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  James Zander, CLU, RHU, LUTCF
  
Paula Alexander
  
Linda Chandler
  
Chad Farnum
  
Danny Miles
  
James Staley

 

Company Profiles
 
   
  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Provided below are some questions and answers that should help you.  We have separate sections for group, individual, and business insurance to better assist you.  If you need further assistance, please let us know what your question is and we will help you.

Group

Individual/Family

Business

Group [ Up to Top | Get a Quote ]

Q:  How do I get rates for my company?

A:  We make it simple.  Go to Free Group Quotes and enter your employer information and census of employees, tell us about the type of plan you're looking for, provide any essential network medical providers, and finally, provide some basic health information.  We will obtain quotes from many different companies and provide you with a comparison of the most competitive plans available.  Not all the carriers need all of the information requested.  This form is a compilation of each company's requested information.  Some questions may not seem necessary, but please complete it as accurately as possible.  If you prefer to fax the information to us, please fax it to 214-599-9829.

Q:  Why do you need a census?

A:  A census is a simple form listing all the employees, their date of births (or ages), coverage status, etc.  It is used to provide the insurance carrier with the information necessary to generate an accurate quote.

Q:  How do I choose the best plan for my employees?

A:  It's easy to choose the type of plan that you're shopping for by selecting HMO, POS, PPO, or one of the other plan types available.  You can further refine your selections by choosing deductible and co-pay ranges.  You may have specific doctors and hospitals you need in the provider network.  Our job is to take this information and find the best plan for your company.

Q:  Why do I need a broker?

A:   Most states require by law that a detailed quote be given to a broker and not to the customer.  In addition to this, every state has different regulations and requirements which your broker will be familiar with, permitting him or her to help you better understand each insurance carrier's plans.  Also, as in our case, we get quotes from multiple carriers and create a comparison of benefits and rates for presentation.  This is a more efficient means of selecting insurance than to call each company separately to get quotes. 

Q:  Am I paying additional for the services of a broker?

A:  No. Rates are the same whether the services of a professional broker are included or not.

Q:  How long does it take to get quotes?

A:  We normally receive the various benefit quotes within 5-10 working days and will contact you to arrange a meeting.  However, if you are in a rush to provide employee benefits, we can get some of the quotes back within 1-3 working days.  Keep one thing in mind if you are looking for benefits in a rush, not all companies will be able to quote that fast and the ones that are missed may be the more competitive quotes.

Q:  What requirements must we meet to be eligible for these plans?

A:  Each carrier has specific underwriting guidelines that must be met to qualify for coverage.  The most common are "contribution requirements" and "participation requirements."  We will assist you by reviewing all applicable carrier requirements with you prior to final plan selection.  

Q:  Can I get additional details on a plan or carrier?

A:  We will review detailed benefit information, make comparisons to your current plan, and explain the important technical areas of coverage, such as limitations and exclusions.  

Q:  How much will this cost?

A:  There is no cost to you other than the cost of insurance if you choose to buy it.

Q:  How do I enroll?

A:  Simply notify us and arrangements will be made for the prompt delivery of enrollment forms, directories, brochures, and coordination of meeting dates.  Once the forms are complete, they are submitted to the carrier for underwriting approval and case issue. 

Q:  How do I communicate the plan to my employees?

A:  We will make arrangements to meet with your employees at your convenience and explain the benefits, limitations, plan options, and costs to obtain coverage.  If you prefer that we do not host the employee meeting, let us know and we can assist you in getting the required paperwork together for the employees.  

Q:  If I change plans, can my employees keep their current level of benefits?

A:  Many carriers have similar products, so in most cases your employees will be able to keep their existing level of benefits or something almost identical.

Q:  Additional questions?

A:  Contact us for additional questions.

Individual/Family [ Up to Top | Get a Quote ]

Q:  What is the best health plan for me?

A:  Choosing between health plans is not as easy as it once was.  Although there is no one "best" plan, there are some plans that will be better than others for you and your family's health needs.  Plans differ in cost, benefit, exclusions/limitations, and how easy it is to get the services you need.

Q:  How do I compare health plans?

A:  Here's a list of some key questions to consider when choosing a health plan:

  • How much will it cost me?
  • What are the benefits?
  • What services are excluded or limited?
  • What doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers are part of the plan?
  • If I uses providers  outside of the network, how much more will I have to pay?
  • Is this a company with good customer service and a stable financial history?

Q:  If I have questions while completing an application, whom can I call?

A:  Please call our office at 214-599-9837 or 1-800-536-4251 for any assistance you may need.  Our staff is available to assist you Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (CST).  Feel free to call us after hours and leave a message, which will be immediately returned the next business day.  You may also email us by going to our Contact us page and selecting the appropriate department and person for your question.

Q:  How can I be sure that my data is kept secure and private?

A:  We believe that your personal health insurance information is just that -- personal.  All of your information is kept confidential between you, us,  and the health insurance carrier you select.  None of the information is accessible to anyone else unless required by law.    

Q:  What is the difference between an in-network and an out-of-network medical provider?

A:  An in-network medical provider is within the approved network of providers for a particular health plan.  Out-of-network providers are not in the network.  If you visit a provider within the network, the amount you will be responsible for paying will usually be less than if you go to an out-of-network provider.  In some cases, the insurance company may not pay anything for services you receive outside the network.  So be sure you pick a plan and understand it before you buy it.

Q:  What are my options for making my first payment?

A:  Most plans require that a deposit accompany your application.  You can pay this deposit to the health insurance company you have selected by personal check when you send in your printed application.  Depending on the product and the company, you might even be able to pay by credit card.  If you are not approved for coverage by that company, your money will be refunded by the insurance company, less any non-refundable application fees.  Once accepted as a plan member, all bills will be sent from the health insurance company and you will pay them via the choice that you selected on the application.  

Q:  Can I buy health insurance for less if I buy directly from the insurance company?

A:  No. Insurance companies charge the same premium whether the plan is purchased directly from the company or through a broker.

Q:  Is the lowest price the best deal?

A:  Not necessarily.  All health insurance plans are different.  It is best to review and understand the plans benefits and limitations when comparing price.  

Q:  Where are the other health plans I am familiar with?

A:  Not all health plans sell health insurance directly to individuals and families.  Many, like Aetna and Cigna, provide insurance predominately through employers. 

Q:  Additional questions?

A:  Contact us for additional questions.

Business [ Up to Top | Get a Quote ]

Q:  Why do I need Business Insurance?

A:  Many businesses run the risk of being out of business in the event that a key employee or the owner die or are disabled.  When this happens, clients may leave and business may be lost due to these catastrophic circumstances.  This generally means that the employees could be left out of a job and the company could be lost.  Protect your company, your income, and your employees.  Look into the benefits of Business Insurance today!

Q:  What kinds of Business Insurance do you offer?

A:  We offer Key-Man Life and Disability, Split-Dollar Life, Buy-Out Disability, and Overhead Disability.

Q:  How do I get a quote for Business Insurance?

A:  Email James Zander and be sure to include in your occupation, annual income, and which type of Business Insurance you are interested in. 

Q:  What if my Business Insurance needs change?

A:  If you purchase Business Insurance through us and your needs change, let us know.  We will evaluate your new situation and advise on the best way to meet your new needs.

Q:  Additional questions?

A:  Contact us for additional questions.

 

 
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