903-335-1969 or 832-767-8059
The Insurance Barn is a small insurance agency that specializes in health insurance for small groups, individual, families and those eligible for Medicare living in Texas.
We do not try to be an expert in all types of insurance, neither are we in business just to earn commissions. Our goal is to answer your questions about insurance both before you submit an application and after as well. In our opinion, our job starts when buy an insurance plan and does not end with a sale.
GROUP: Group plans are the only ACA compliant plans that are available at any time of the year. Also, here in Texas, group plans are the only option for full PPO style Major Medical health insurance.
For a group quote send me the following information about the group.
- Company Name
- Description of what the company does
- Company zip code and county
- Owners names and dates of birth
- Full-time employees names and dates of birth
- Dependent’s names, dates of birth and what employee they are related to
You can email that information directly to me at tim@theinsurancebarn.com
MEDICARE:
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period lasts from October 15 to December 7, 2021. During this time, Texans many make adjustments to their Medicare Advantage and Medicare D plans, regardless of their health.
In theory, at least, people who use Medicare Advantage were supposed to make any adjustments they desired, to their plans, during the Annual Enrollment Period. However, there is one exception. From January 1 to March 31, people with Medicare Advantage have 1 option to change plans during the national Open Enrollment Period (OEP).
During the OEP marketers are not permitted to advertise the ability to change plans, and agents are not allowed to suggest changing plans. The decision to change plans must be totally the desire of the Medicare beneficiary.
Please keep in mind that this OEP is NOT an option for those with Original Medicare, or other type of Medicare C plans. It is ONLY an option for people who have an active Medicare Advantage plan. During this period, people with Medicare Advantage may either return to Original Medicare or change Medicare Advantage plans.
ACA INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY PLANS:
This year is a little different than the recent past. The ACA Open Enrollment Period goes from November 1, 2021 to January 15, 2022. During that period of time, Texans, who are so inclined, may enroll in either a EPO or HMO, depending on what is available in that part of the state, and get help from the IRS to pay the premium.
Just keep in mind that not everyone will qualify for IRS subsidies. There is a minimum and maximum income that is considered before an award is offered by the federal government.
Also, under the ACA rules, people who have access, whether they participate or not, to “affordable” (as defined by the government) group health insurance, are not eligible for any money from the IRS to help them pay for health insurance. That means that family members that can be claimed as dependents on an employees group plan, are technically ineligible for any IRS help with their premium, whether the employer pays for the family’s premium or not
NON ACA/OBAMACARE INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY PLANS:
For those Texans who do not want to use ACA/OBAMACARE plans for 2022, there are traditional medically underwritten plans available. These plans do not include all of the “Essential Benefits” as defined by the Senate. For example they do not include coverage for maternity, substance abuse or pediatric dental. As a result, they do NOT qualify for any IRS help with the premium. However, since they do not include all of the “Essential Benefits” they are often much less expensive.
To contact us, you may use either of the phone numbers above or the contact form below.
The Insurance Barn 