Category: Health Insurance

Does a Copay Go Toward Your Deductible?

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It’s normal to think that a copay at the doctor’s office goes towards your deductible. Unfortunately, most health insurance policies do not count your copay toward your deductible. At Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., serving Iowa, we understand how confusing health insurance copays and deductibles can be. Here’s a look at how copays work, and how we can help you get a health insurance policy that fits your needs.

What Is a Copay?

A copay is a payment you make at your doctor’s office at the time of your visit. It’s similar to a deductible because you’re sharing part of the cost, and insurance covers the rest. However, your copay may or may not apply towards your deductible.

Why a Copay Won’t Count Toward Your Deductible

The type of health insurance you have dictates how your copay affects your deductible. Your plan may have copays for services that aren’t included in the deductible. For example, a routine health checkup isn’t included in the deductible. That means you still have to pay the copay even if you’ve met the deductible for the year.

Can a Copay Ever Be Applied to the Deductible?

Some health insurance polices allow you to apply your copay towards the deductible, but this isn’t guaranteed. You need to check your policy to find out if copays are credited or not. 

Contact Us To Learn More About Copays for Health Insurance

At Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., serving IA, we’re here to help you explore your options for health insurance copays and deductibles. We work with you to find a policy that makes sense for your healthcare needs. Our team of insurance agents understand what people face when it comes to finding a health insurance policy, and we use our knowledge to get you the right amount of coverage.

Exploring the Options: Can You Get a Second Health Insurance Plan?

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Through an employer, the state government, or the private route, many Iowa residents have health insurance coverage. The thought of having two health insurance policies never crossed your mind because you assumed having two policies was wrong or illegal. The team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. will reveal that having two health plans is not unlawful. What we prefer to discuss in detail is whether you would want to have two policies at all.

If You Already Have a Health Insurance Policy, Can You Secure a Second One?

Yes. Having two health insurance plans may reduce out-of-pocket costs, expand your network of providers, and increase insurance benefits. When the first one exhausts its resources, the second one may go into effect to cover copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and other outstanding expenses that the first one cannot. Having two health plans may also be beneficial when one of them concludes, if the remaining plan takes over coverage.

How Does This Work? 

All insurance policies in Iowa have a COB (coordination of benefits) to prevent double-billing or benefit redundancy for the same issue. Your carriers and the Iowa Insurance Code have the final say in who goes first. Some scenarios are:

  • Employer or private health insurance coverage where you are a dependent is secondary coverage to insurance where your name is first.
  • Policies with out-of-network coverage are primary to in-network insurance providers when you choose an out-of-network healthcare provider.
  • Most of the time, government health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, COBRA, etc.) is secondary to employer health insurance.
  • The plan that covered you the longest is the primary plan, and the plan with the shorter duration is the secondary plan.

How it works for your situation depends on the types of insurance you have. Our team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. will review your plans and Iowa state law to determine the primary provider. The primary provider does not change unless you cancel the policy or let it expire.

The best second health insurance policies fill the gaps that the first one cannot. Therefore, our team will review your health insurance policy and suggest carrier plans that will complement the first policy without redundancy. Contact us for more information.

Simplifying Complex Health Insurance Terms

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First-time buyers of health insurance often find themselves confused by the levels of coverage and the terminology used in standard insurance policies. One of the most common complaints is a lack of understanding of the definitions of key terms. The staff at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., serving Iowa, can help simplify these complex terms and guide you through the process.

Out-of-Network

The term "out-of-network" refers to receiving healthcare from a provider outside your policy’s network. Depending on your policy, you may be responsible for all, some, or none of the medical costs. The terms of your policy will dictate the copayment amount and deductible for out-of-network care. Emergency care is typically approved without restrictions, but for other healthcare conditions, you may be required to move to an in-network facility to receive full benefits under your policy.

Certificate of Coverage

The certificate of coverage is an official document that outlines the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy. It provides detailed information about benefits, exclusions, cost-sharing responsibilities (such as deductibles and copayments), and the coverage appeal process. Policyholders can use this document as proof of insurance to access the coverage outlined in their agreement.

Cost-Sharing

"Cost-sharing" refers to the total amount a policyholder is responsible for paying out-of-pocket (including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance) before receiving healthcare services. This expense typically applies to appointments with primary care physicians, prescriptions for illnesses, or rehabilitation for injuries. All cost-sharing amounts are clearly defined in your healthcare plan.

If you’re looking to create or update your current health insurance policy, contact Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. in Iowa. Our knowledgeable staff can help clarify complex terms and ensure you get the right coverage for your health insurance needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Can I Add My Children to My Health Insurance Policy in Iowa?

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If you have children in Iowa, understanding how to protect them with adequate health insurance is vital. With escalating healthcare costs, preventative care and proper coverage have become more important than ever. At Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., we’ll collaborate with you to ensure your entire household is properly covered and cared for with your health insurance policy.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent in Iowa?

In Iowa, children are considered dependents until they turn 26. This means that your children can remain on your existing health insurance policy even after they turn 18, leave home, or enroll in college. Additionally, stepchildren, adopted children, and newborns can also be added to an existing health insurance policy you hold.

When Can I Add My Children to My Policy?

You can add your children to your health insurance policy during Open Enrollment, which typically lasts from November to January each year. Special Enrollment Periods, or SEPs, also exist in Iowa for certain circumstances. After a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as a marriage/divorce, loss of other coverage, or a new birth or adoption, your children can be added to your insurance policy. If you’re unsure of your options, speaking with a trusted agent who handles your insurance can help you make an informed decision.

The more familiar you are with health insurance policy rules and regulations, the easier it will be to find coverage that’s adequate for your entire household. Whether you have school-aged or college-aged children, we can help you protect your whole family with the right insurance policy in place. To learn more about health insurance coverage options for your children in Iowa, contact Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. today.

Why You May Need Catastrophic Health Insurance

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Health insurance is essential for everyone. Unpredictable health issues can arise, and having health insurance ensures you get the help you need. Among various types of health insurance, catastrophic health insurance is one that offers several benefits for those without health insurance. If you’re interested in health insurance in Iowa, contact us at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc.

Covering High Medical Costs

Catastrophic health insurance is designed to cover high medical costs but typically doesn’t cover minor ones. This type of policy usually has a high deductible, meaning that only very expensive costs will be covered by the policy. Regular medical costs wouldn’t be covered by the policy, but they would count towards the deductible. If a medical expense is extremely high, it would meet the deductible and could be covered by the policy. Many healthy individuals opt for this coverage as a safety net in case of a severe injury or illness.

Lower Health Insurance Costs

One of the significant benefits of a catastrophic policy is its lower cost compared to a traditional policy with a lower deductible. Because the benefit is less likely to be used, it costs less. This type of insurance is popular among self-employed individuals on a budget.

Securing Health Insurance in Iowa

Health insurance is a necessity, as future health conditions are unpredictable. If you don’t have health insurance or are considering switching policies, we can help. To learn more, contact us at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. in Iowa.

Understanding Iowa Health and Managed Care

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When choosing your health insurance for the year, you must understand a few facts before you begin. One thing you need to know is about managed care and what each kind provides and what it doesn’t. In Iowa, at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., we are experienced independent insurance agents who are well-versed in health insurance and can help you sort out the different types and what will provide the coverage you need. 

There are three main types of managed care: HMO, PPO, and POS. Each has pluses and minuses, and knowing what those are will help you choose a policy that will give you the health insurance coverage you need. 

HMO

HMO is short for Health Maintenance Organization. The HMO is the original type of managed care that resulted from an act of Congress in 1973. With an HMO, you must have a primary care physician who manages all your healthcare decisions. They must be within the network of the carrier you choose. You will need to get a referral to visit a specialist, and they must also be in the network. With an HMO, visits outside the network for anything but a severe emergency are not covered. HMOs are the least expensive plans. 

PPO

A PPO is a Preferred Provider Organization. While a network of providers has been contracted with, patients can opt to go outside the network. Higher costs are incurred by going outside, but you can see who you want without getting a referral. 

POS

POS stands for Point of Service, and it combines an HMO and a PPO. You need a primary care doctor, but they don’t need to be in the network. 

Contact our Iowa insurance office at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. when you are ready to choose your health insurance. 

Does Health Insurance Cover International Travel?

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An overseas trip can be an exciting adventure. But what if you need medical treatment? Even in the safest countries, there’s always at least a slight risk of illness or injury. Will your Iowa health insurance cover international travel, or should you apply for some extra medical coverage? It depends on your current health plan and what care you’re most likely to need.

Overseas Coverage

Many but not all insurance plans cover necessary medical treatment in foreign countries. You’ll need to bring your insurer’s claim form and card. With a few exceptions, standard Medicare doesn’t provide health care outside of the United States. Certain Medicare supplemental plans add overseas coverage, and you can also obtain separate insurance for this purpose.

Treatment Restrictions

Your insurer might restrict overseas medical care, such as only covering emergency treatment. Some Iowans qualify for non-emergency care if they visit specific health providers that their insurance companies have approved. You’ll probably need to seek treatment in the country you visit; standard medical plans rarely cover medical evacuations.

Additional Coverage

If you discover that your existing plan doesn’t offer adequate international coverage, several solutions exist. You could acquire travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance, or a supplemental Medicare policy. Another option is to switch to a completely different medical plan that covers more types of treatment when you travel abroad.

Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. can help you choose a policy with suitable international coverage. Our independent agency also offers Medicare supplemental and travel insurance plans from an assortment of trusted insurers. We have offices in Union, Eldora, and Marshalltown, Iowa. To find the right health coverage for your next overseas trip, please call 641-939-3404 to reach Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc.

Can I add dental insurance to my plan?

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Dental care is a vital part of your overall health, but dental insurance is not automatically included in a traditional healthcare plan in Iowa. The good news is that you can still get insurance even if it was not part of your original healthcare package. Even better, you will not have to wait for an open enrollment period to speak with the Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. about your options.

Three Ways To Get Dental Insurance

Some health insurance companies offer dental insurance for an additional price as part of your overall package. In those cases, you may need to add dental insurance as part of your original purchase.

Other health insurance companies recognize that dental insurance is different, and you can add your dental insurance to an existing plan when you feel the need. There may be terms and conditions.

There are also companies in Iowa that sell dental insurance separately. If you think that is your best option, we at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. will help you to look for a plan.

Things To Keep In Mind

One important thing to remember is that every dentist does not accept every kind of insurance. If it is important to you to use a certain dentist, you need to make sure they take your insurance beforehand. Once you see which companies offer insurance, check that they offer what you really want.

Some dentists may not want patients who don’t carry dental insurance. Even if you are willing to pay out of pocket, your dental care team may feel more confident treating you if you have that protection.

Getting dental insurance in Iowa is surprisingly affordable. If you have any questions about health or dental insurance, please call the Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. today.