FAQs
How are Medicare Part D costs structured?
Costs include a monthly premium, a deductible (up to $590 in 2025), copayments/coinsurance, and a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap, under the 2025 Inflation Reduction Act.
How are pre-existing conditions handled?
Policies can exclude them unless you meet waiver rules (commonly: buy within a set days-from-deposit window, insure 100% of prepaid nonrefundable costs, and be medically able to travel at purchase). Insurers must clearly disclose any pre-existing condition exclusions.
How are premiums determined for Medigap?
Premiums depend on the insurer and pricing method (community, issue-age, attained-age), plus your location, age, gender, and smoking status.
How do hospital/medical indemnity benefit payments work?
After a covered event, you receive a fixed daily or lump-sum payment directly, which you can use for anything—deductibles, bills, living expenses, or travel for care.
How do I file claims in Medigap?
Usually, your provider bills Medicare, and Medicare sends the remainder to your Medigap insurer automatically. Some companies may ask you to submit claims directly.
How do I know which ACA plan is right for me?
Plans are categorized by cost-sharing level— Bronze (low premiums, high out-of-pocket), Silver, Gold, to Platinum (higher premium, lower cost-sharing). Choose based on your health care usage, provider preferences, budget, and medications.
How do I receive benefits from Critical Illness Insurance?
After diagnosis and claim approval, you’ll receive a lump-sum payment directly—usually within 7–10 business days.
How do I report to the Marketplace changes in my circumstances?
Report changes (like income shifts, address, or household size) via the Marketplace site, by phone, or in person—not by mail. This helps adjust subsidies and may trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
How do Part D premiums compare?
Premiums vary by plan and location. In 2025, the average stand-alone Part D premium is about $46.50/month. Higher-income individuals pay additional IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) surcharges ($13.70–$85.80).
How do UL and Whole Life differ?
UL offers premium and benefit flexibility, with cash value on a declared interest rate. Whole Life provides fixed premiums, guaranteed cash value, but less flexibility.
How do Universal Life insurance premiums work?
You pay a flexible premium: part covers the cost of insurance, fees, and the rest goes into your cash value component. You can pay more to grow the cash value or less, as long as the cash value can cover monthly costs.
How do Whole Life insurance premiums work?
Whole Life premiums are fixed and level, remaining the same for your entire life, making budgeting predictable.
How does Cancer Insurance work?
Once diagnosed with a covered type of cancer, the policy pays a predetermined amount. You choose how to use the funds—whether for medical bills, household expenses, or treatments not covered by your health plan.
How does cash-value growth work in a Universal Life policy?
Cash value accumulates through interest credited by the insurer. It may include a minimum guaranteed rate, or for IULs, interest tied to index performance.
How does term life differ from whole life insurance?
Term life offers coverage for a specific period without cash value accumulation. In contrast, whole life (a permanent policy) builds cash value and lasts your entire life.