Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
When it comes to health insurance, limited knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Signing up for the wrong insurance plan can be costly and leave your healthcare needs unmet. Instead of trying to figure things out on your own, it's important to work with a health insurance agent you trust before it's time to make a decision about your health plan. They offer valuable expertise at no cost to you. Open Enrollment is Upon Us Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace begins November 1st and Medicare enrollment kicks off on October 15th. The earlier you start considering your options, the better. Taking ample time to discuss and consider what you should choose can lead to better coverage for you and your family. You could go online and study the options yourself, without any help. Maybe a friend or neighbor whispered some advice in your ear, or you watched a YouTube video about coverage. Neither of those can replace an expert who has been working in the industry for years, understands the complex options involved and can guide you through the impending rule changes. Someone who listens to your needs and offers you solutions tailored to your specific circumstances. The best part is, whether you're signing up for health insurance through the marketplace or through Medicare, the services of the health insurance agent are free to you. Big Subsidy Reductions Coming to the ACA Major changes could be coming to the Affordable Care Act unless Congress acts before the end of the year, said Sam Gilston, co-owner of the Gilston Insurance Agency, which has offices throughout the state. Subsidies for insurance plans, as well as the number of people who qualify for subsidies, could decline significantly. If your household income is more than four times the income at the poverty line, you will likely lose your subsidy altogether. Even those qualifying for subsidies will be affected. Gilston has determined that a family of three in Summerville, with a median household income, is scheduled to lose more than $3,000 in annual subsidies for the medium-level health plan. Get Free Help Dealing With Medicare's Complexities "When I'm asked why people shouldn't just shop for plans themselves, I turn the question around: why would they?" said Gilston Independent Agent Lily Fasbender, who has specialized in helping seniors with Medicare and other health insurance plans for more than 20 years. With Fasbender's guidance through all the complex options, thousands of clients have made well-informed decisions about the most advantageous Medicare plans for their circumstances. Failing to apply for Medicare when you turn 65 generates penalties that can apply for the rest of your life. Fasbender recommends clients begin the planning process with her when they turn 63 and then start the application process six months before they turn 65. Get an Agent Who is Local, Independent, and an Expert As an independent insurance brokerage, Gilston's agents can shop for any health plan in the state for their clients. After more than 60 years in business, the firm offers a level of health insurance expertise that is hard to find elsewhere. Unlike other insurance brokers, Gilston focuses all its efforts on health insurance. It doesn't sell property and casualty insurance, car insurance, or anything else. Its agents spend all their time educating themselves on the latest changes in health insurance so they can provide the best information to their clients. Great insurance agents build long-term relationships with their clients. They become trusted information sources and even friends. That's the added value of working with a local insurance broker. "Insurance makes people nervous, said Sam Gilston." We need it and pay for it, but we don't want to use it. Our firm has been through the ups and downs with our clients, and we know how to take care of them." If you want to partner with a firm that can help you this enrollment season, reach out to the team at the Gilston Insurance Agency.
