Utah Health Insurance
No one ever anticipates facing a serious or lengthy illness. But the unexpected does happen, so it's important to find affordable health insurance that covers you sufficiently in just such a situation.
That's why InsureMe has created a free referral service for consumers to make shopping for Utah health insurance quick and easy. Just give us a call or apply online today for five FREE, competitive quotes!
Understanding Utah Health Insurance
Applying for Utah health insurance can be a tiresome process. It takes a lot of time and understanding to review coverage and make sure you understand policy terms, state regulations and insurability.
We have assembled the following information to make your Utah health insurance shopping process easier. Our goal is to educate you so you can make the best, wisest decision possible regarding your Utah health insurance purchase.
Remember to ask plenty of questions and make sure you understand all insurers' offerings before you sign on the dotted line.
Are You Insurable?
Utah health insurance companies consider several factors to determine your insurability. Some of these factors weigh heavily, including:
- Age
- Health
- Habits/Lifestyle
- Occupation
Your risk of health-related issues increases as you get older, so the older you are when you purchase your Utah health insurance, the higher your premiums will usually be—and the harder it will be to find an insurance company willing to insure you.
If you drink or smoke, you may also have difficulty finding quality Utah health insurance. These habits are associated with various health problems which cost insurance companies millions of dollars in claims every year.
If your job is dangerous or puts your health at risk, this may also contribute negatively to your insurability.
Find the Right Coverage
Selecting the right Utah health insurance company can be critical to your well-being—and your pocketbook.
Consider asking the following questions when searching for a Utah health insurance policy:
- Is the company/agent licensed?
- How long has the company been in business?
- What is the company's complaint ratio?
- How can I get in touch with the agent or company?
- How do independent rating agencies such as A.M. Best rate the company?
If you are self-employed, between jobs or not covered by an employer, you may find it difficult to find affordable Utah health insurance. However, health policies are available, so don't give up if you are rejected by the first agent you talk to.
The Utah Insurance Department can help you determine the answers to these questions, as well as find answers to other insurance-related inquires. You can reach them online at www.insurance.utah.gov, or give them a call at 800-439-3805.
Group vs. Individual Plans
Utah health insurance is available in two major categories:
- Group/employer/ plans: Available through your employer, these are plans you purchase yourself as a business owner, those you get through your association with a particular industry or professional group, or benefits you bring with you from a previous job.
- Individual/family plans: More commonly known as commercial health plans, these include managed-care plans such as HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), fee-for-service (or "major medical") plans, PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) and Point-of-Service plans.
Most Utah residents carry Utah health insurance benefits through their employer's health insurance plan. But if you are not employed or do not have insurance through your spouse's employer, an individual or family health plan may be just what you need.
Talk to a licensed Utah health insurance agent or company for further explanations of these plans, and to determine which type best suits your individual needs.
Your Protections
In Utah, as in many other states, your health insurance options depend somewhat on your health status. However, state laws protect you in the following ways:
- You cannot be denied group health coverage due to your health status.
- Your Utah health insurance policy cannot be cancelled if you become ill.
- If you have a preexisting condition and you join a new group health insurance plan, your old health coverage must be credited toward the new exclusion period for that condition.
- If you leave your job and qualify, you may be able to remain in your old group health plan for a specified period of time.
- Insurers are limited in what they can charge you for individual health coverage.
- If you live in a low-income household, you and/or your family may qualify for free or subsidized Utah health insurance.
- If your children are 18 or younger and do not have Utah health insurance, they may qualify for the Utah Children's Health Insurance Program, part of the federal Medicaid system.
- If you are retired, between the ages of 55 and 65, and are receiving Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation benefits, you may be eligible for a federal income tax credit to help you pay for health care coverage.
- If you lost your Utah health insurance and are receiving benefits from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, you may also be eligible for federal aid for Utah health insurance coverage.
The Utah Insurance Department can verify all health insurers' licenses, and aid you in filing complaints against any Utah health insurance provider, if needed.
Don't Be Caught Unprepared!
Don't let an unexpected illness catch you or your family by surprise. Contact InsureMe today, and prepare for the unexpected.
We'll be waiting to help you find the right Utah health insurance plan!
