(727) 245-9339
(727) 245-9339
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In short, working with an independent insurance broker helps you save time, money, and stress by offering access to a broader range of options and expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) is a health insurance plan that offers the most flexibility. You can see any doctor or specialist without a referral and access both in-network and out-of-network providers, though staying in-network costs less. PPOs are ideal for those who want more provider options and fewer restrictions.
An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) is a type of health insurance plan that requires you to choose a primary care doctor and get referrals to see specialists. It typically offers lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs but limits coverage to a specific network of doctors and hospitals, except in emergencies.
An EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) is a health insurance plan that covers services only within its network of doctors and hospitals, except for emergencies. It doesn’t require referrals to see specialists, offering more flexibility than an HMO while keeping costs lower than a PPO.
A POS (Point of Service) plan is a hybrid health insurance option that combines features of HMO and PPO plans. You’ll need to choose a primary care doctor and get referrals for specialists, like an HMO, but you can also see out-of-network providers at a higher cost, similar to a PPO. POS plans offer a balance between cost savings and flexibility.
1. Broader Coverage Options:
2. Access to a Larger Network:
3. Higher Level of Service:
4. Greater Flexibility with Plan Types:
5. No Income Limits:
6. No Open Enrollment Periods:
1. Medicaid Benefits (Low-Income Individuals):
2. Medicare Benefits (For Seniors or Disabled Individuals):
3. Marketplace Health Insurance Benefits (For Individuals & Families):
4. Access to Specialist Care:
5. Support for Families and Children:
6. No Enrollment Period for Medicaid:
7. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coverage:
Absolutely! This is a great strategy to offset the high deductibles on the public marketplace. By having affordable supplemental coverage, you can significantly reduce your financial stop-loss.
No, your family doesn't necessarily need to be on the same health insurance plan. In the U.S., family members can either be on the same health insurance plan or have separate plans, depending on various factors like their employment, health needs, or personal preferences.
Evaluate your budget: Look at both premiums and out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, co-pays).
Check provider networks: Ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are included.
Plan for the unexpected: Consider coverage for emergencies and chronic conditions.
Maximize tax benefits: If you’re self-employed, premiums may be tax-deductible.
A subsidy is financial assistance provided by the government to help reduce the cost of something—in this case, health insurance. Subsidies make health insurance more affordable for people who meet specific income criteria. They’re offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace (created by the Affordable Care Act, or ACA).
Who Qualifies for a Subsidy?
A Qualifying Life Event (QLE) is a significant change in your life that allows you to enroll in or change your health insurance outside of the Open Enrollment Period. These events trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), usually giving you 60 days to get coverage.
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside of the regular Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance due to qualifying life events. These events trigger a 60-day window during which you can enroll in or change your health plan.
If you qualify for an SEP, you typically have 60 days from the event to enroll in a new plan or make changes. If you miss this window, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period unless you qualify for Medicaid.
GoodRx is a service that helps you find the lowest prices on prescription medications by comparing prices at pharmacies near you. It also offers discounts and coupons to help you save on medications.
No, you don't need insurance to use GoodRx. It’s available for everyone, whether you have insurance, are uninsured, or have a high-deductible plan.
MDLive is a telemedicine service that connects you with board-certified doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists via video, phone, or text for non-emergency medical care, mental health support, and more.
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