Virginia Health Insurance Agent Simplifying Your Insurance Options

As a Virginia health insurance agent, I've seen firsthand how overwhelming the process of choosing a health insurance plan can be. With so many options available, it's easy to feel lost and unsure of where to start.

The key is to simplify your options and focus on what matters most to you. This means considering factors like your budget, your health needs, and the level of coverage you require.

One thing to keep in mind is that Virginia has a robust health insurance market, with a range of plans available from top providers like Ambetter, CareFirst, and Optima. This means you have plenty of choices to suit your needs and budget.

Ultimately, the goal of a Virginia health insurance agent is to help you navigate this complex landscape and find a plan that works for you.

As a Virginia health insurance agent, I'm often asked about the different types of plans available. You can choose from a variety of plans that cater to your specific needs.

One type of plan that's popular among individuals and families is the plan that offers $0 virtual care, 24/7, allowing you to stay on top of your health from the comfort of your own home.

Prescription drug coverage is also a key feature of many plans, with some commonly-used drugs available for as low as $0.

Many people can save on the cost of health coverage, with 9 out of 10 individuals finding a plan that fits their budget.

For your interest: Aetna Dental Insurance Plans for Individuals

Virginia Insurance Services offers a range of insurance services to its clients. The company provides life insurance and individual plans to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

Virginia Insurance Services is a family-owned independent agency, which means it's not tied to any single insurance company, allowing it to shop around for the best rates and policies. This can be a big advantage for clients who want a personalized approach to their insurance needs.

Consider reading: A Licensed Agent Must Be Appointed by an Insurance Company

The agency has been in business since 1983, giving it a wealth of experience in the industry. Founder Gene Lastfogel holds multiple professional designations, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to staying up-to-date on industry developments.

Virginia Insurance Services carries financial products from several companies, including Erie, Progressive, Mercury, and The Hartford. This means clients have a range of options to choose from, depending on their individual circumstances.

Here are some of the areas where Virginia Insurance Services operates:

You can find a Virginia health insurance plan that fits your needs by visiting Virginia's Insurance Marketplace online platform to shop, compare, and choose the best health plans.

You can also purchase individual and family health coverage with the help of an insurance agent or broker, a Navigator or certified application counselor.

To make it even easier, you can call Virginia's Insurance Marketplace at 888-687-1501 for assistance.

Many individuals and families are now eligible for lower - or in some cases $0 - monthly premiums for ACA Marketplace health coverage, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

To take advantage of this, you can call 1-800-273-8095/TTY 711 to talk to a licensed insurance agent.

Here are some options to consider:

Finding a plan that's right for you can be overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. You can find a Virginia Individual Health Insurance Plan that's tailored to your needs through various options.

You can visit Virginia's Insurance Marketplace online to shop, compare, and choose the best health plans. This platform allows you to access a range of plans and benefits.

To get started, it's essential to know that 9 out of 10 people can save on the cost of health coverage. This is a significant advantage, especially for those who are looking for affordable options.

Prescription drug coverage is also available, with some commonly-used drugs as low as $0. This can be a huge relief for those who rely on regular medication.

If you're looking for more information on how to enroll in a Marketplace plan, you can visit Virginia's Insurance Marketplace website or call 888-687-1501. You can also work with an insurance agent or broker, a Navigator, or certified application counselor to guide you through the process.

Here are some key benefits to look out for in a Virginia Individual Health Insurance Plan:

Continuing education is a must for licensed producers in Virginia. If you hold one license, you'll need 16 hours every two years, but if you have multiple licenses, that number jumps to 24 hours.

Producers who have been in the game for a long time can breathe a sigh of relief. If you're at least 65 years old and have held a Virginia license for 20 consecutive years, you're exempt from CE requirements. Similarly, if you've held your license for the preceding four years and have at least 20 years of experience in the state, you're also off the hook.

Don't worry, you can still get back on track if you've let your license lapse. Individual licenses can be reinstated within one year from the renewal date, but be prepared to pay a reinstatement fee that's double the original renewal fee.

To meet CE requirements, you'll need to complete courses that are relevant to each license type you hold. For example, if you have both Life & Annuities and Health licenses, you'll need to complete 16 credit hours every two years. And if you have multiple licenses, that number jumps to 24 hours.

Be mindful of course sponsorships, as the state requires that you don't take more than 75 percent of credits from agency-sponsored or company-sponsored courses.

You might enjoy: Medgap Insurance Policies Renewal

Enrolling in a health insurance plan in Virginia is a straightforward process. You can visit Virginia's Insurance Marketplace online to shop and compare plans, or you can work with an insurance agent or broker to find the best coverage for you.

To enroll in a Marketplace plan, you can use one of the following methods: visit Virginia's Insurance Marketplace online, work with an insurance agent or broker, or call Virginia's Insurance Marketplace at 888-687-1501.

The open enrollment period for individual/family health coverage in Virginia runs from November 1 to January 15. If you need your coverage to start on January 1, you must apply by December 15.

Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

Virginia's easy enrollment program makes it easier to get health coverage. This program helps connect people to Marketplace coverage, and a special enrollment period is available.

The program was implemented in 2021 and is now being used to help people enroll in Marketplace coverage.

Here's an interesting read: Health Insurance Premium Program

Large rate increases for 2024 were prevented due to ongoing funding for the state's reinsurance program. This program took effect in 2023 and helped reduce premiums for people who don't get subsidies.

You can enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan in Virginia by visiting the state's Insurance Marketplace online platform.

Here are the ways to enroll in a Marketplace plan in Virginia:

Virginia has received federal approval to update its essential health benefits benchmark plan starting in 2025. This update includes additional coverage for certain prosthetic devices and coverage of formula and enteral nutrition products for inherited metabolic disorders.

You can enroll in an ACA-compliant plan in Virginia during the open enrollment period, which runs from November 1 to January 15.

If you need your coverage to start on January 1, you must apply by December 15. If you apply between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will begin on February 1.

See what others are reading: Does My Insurance Cover Glp-1

Outside of open enrollment, a special enrollment period is necessary to enroll or change your coverage.

You can apply for a special enrollment period due to a qualifying life event. Don't worry if you're not sure what that means - you can learn more in our comprehensive guide to special enrollment periods.

Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

Remember, if you have questions about open enrollment, you can learn more in our comprehensive guide to open enrollment.

Suggestion: Can I Add Dental Insurance Later

As of January 13, 2023, Virginia applicants with an "Admin Term" status for CE will be assessed a $20 fee per line of authority after the expiration date.

This fee update applies specifically to applicants with an "Admin Term" status, and it's essential to note that the effective date was initially set for December 28, 2022, but was later updated to January 13, 2023.

Make sure to check your application status and take note of any upcoming fees to avoid any unexpected charges.

Expand your knowledge: How to Get Health Insurance in Usa 2023

Your Anthem HealthKeepers plan covers annual physicals and preventive care visits with providers in your network, with no costs to you.

The deductible is the amount you pay each year before your plan starts to pay for covered services, excluding preventive services.

Preventive services are covered regardless of the deductible when provided by a doctor in your plan's network.

You'll pay a copay, a fixed amount, for visits to in-network healthcare providers, with amounts varying depending on the provider or services received.

For example, if the allowed amount for a service is $100 and your coinsurance is 20%, you'll pay $20 for that service after your deductible is met.

Your plan has an out-of-pocket maximum, the most you'll pay for covered healthcare services during the coverage year.

Take a look at this: Private Healthcare Exchange

To enroll in a Marketplace plan in Virginia, you can visit Virginia's Insurance Marketplace online platform to shop and compare plans, or seek assistance from an insurance agent or broker, a Navigator, or certified application counselor.

Explore further: Texas Health Exchanges

You can also call Virginia's Insurance Marketplace at 888-687-1501 for help.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance, tracks average pre-subsidy premiums in the state's Marketplace, providing a valuable resource for understanding premium trends.

Here's a summary of average pre-subsidy premium changes in Virginia's Marketplace over the years:

To buy Marketplace health insurance in Virginia, you'll need to meet certain eligibility requirements. You must live in Virginia, be lawfully present in the United States, not be incarcerated, and not be enrolled in Medicare.

You'll also need to check if you're eligible for financial assistance, which depends on your income and the cost of the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in your area. This is based on your age and location.

To qualify for financial assistance, you must not have access to affordable health coverage through your employer. If your employer offers coverage but you feel it's too expensive, you can use the Employer Health Plan Affordability Calculator to see if you might qualify for premium subsidies in the Marketplace.

Additional reading: Diabetes Copay Assistance

Here are the specific requirements for financial assistance:

It's worth noting that some insurers are exiting the market or increasing their rates significantly. For example, Aetna Life is exiting the market, while Group Hospitalization and Medical Services Inc. has a 20.1% rate increase.

In Virginia, eleven insurers offer health plans in the exchange for 2024, including two separate Aetna entities.

Aetna has two on-exchange entities in 2024, but only one will be available for 2025.

Piedmont Community Healthcare withdrew from the individual/family market in Virginia at the end of 2023, so their plans are not available for 2024.

For 2025, there will be ten insurers offering on-exchange plans in Virginia.

Only one Aetna entity, Aetna Health, will be available on the state's summary of rate proposals for 2025.

Check this out: Can an Insurance Agent Work for Two Different Agencies

To enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan in Virginia, you can visit the state's Insurance Marketplace website, shop, compare, and choose the best health plans online. You can also purchase individual and family health coverage with the help of an insurance agent or broker, a Navigator, or certified application counselor.

Broaden your view: Dental Insurance Market

To qualify for health coverage through the Virginia Marketplace, you must live in Virginia, be lawfully present in the United States, not be incarcerated, and not be enrolled in Medicare. Additionally, you must not have access to affordable health coverage through your employer, not be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, and not be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A.

Eleven insurers offer health plans in Virginia's exchange for 2024, including two separate Aetna entities. However, for 2025, there will be ten insurers offering on-exchange plans in Virginia.

You can enroll in an ACA-compliant plan in Virginia during the open enrollment period, which runs from November 1 to January 15. If you need your coverage to start on January 1, you must apply by December 15.

Here are some ways to get help with your ACA Marketplace plan in Virginia:

You can shop for health insurance plans directly on Anthem's site, where you'll find both on-exchange and off-exchange options.

On-exchange health insurance plans are available on the Virginia Insurance Marketplace, also known as the Marketplace, and offer financial help to lower the cost of coverage.

Only on-exchange plans make you eligible for financial help or subsidies.

On-exchange plans cover the same essential health benefits as off-exchange plans.

Off-exchange health insurance plans are available directly through Anthem, outside of the exchange or marketplace.

Off-exchange plans cover the same essential health benefits as on-exchange plans.

Anthem's Health Plan Consultants can help you determine if you're eligible for financial help and find the best plan for your needs and budget.

Discover more: North Carolina Health Insurance Exchange Marketplace

You may find affordable health insurance options in Virginia by signing up through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. More than 87% of those who enrolled in private plans through the marketplace during the open enrollment period for 2024 coverage were eligible for advance premium tax credits, reducing their average net premium to $86/month after subsidies.

The Affordable Care Act provides income-based subsidies that can make premiums much more affordable. These subsidies, known as advance premium tax credits, averaged $405/month in 2024.

If you're self-employed or without insurance from your employer, you might be looking for individual or family health insurance in Virginia.

Suggestion: Healthcare Marketplace Tax Credit

Silver plans have average monthly payments. They're a great option for individuals and smaller families who don't need a lot of healthcare services.

Silver plans have a lower deductible than Bronze plans. This means you'll pay less out of pocket for medical expenses.

Silver plans are ideal for people with average healthcare needs. They offer a good balance between affordability and coverage.

Those who qualify for cost-sharing reductions can get even more benefits from a Silver plan. This can help lower your monthly payments and out-of-pocket costs.

Curious to learn more? Check out: United Healthcare Massachusetts

Gold plans have higher monthly payments, but they offer lower deductibles than Silver plans. This makes them suitable for individuals or families with regular, ongoing healthcare needs.

They cover most routine healthcare costs.

Explore further: United Healthcare Ticker Symbol

You have more insurance options for your health than you think, Virginia. Affordable Care Act insurance is just one of the many options available to you.

In Virginia, you can find affordable health insurance options by signing up through the state's Insurance Marketplace. This is especially true for those who enrolled in private plans during the open enrollment period for 2024 coverage, with over 87% eligible for advance premium tax credits.

Take a look at this: Affordable Dental Insurance in Virginia

More than 87% of those who enrolled in private plans during the open enrollment period for 2024 coverage in Virginia were eligible for advance premium tax credits. These subsidies averaged $405/month, reducing the average net premium to $86/month after subsidies.

You may find that a plan obtained through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace is the best option, thanks to premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions. People with household incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level qualify for these benefits.

Cost-sharing reductions can also reduce out-of-pocket expenses on Silver plans, making them more affordable.

You might like: Health Insurance Exchange Subsidies

As a Virginia health insurance agent, I want to give you the lowdown on Medicaid and other programs that can help you get the coverage you need.

Virginia's Medicaid program has been expanded to cover more people, making it a vital resource for those who may not have had access to affordable health insurance before.

You can learn more about Virginia's Medicaid expansion and eligibility requirements by visiting the state's Medicaid website.

For another approach, see: Managed Care Organization Medicaid

Medicaid enrollment in Virginia is a straightforward process that can be done online or by contacting a local Medicaid office.

If you're eligible, Medicaid can provide comprehensive coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.

Medicaid is not just for low-income individuals; it's also available to pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities.

Explore further: Bcbs Medicaid Illinois

Your monthly payment to your health insurance company is called a premium. If you have health coverage through your employer, they may share the cost of your premium.

The amount you pay each month for your health plan can vary depending on the insurance company and the type of plan you choose. In Virginia, the average rate changes for 2025 have been approved, with a weighted average increase of 3.9% for the insurers that offer coverage through Virginia's health insurance Marketplace.

Here's a breakdown of the average rate changes for each issuer in Virginia:

Over the years, overall average pre-subsidy premiums in Virginia's Marketplace have changed significantly. For example, in 2015, there was a 10.2% increase, followed by an 8.5% increase in 2016.

For another approach, see: Average Health Insurance Premium Increase by Year

As a Virginia resident, you're probably wondering how to find a reliable health insurance agent. Well, you can start by checking if they're licensed in Virginia, as required by law.

Virginia health insurance agents must complete a certain number of continuing education hours to stay licensed, which ensures they stay up-to-date on the latest health insurance laws and regulations.

If you're looking for an agent who speaks your language, many Virginia health insurance agents speak multiple languages, including Spanish and Vietnamese.

Virginia law requires health insurance agents to provide you with a written contract that outlines the terms and conditions of your policy.

Readers also liked: Disability Insurance Law Firm North Carolina