Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
What You Need to Know
Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc. (MMIC) is pleased to market health insurance programs to members of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). Based on our experience, MMIC provides a number of options that are efficient, cost-effective and designed to meet the true needs of AFSA members.
Both small business and individuals are looking for ways to minimize health insurance cost. AFSA members are able to obtain a no-cost, no-obligation quote that they can compare to their existing program. Now is the time to prepare for new or renewing individual and group policies.
Individual Policy Information The open enrollment period for anyone wishing to apply for an individual policy will be 45 days from November 1, 2017 to December 15, 2017. If you do not enroll in a health plan, you will be ineligible to obtain coverage unless you have a “qualifying event” (i.e., involuntary loss of health coverage, marriage, becoming a U.S. citizen, permanent move to another state).
• Shop strategically. If you qualify for tax credits which will lower your cost, you must enroll through the marketplace (HealthCare.gov) to be eligible for the tax credits.
• The average rate increase will be more moderate with premiums estimated to increase at a far slower clip than 2017. However, individual insurers are concerned about whether the Trump administration plans to enforce the mandates. If the penalty for not having health insurance is not enforced, there will be a significantly lower number of young healthy people dropping insurance, while the sickest, costliest members will remain.
• Consider short-term insurance. If you miss the open enrollment period deadline, short-term insurance will help bridge the gap until the next open enrollment period.
Group Insurance Details Group insurance is not subject to any open enrollment period. If your company has two or more employees, you are eligible to enroll in a group plan at any time throughout the year. Group plans provide more access to doctors and hospitals. The PPO options will provide coverage for all providers either on an in-network or out-of-network basis.
Group plans have more flexibility, allowing an employer to terminate a plan and begin a new plan at any time. Any deductible and out-of-pocket expenses satisfied under a group plan will be transferred and honored by the new insurance company.
Obtain a Quote AFSA members can visit mmicinsurance.com to obtain a quote. For a health insurance for individuals and/or family members click “Proposal Request Form” for individual and families. For group health insurance click “Proposal Request Form for Group” (two or more employees). All health insurance quotes will be emailed within 48 hours. Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc. has the expertise to provide competitive health insurance options for AFSA members, and looks forward to the opportunity of quoting health insurance for members’ review. Contact MMIC via phone at 1-800-349-1039 or email at mmic@ mmicinsurance.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ed Sterczek is president of MMIC, an AFSA-endorsed business solution and has over 30 years of experience in the analysis and development of successful insurance programs for individuals and employer groups.
