FAQs
Do I need both STD and LTD coverage?
If you don’t have savings to cover 3–6 months, STD is important. If long absences could threaten retirement or financial stability, LTD offers protection well into the future .
Do I need referrals for specialists under my MA plan?
That depends on the plan: HMOs usually require referrals, while PPOs generally do not.
Disclaimer: Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance may apply.
Do I need to monitor my UL policy?
Yes. Monitoring is essential to ensure your cash value can support costs—interest fluctuations or loans may require increased premium payments.
Do I qualify for financial help under the ACA?
Many people receive a premium tax credit if their income is between 100–400% of the federal poverty level (FPL); current law extends that to higher-income households through 2025.
Additional cost-sharing reductions are available for lower-income consumers, typically on Silver-tier plans.
Do I really need travel insurance?
It depends on your trip and your existing coverage. Travel insurance can protect your health abroad, reimburse nonrefundable trip costs (cancellation/interruption/delay), and help with lost baggage—gaps your current insurance or cards may not fully cover.
Do MA benefits change each year?
Yes—plan details like premiums, networks, drug coverage, and extra perks may change annually. Review your plan’s Annual Notice of Change each fall.
Disclaimer: Always review your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each fall.
Do MA plans cover dental, vision, and hearing care?
Yes—nearly all MA plans include dental, vision, and hearing benefits, often at no extra premium.
Disclaimer: Not all plans include these benefits; Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance may apply.
Do MA plans include prescription drug coverage?
Yes, Many Medicare Advantage plans include Part D drug coverage. Availability varies by plan and service area.
Disclaimer: Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance may apply.
Do MA plans pay my Part B premium?
Some plans offer a Part B “giveback”, reducing or covering your Part B premium—ranging from a few cents to the full amount.
Disclaimer: Part B Premium give-back, is not available with all plans. Availability of benefits and plans vary by carrier and location. Actual Part B premium reduction could be lower. Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance may apply..
Do Medigap premiums increase over time?
Yes—depends on rating. Attained-age rises with age; community-rated increases with inflation; issue-age stays stable but may adjust due to overall cost changes.
Do short-term plans qualify for subsidies?
No. These plans are not ACA-compliant, so you can’t get premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions.
Do state rules impact Medigap policies?
Yes—states like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have additional coverage standards and different rules for Medigap policies.
Does a Final Expense insurance policy build cash value?
Yes. Because it’s a type of whole-life insurance, final expense policies typically build cash value over time that can be borrowed against.
Does a Term Life insurance policy build cash value?
No—standard term life doesn’t accumulate cash value or offer a return on premiums.
Does Marketplace insurance cover dental and vision?
Dental coverage is included in some Marketplace health plans (especially for children). For adults, it’s often available as a standalone plan. Vision coverage for adults is not required but may be included or available separately.