Picture this. You’re on a cruise ship heading to Alaska, enjoying the scenic views. You might assume your regular health insurance would cover any medical costs that arise. However, what you might not realize is that the ship had to cross through international waters, and technically you were out of the country. This could potentially affect whether your medical insurance will pay.
That’s where travel health insurance comes in. And I’m not talking about the kind of insurance that will cover you if your luggage gets lost or your trip gets cancelled. I’m talking about a type of insurance that could help you avoid unexpected medical bills that might arise once you’ve left the U.S.
Travel health insurance helps cover the cost of unexpected illnesses or injuries while traveling, including doctor visits, hospital stays and prescription medications.
Plans may include coverage for emergency medical transportation.1
Some plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions.1
A quick check with the U.S. embassy in the country you plan to visit will alert you to what your insurance will cover outside of the country. Travel insurance could help you with your medical needs while traveling. And, as always, my guidance is available at no cost to you.
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If you attended high school in 1978, you are likely nearing age 65, the point at which you will start making decisions about your Medicare options. To learn more about your options, give me a call to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation informational meeting. In the meantime, enjoy recalling these memories from June 1978: Top 5 Singles – June 17, 1978 #1 “Shadow Dancing” – Andy Gibb #2 “You’re the One That I Want” – John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John #3 “Baker Street” – Gerry Rafferty #4 “It’s a Heartache” – Bonnie Tyler #5 “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” – Johnny Mathis / Denise Williams Top-Grossing Movie Week of June 14 “Damien: Omen II” June 1978 Events • The CyberVision 2001 home computer was introduced, appearing in select Montgomery Ward department stores, and billed as being “programmed to talk...play games, teach math, or help with your tax return.” • “Piano Jazz,” the longest-running cultural program on the U.S. National Public Radio (NPR) network, was broadcast for the first time. • The Washington Bullets won the championship of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the U.S. state of Washington, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics, 105-99, in Game 7 of the best-of-7 series. • Affirmed held off Alydar to win the Belmont Stakes and would be the last horse to win the U.S. Triple Crown of Horse Racing (the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes) for 37 years, until 2015. • Baseball player Pete Rose singled against the Chicago Cubs to begin what became the longest hitting streak in National League history. The streak reached 44 games, becoming the first to challenge to Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak in 1941, before ending on
August 1. • “Grease,” starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, premiered in U.S. theaters before being shown worldwide. It went on to become the highest-grossing musical film of the year. • The comic strip “Garfield” went into nationwide syndication. • The musical “Evita,” written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, premiered in London’s West End at the Prince Edward Theatre. • The rainbow flag of the LGBT movement was flown for the first time, in its original form, at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. —Source: Wikipedia
If you attended high school in 1978, you are likely nearing age 65, the point at which you will start making decisions about your Medicare options. To learn more about your options, give me a call to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation informational meeting. In the meantime, enjoy recalling these memories from May 1978: Top 5 Singles – May 13, 1978 #1 “If I Can’t Have You” – Yvonne Elliman #2 “The Closer I Get to You” – Roberta Flack with Donny Hathaway #3 “With a Little Luck” – Wings #4 “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” – Johnny Mathis / Denise Williams #5 “Night Fever” – The Bee Gees Top-Grossing Movie Week of May 10 “F.I.S.T.” May 1978 Events • The first use of an electronic messaging system to send an unsolicited message to a large number of recipients for the purpose of commercial advertising, now commonly called spamming, was made when a representative of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), Gary Thuerk, sent the same message, simultaneously, to 393 users of ARPANET, the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network • Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, both natives of Merrick, New York, who had completed a correspondence course on ice cream making, opened an ice cream parlor in Burlington, Vermont, with an investment of $12,000, creating Ben & Jerry’s. • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. agency in charge of meteorology, announced it would end the practice of solely using female names for storms and hurricanes. After Tropical Storm “Aletta,” the next storm was identified as “Bud.” • Charlie Chaplin’s coffin was found buried 2 feet deep in a cornfield 9.3 miles from the Swiss cemetery from which it was stolen more than two months earlier. • At the age of 53, Mavis Hutchinson of South Africa, referred to in the press as “The Galloping Granny,” became the first woman to run across the continental United States as she arrived in front of New York City Hall. • The first legal gambling casino in the eastern United States opened at 10 a.m. in Atlantic City. • Al Unser won the Indianapolis 500, finishing eight seconds ahead of Tom Sneva. • The price of mailing a letter in the United States increased from 13 cents to 15 cents. —Source: Wikipedia
Because life flows differently for everyone, there may be times when someone suddenly finds themselves without healthcare coverage. College students who have recently graduated or turned 26 and can no longer be covered under their parents’ plan, someone starting a new job who needs temporary coverage, a retiree with a part-time job who isn’t quite ready for Medicare, seasonal workers who need coverage during the off-season, and anyone who needs temporary coverage could be considered a candidate for a short-term medical plan. Short-term medical insurance can be applied for at any time it’s needed, and next-day coverage is typically available. With short-term medical insurance, people usually have access to a large, nationwide network of providers and there are a variety of cost options to fit a number of different needs. Many short-term plans offer customizable options to fit your specific needs. Additionally, you can enhance your coverage with optional supplemental plans. There are also a range of deductible amounts and no primary care providers or referrals required within the plan’s network. It’s important to note that short-term medical doesn’t typically cover preexisting conditions or pregnancy-related costs. If you’re at a place in life where you need answers to coverage concerns, I’m happy to help. Give me a call to discuss your individual situation and, as always, my guidance is available at no cost to you.
If you attended high school in 1978, you are likely nearing age 65, the point at which you will start making decisions about your Medicare options. To learn more about your options, give me a call to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation informational meeting. In the meantime, enjoy recalling these memories from April 1978: Top 5 Singles – April 15, 1978 #1 “Night Fever” – The Bee Gees #2 “Stayin’ Alive” – The Bee Gees #3 “Lay Down Sally” – Eric Clapton #4 “Can’t Smile Without You” – Barry Manilow #5 “If I Can’t Have You” – Yvonne Elliman Top-Grossing Movie Week of April 12 “The Goodbye Girl” April 1978 Events • “Space Invaders,” one of the most popular arcade video games of its time and a breakthrough in display technology, was introduced in arcades in Japan by the electronic entertainment company Taito, and would be brought to North America in November. • The long-running television show “Dallas,” starring Larry Hagman as J. R. Ewing, began a run of 14 seasons and 357 episodes on CBS, creating the modern-day primetime soap opera. • Gary Player of South Africa won the 1978 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. • Volkswagen became the second non-American automobile manufacturer (after Rolls-Royce from 1921 to 1931) to produce automobiles in the United States, as the first Volkswagen Rabbit rolled off the line at the Westmoreland Assembly plant in Pennsylvania. • After 10 days in which former First Lady Betty Ford was in an intervention by her family for substance abuse, she checked herself in to a rehabilitation program at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Long Beach, California. Her public admission of an addiction problem helped remove the social stigma of seeking help for substance abuse and led to the establishment of the Betty Ford Center in 1982. • Chris Evert won the singles title at the 1978 Family Circle Cup tennis tournament. • “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” a musical with music and lyrics by Carol Hall, was staged for the first time, appearing off-Broadway at the Entermedia Theatre in Manhattan before moving to Broadway on June 19 for the first of 1,584 performances.[ • The United States Senate voted 68–32 to ratify the Panama Canal Treaty, agreeing to turn the Panama Canal over to Panamanian control on December 31, 1999. —Source: Wikipedia
Prepare Yourself.
Now that the season of unwrapping gifts is behind us, it’s time to unpack the details of your health insurance plan. If your plan is new for 2025, understanding how the details could impact you and your family both personally and financially is an important part of being prepared. Does your plan include a high deductible? Has the co-pay portion increased? Are your doctors still in network? Have the costs of your prescriptions gone up? Does your plan include dental and vision coverage? Because nearly all health insurance plans include out-of-pocket expenses that must be paid, these are important details to understand before facing a medical event. The point at which your out-of-pocket expenses end and insurance coverage begins can vary. If this threshold is significant for you, it might be beneficial to consider supplemental coverage. Gap coverage is designed to address expenses that insurance does not pay, and benefits are not based on what other coverages, like health insurance, do pay. Coverage can range from accidents and illness to accidental death and hospital stays. The goal with gap coverage is to reduce the amount you pay out of pocket. As an independent licensed insurance agent, I have more time to sit down with you and dig deep into the details of your insurance coverage. I can help you identify products for your individual situation to help with potential out-of-pocket expenses. And the best part is, my guidance is free of charge. I look forward to hearing from you soon. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is located at 9551 Vista Way in Garfield Hts. To reach Scott McEvoy or a member of his team, call 216-815-1850 . Virtual, phone and office appointments are available. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency nationwide except in MA. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability may vary by state. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. 51859-HM-0125
Open enrollment for ACA marketplace plans began on Friday, November 1, and runs until Wednesday, January 15, 2025. I offer anyone interested the opportunity to sit down with me or a member of my team to review the available options, then help them make the selections that make the most sense for them and their families. In 2025, the ACA will offer premium tax credits, expanding financial assistance to a wider range of income levels. This adjustment will help to reduce premiums for a larger number of people, making health insurance more affordable.1 Additionally, new updates include caps on out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and co-pays.2 The ACA will also include provisions for lower co-pays on medications and expanded access to specialized care for chronic conditions.3 Additional support for low-income families includes increased premium tax credits and improved access to affordable care options.4 Eligibility for benefits and programs generally depends on several factors, including income, citizenship and specific health needs. Some people will qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for health insurance purchased through the ACA Marketplace.5 Give me a call to review your options, and, as always, my guidance is free of charge. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is located at 9551 Vista Way in Garfield Hts. To reach Scott McEvoy or a member of his team, call 216-815-1850. Virtual, phone and office appointments are available. *Source: HealthInsurance.org1, Healthcare.gov2, whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/3, HHS.gov4 , kff.org/health-policy-101-the-affordable-care-act/5. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency nationwide except in MA. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability may vary by state. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. 51731-HM-1024
Every year, many hardworking Americans are faced with the challenges of navigating their personal healthcare needs, without the benefit of an employer-sponsored plan. That’s why the Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers a beacon of hope. But it can be overwhelming to understand all the policies and provisions that evolve each year. That’s why it may be prudent to work with a licensed insurance agent like Scott McEvoy, with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency. Scott offers anyone interested the opportunity to sit down with him or a member of his team to review the available options, then help them make the selections that make the most sense for them and their families. “Plan details and availability change every year, so what was available to you last year may not be the same this year,” he notes. Open enrollment for the ACA plans begins on Friday, November 1, and runs until Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Key Updates for 2025 The ACA will offer more generous advanced premium tax credits, expanding financial assistance to a wider range of income levels. This adjustment will help to reduce premiums for a larger number of people, making health insurance more affordable. 1 Additionally, new updates include caps on out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and co-pays. 2 “The goal is to ease the financial burden of medical expenses,” Scott notes. The ACA will also include provisions for lower co-pays on medications and expanded access to specialized care for chronic conditions. 3 Additional support for low-income families includes enhanced premium tax credits and improved access to affordable care options. 4 Are You Eligible? The ACA has had a significant impact on health care in the U.S. By 2016, the law had helped reduce the uninsured rate to a historic low. More than 20 million Americans gained insurance through the expansion of Medicaid, subsidies and marketplace plans. 5 Protections for pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits have become widely popular. “The ACA provides health insurance coverage for a broad range of individuals and families,” Scott explains. “Eligibility for benefits and programs generally depends on several factors, including income, citizenship and specific health needs. Some people will qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for health insurance purchased through the ACA Marketplace. 5 ” One important feature of ACA plans is that they must cover pre-existing conditions. This applies to all individuals seeking coverage through the ACA Marketplace, regardless of their health history. 6 “It’s important to note that everyone who participates in ACA plans is free to make their own choices,” says Scott. “They can opt to go it alone, making their selection for the coming year, or they can tap into the knowledge base of someone like me who has spent part of the year reviewing the changes for 2025.” Scott suggests calling his office to make an easy, informative appointment to meet with him. “That’s where many of my clients like to begin,” he suggests. “It can be overwhelming to sift through the options available to you. But when you schedule a time to meet with me or someone on my team, we can help you sort through the options. I'll provide you with information about important changes and the options available to you to help you find a plan that best suits your needs. Some people may understand the changes that apply to them and others may need help understanding plan changes, so I believe it's best to meet with a licensed insurance agent.” HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is located at 9551 Vista Way in Garfield Hts. To reach Scott McEvoy or a member of his team, call 216-815-1850. Virtual, phone and office appointments are available. *Source: kff.org/policy-watch/five-things-to-know-about-renewal-of-extra-affordable-care-act-subsidies-in-inflation-reduction-act/ 1, hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/16/biden-harris-administration-releases-final-part-two-guidance-help-people-medicare-prescription-drug-coverage-manage-prescription-drug-costs.html 2, cbpp.org/research/health/entering-their-second-decade-affordable-care-act-coverage-expansions-have-helped 3&4, HHS.gov5&6. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency nationwide except in MA. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability may vary by state. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. 51654-HM-1124
