What are My Medical Options?
Our platform individualizes the health insurance shopping experience and empowers you to take ownership of the best plan for your family. We help you access individual plans, term medical plans, sharing programs, Medicaid, and Medicare. We can also help you supplement your medical plan or program with additional insurance options.
Marketplace Plans
The Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the "Marketplace" or "The Exchange," is a service that helps people shop for and enroll in affordable health insurance. The federal government operates the Marketplace for most states. Some states run their own their own exchanges. Through the Marketplace, you can:
- Shop for individual and family coverage
- Provide income and household information to determine eligibility for subsidies that lower premium costs
Term Medical Plans
Term medical plans are temporary health insurance policies available to those without an SEP or any pre-existing medical conditions. These typically last several months to a year. They are designed for individuals needing short-term coverage, such as those:
- Transitioning between jobs
- Starting graduate school
- Young adults who are no longer eligible for coverage under their parents' plans
These plans do not cover pre-existing conditions and are not considered "adequate coverage" under the Affordable Care Act. As of 2019, they are not subject to the tax penalties for being uninsured. Term plans can be renewed for up to three years in some states.
Medi-Share
Medi-Share is a nonprofit healthcare-sharing ministry that helps Christians access quality healthcare, save money, and connect with a supportive community. Members share in each other's eligible medical bills through monthly shares, similar to premiums. While Medi-Share functions similarly to insurance, it is not legally considered insurance. Additionally, pre-existing conditions are not shared for the first 36 months, and specific qualifications exist to join.
Medicare
Medicare is a national health insurance program for:
- Americans aged 65 and older
- Younger people with certain disabilities
- Individuals with end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Medicare has four parts:
- Part A: Hospital, skilled nursing, and hospice services
- Part B: Outpatient services, most provider office visits, and some prescription drugs
- Part C: Managed Medicare plans offering at least the same coverage as Parts A and B, often including Part D benefits
- Part D: Self-administered prescription drugs
Medicare is funded through a combination of payroll taxes, beneficiary premiums and surtaxes, co-pays and deductibles, and the U.S. Treasury.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides medical assistance to individuals with limited income and resources. It offers benefits not usually covered by Medicare, such as:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital expenses
- Nursing home care
- Personal care services
- Long-term care costs
Medicaid is typically administered by insurance companies and is funded by the state government, reducing members' premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Eligibility is based on income and family size, with coverage available for low-income individuals, families, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
CHIP
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a federal-state partnership providing health insurance to families with children. Administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, CHIP offers matching funds to states for providing health insurance according to federal requirements set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
You can find the right health coverage for you and your family by exploring these options.