Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Navigating the health care insurance maze
When shopping for health insurance, you need an expert to help sort out the many options available to you. That’s where CzapHealthCare can help. CzapHealthCare is in the business of finding solutions to clients’ healthcare insurance needs, from the age of 0 to 100+ years old, including solutions for disability insurance and long term care.
Owner Mike Czapliskie knows that in his field, experience makes a difference.
“We have been in the healthcare field for 13 plus years and are certified annually with CMS, Medicare, and the various insurance companies we are associated with,” Mike notes. “That means we know the options that are out there, and we use that knowledge to help our clients make the best choices based on their individual situations.”
There are a variety of options to consider when it comes to health insurance, depending on an individual’s age and financial situation. Should you go through the Marketplace? Should you go direct with an insurance company? CzapHealthCare can help.
Mike points out that clients under the age of 64 have a few options to consider. Those who may require financial assistance can choose from three companies in the Marketplace and if they qualify, may receive subsidy to reduce the cost of their insurance. Subsidy is the financial assistance provided by the federal government through the Affordable Care Act.
Individuals who do not qualify for subsidy have a couple of options to work with as well.
“They can still go through the Marketplace or we can set them up directly with the insurance company,” Mike says. “We recommend setting them up directly since there is no advantage to going through the Marketplace unless they qualify for subsidy.”
For clients that need short term (under 180 days), 12 month or 36 months term insurance plans, CzapHealthCare can also provide Limited Duration options.
Medicare options
For clients turning 65 or over age 65, Mike and his team can break down all the Medicare supplement plans and Advantage plans, as well as prescription drug plans, to help clients make an informed choice.
“If you are turning age 65, you are entitled to receive Part A (Hospital) coverage from Medicare, so a person needs to get signed up for Part B (Doctor) coverage which has its own premium cost,” Mike explains. “We help people understand the Medicare choices and help to minimize the anxiety they may have trying to navigate the process.”
If you are over age 65, you have an opportunity to make changes to your Advantage plan or prescription drug plan during the Open Enrollment Period of 10/15-12/7, when your change is guaranteed. However, Mike warns that if you wish to change a supplement plan, that will require going through an underwriting process to see if you qualify for the new plan.
Disability and Long Term Care insurance Coverage for Disability Income and Long Term Care are also important considerations, not only to protect your health, but also to protect your wealth. No matter what your wealth status is, unforeseen care costs or income loss can lead to severe financial problems.
“Our Disability Insurance provides 24 hour coverage at home and at work, so you are fully protected against unforeseen accidents,” Mike notes. “Long Term Care provides you with the coverage you need for in home or in care facility, due to being incapacitated from illness.”
To learn more about protecting yourself and your loved ones and choosing the best healthcare coverage, make an appointment for a free consultation at CzapHealthCare today by calling (479) 273-1421.