Choosing a health insurance policy can often seem intimidating and overwhelming, but with the help of the dedicated experts at Slater Agency / Statewide Health Insurance, it doesn’t have to be.
Located at 6606 Broadway St., Ste. 102 in Pearland, Craig Slater started the business under Farmers Insurance Agency in 2003 after a 20-year career as an aircraft mechanic. The Slaters’ inspiration came from initially being denied health insurance and witnessing how misinformation can make the process intimidating.
We were denied coverage and it was a shock to me. Fortunately, there was incorrect information in our medical records, Slater said. We were able to get some corrections done, but it really highlighted the importance of quality and accurate information when it comes to getting and maintaining health insurance.
How it works
Unlike many agencies, the Slater Agency likes to stick to talking to individuals or small groups about what affordable health insurance really means and looks like.
The Affordable Care Act comes not from lower costs of administering plans, but from the government helping you pay for your insurance, Slater said. I like to say that the government doesn’t take care of the health insurance business, it helps you pay for that business, if you qualify based on your income.
A helpful tool the agency uses is an online calculator that shows the different health insurance options available based on the person’s income or projected income. It is also able to show how much money a person could save under the Affordable Care Act.
The three steps at Slater Agency:
- Determine whether someone will qualify for a premium tax credit or assistance to help pay for health coverage costs.
- Review affordable plans available in their area and verify that participating providers are part of the carrier’s network.
- Explore the dynamics of how plans work
Why act now?
Once a person chooses a health insurance plan, the next step is to make sure they enroll in it during the open enrollment period.
This year’s registration period began on November 1 and will continue until December 15 for the policy to take effect from January 1, or a person can register between December 16 and January 15 for a start date of February 1. Enrollees may also make changes to a plan in which they are currently enrolled during this time.
There are, however, some exceptions called special enrollment periods, such as when a person turns 26 or changes careers after the enrollment period.
These are very specific special enrollment periods that you would qualify for. But generally speaking, you have to have health insurance to continue getting it, Slater said.
How to get started
For those ready to discuss next steps in terms of health insurance, Slater is always willing to lend a hand, even if his normal business hours are past or on the weekend. Slater also recommends people check out the website, which has a lot of helpful information.
We direct people to our website that gives them some sort of expectation as to whether they qualify or not, Slater said. We’re here to help them discuss different plan options and make sure their doctors are in network.
To determine which insurance plan might work best, visit the website, call 281-485-0088 or stop by the office at 6606 Broadway St., Ste. 102, Pearl.
The above story was produced by Community Impact Senior Multiplatform Reporter Sierra Rozen, with information provided solely by the local business as part of their purchase of “sponsored content” through our advertising team.
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