Health Insurance in Florida

Why You Need Health Insurance

Health insurance is required in Florida, along with the rest of the country with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If residents don’t have health insurance, you may have to pay a fee when tax time rolls around. In addition to being required, health insurance can help protect you from having to pay hefty medical bills and allows you access to more preventative care services that can increase your health.

What Does Health Insurance Cover?

There are ten categories that plans must cover to comply with the ACA. These categories include doctors services, prescriptions drugs, pregnancy, mental health services, and outpatient hospital care. Check with your agent at B & G Insurance serving Miami, FL to learn what else is covered under your specific plan.

Different Types of Health Insurance

When choosing a health plan, you will choose between a health maintenance organization (HMO) or a preferred provider organization (PPO). There are also exclusive provider organizations and point of service plans, but most plans will be one of the first two.

An HMO requires that you have a primary care doctor to manage care, and if you need to be referred to a specialist, you must see your primary care doctor first. A PPO allows you to see any doctor, including specialists, that are in the network. You will pay more if you see out-of-network doctors. These plans both have their pros and cons, so you will need to decide if you want to be able to have more flexibility seeing specialists depending on your health needs.

How the ACA Affects Florida

Florida decided to participate in the federally facilitated marketplace once the ACA took effect. This allows individuals that enroll in the compliant plans to apply for financial assistance based on income to help with premiums and some of the out of pocket expenses they face.

Contact B & G Insurance serving Miami, FL to get a quote on health insurance. Our agents can help you find a health insurance policy that works with your lifestyle.