lose your insurance unless you forget to pay.
Paying premiums month-to-month via paper mail is dangerous!
What if you forget or don’t see the paper bill.
Always set up online bill pay and automatic payments.
Bottom Line:
Once you are enrolled in health insurance, it’s time to learn and research so you are prepared for routine and unexpected medical needs!
Next Steps:
Be patient.
Ask for answers.
Create an online account with your insurance carrier.
Research online and find a doctor and facility that’s best for you!
At Apple Insurance Solutions,
We all want to protect what matters most to us in life,
but finding the right insurance can be complicated.
So I make it simple.
As Your Insurance Broker,
I advise and connect you to insurance solutions,
saving you time and
building confidence for your future.
If this was helpful to you, please:
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Contact me at peter@appleinsurancesolutions.com
Also, keep in mind, that as Your Insurance Broker,
I offer insurance for auto, home, life, health, medicare, umbrella, and business… when you work with me, all your insurance needs... are in one relationship.
Thank you for reading HOW TO INSURANCE
Helping YOU understand insurance,
building CONFIDENCE for your future!
PETER D JOHNSEN
Your Insurance Broker | Apple Insurance Solutions
818.620.8171 CA 360.818.4865 OR/WA
peter@appleinsurancesolutions.com
Auto | Home | Life | Health | Medicare | Umbrella
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