Friday, 15 April 2016

Affordable health insurance


In most states, the deadline to select and purchase ACA-compliant health coverage for 2016 has passed. (We are still getting updates on state enrollment deadlines and extensions, so check your state.) For many Americans, the open enrollment period was the last opportunity to enroll in an ACA-compliant health plan for 2016. (For now, open enrollment for 2017 coverage – coverage that will be effective January 1, 2017 – is expected to again run November 1 to January 31, but that decision hasn’t been finalized.) Learn what happens if you didn’t enroll by the end of open enrollment. Can you still get ACA-compliant coverage? Just because most of the nation is now outside of the annual open enrollment period, that doesn’t mean that ACA-compliant coverage is necessarily out of reach. Even if you didn’t make the open enrollment deadline for 2016 coverage, you may be able to buy an ACA-compliant major medical policy right now if you’ve had a qualifying event – a major life change that makes you eligible for a special enrollment period. By purchasing coverage, you can avoid or minimize an Obamacare penalty. (For more specifics, read our guide to qualifying events, or call 1-866-414-0201 to discuss your specific situation with an expert. In Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Vermont, call 1-866-414-0201.) Options even if you don’t have a qualifying event Even if you’re not eligible for a special enrollment period, you don’t have to wait for coverage until November (and we strongly advise that you don’t). This site can help you understand coverage options like short-term health plans. (A short-term policy can be considerably less expensive than a qualified health plan – and you can often get coverage within a day.) More reasons to get and maintain health coverage As time passes, most Americans are getting the message that it’s getting easier to research and buy coverage – whether it’s through the exchanges (where subsidies are available) or off-exchange. (Of those who enrolled for 2015 coverage through the exchanges, 85 percent received premium tax credits; premium tax credits aren’t available off-exchange.) Thanks to improved online tools, it’s easier than ever to compare health plans – from benefits to premiums and out-of-pocket expenses – while the federal government has mandated improved transparency regarding networks and formulary information. Of course, by purchasing coverage, you can also avoid or minimize an Obamacare penalty established through the ACA’s individual mandate. Those penalties are increasing again for people who are uninsured and not exempt from the requirement to have health insurance. But most important of all, it simply makes sense to cover yourself and your family with an ACA-compliant plan that covers the essential health benefits and offers a full range of consumer protections – including protection from staggering financial burdens that result from medical care. About us: your guide to family health insurance At healthinsurance.org, we don’t sell insurance, but we do partner with qualified call centers staffed with agents who are both licensed in your state and exchange-certified. These partnerships also allow us to deliver health insurance quotes quickly and easily. Since 1994, this site has been a guide for consumers seeking straightforward explanations about the workings of individual health insurance – also known as medical insurance – and help finding affordable coverage. The topic of insurance can be confusing, but we’re here with more information than ever: educational articles, expert health policy analysis, frequently asked questions about reform, a health insurance glossary, and guides to the healthcare marketplaces and other insurance resources in each state. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you hit a snag in the process – or if you’re stumped by a question about health coverage. Of course, we’d also love to hear about your success in getting coverage and quality healthcare. But today, with the complexities of premium subsidies, cost-sharing subsidies, penalties – and now qualifying events and special enrollment periods – it’s a smart move to talk to a professional who can help minimize your cost and maximize your benefits, and save you research time.

Tuesday, 12 April 2016

21st-century auto insurance

21st Century offers you several ways to save money on your auto insurance policy, including a safe driver discount, insuring multiple vehicles, and paying your premiums in advance. There are also discounts for members of certain affiliated organizations or partner companies. If you drive less than 15,000 miles in a year, you will be eligible for 21st Century's low mileage discount. Family and good student discounts will be appealing for parents looking to add their teens to their auto insurance policy. In addition to all the general driver discounts, you can also save if you are a member of the U.S. military or by remaining with 21st Century for an extended period of time. GAP insurance and new car replacement If your car is totaled in an accident, 21st Century's GAP insurance coverage makes sure that you aren't stuck paying for the remainder of your car loan. They will pay the difference between the value of your car and the balance remaining on the loan, leaving you one less thing to worry about. If your car was less than one year old at the time of the accident, 21st Century will also replace it with a brand new version. Design and manage your policy with ease You can get a quote and purchase a 21st Century auto insurance policy right online thanks to the online quote tool. Just answer a few questions about the vehicle you'd like to insure and your driving history, and then adjust your coverage options until you find a policy that has everything you need. 21st Century offers liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and collision and comprehensive coverage. Once you're happy with your policy, you can purchase it directly online. If at any time you need to edit your policy, you can easily do so through your 21st Century online account. Adding a driver, replacing a vehicle, or viewing your billing information can all be done with just a few clicks. The Bad No mechanical breakdown coverage If your car suffers a mechanical breakdown, you will have to pay for the repairs yourself because 21st Century auto insurance doesn't cover mechanical repair costs that go beyond routine maintenance. Although this is not uncommon among auto insurance providers, there are still several companies that do offer this type of coverage. If you are interested, it may be a good idea to look at a few other auto insurance providers. No Accident Forgiveness program If you get into an accident, you can count on your 21st Century auto insurance rates going up because 21st Century doesn't have any sort of Accident Forgiveness program in place. Almost every major auto insurance provider has an Accident Forgiveness program, so it is a little surprising that 21st Century doesn't. That being said, there are plenty of nice discounts you can take advantage of to help lower your auto insurance rates, and if you're a safe driver, this probably won't be much of a problem at all.