Fretting Over Endless Insurance Options? That’s my job...
My job is to get to know you: your family, your lifestyle, your limitations and opportunities, not to mention your goals and dreams. A San Diego insurance agent since 1991, I protect your overall financial picture and your peace of mind!
The ever-changing insurance landscape requires a nimble operator who can determine when an amazing rate is just a slippery short-term offer or when another carrier can save you money long-term while providing disability benefits and more. In fact, we:
- Are licensed by the state of California
- Holly has represented families, small businesses and individuals since 1991
- Represent scores of insurance carriers, one of whom would LOVE to have you as a client . . .
- Hold professional designations granted by the state of California department of insurance.
These include:
- CHRS (Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist) obtained 2013
- RHU from the American College (Registered Health Underwriter) 2/3 complete
- CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) has held for over 20 years
- Return all calls and inquiries the same day and in most cases within two hours
- Advocate for you with the insurance carrier and fight for you on any claims issues.
- Stay on top of changes in the industry to save you money and switch policies when a carrier boosts rates;
- Are involved in the community where we work. We are dedicated to maintaining our reputation as reliable, customer-focused insurance agents (and – you have lots of people to call to see if we mean it! Possibly even people you already know!)
Your long-term financial goals can be bolstered and secured with the appropriate level and scope of insurance. Feel free to call us anytime at 760-444-0200 or contact us to safeguard your family and lifestyle.
HMO? PPO? HSA? It Depends on YOU. Let’s figure it out together . . .
Which is the best? There is no one answer.
PPO
Some prefer to have the freedom to choose the primary care doctors they’ve come to trust. They also want to be free to choose the specialists they’ve read about or were recommended by friends and their primary care physician. These clients prefer the PPO or Preferred Provider Organization, where they can choose a doctor based on personal preference, recommendation or record. While the PPO has more variety in physician choice, some providers DO remain out of network, particularly with the rise of the “boutique” practice where doctors run cash-only operations. Many plans also offer out of network benefits as well but cost sharing could be a little higher.
HMO
All HMOs (health maintenance organizations) insist clients have a primary care physician or (PCP). The client can see a medical specialist only if the PCP approves this service. Further the specialist must be within the health maintenance organization’s network. In a PPO, you do not need to select one personal care provide (PCP) or wait for a referral from the PCP to a specialist. You can pick and choose your physician and/or specialist yourself as long as that physician is in the PPO network (a more extensive and varied list than that offered by the HMO.)
HSA
We’ve found that it’s the real mavericks who prefer the HSA or “health savings account.” Why?
A “health savings account” (HSA) is an account you contribute to regularly and is ear-marked just for prevention and medical expenses. Because the great advantage is primarily tax savings, it’s most popular with wealthier clients looking for tax shelters and younger individuals who use fewer medical services.
This said, there are limitations to the health savings account. You can establish and contribute to an HSA only if you:
- have a high deductible plan
- have no other medical insurance
- are not claimed as a dependent on another’s taxes.
Benefits of the HSA include:
- tax deduction for contributions;
- both you and your employer can contribute to your health savings account, within government-set limits;
- when you pay medical expenses, you can take that money from the HSA without paying any taxes, but the money must be used for verified medical costs;
- contributions to your HSA made by your employer may be excluded from your gross income;
- any interest or other earnings you make on the money in your HSA are tax free.
- Flexibility to use the money in the account for out of pocket medical expenses as they arise today, or contribute each year for the tax benefit, leave the money alone and have the security of knowing it’s there for future medical expenses
And What About ObamaCare? Can you Benefit?
In California, ObamaCare Translates into “Covered California”
Starting in 2014, nearly all Americans will be REQUIRED to have health insurance. Individuals, families and even small businesses will be able to have health insurance at premiums lower than many insurance carriers offer. Even those making $50,000 or more can qualify! As your San Diego insurance agent, we’re happy to weigh the practicality of this new program against your financial goals and health issues.
Bishop Insurance Services has learned all that’s involved in Covered California, our state’s version of the federal Affordable Care Act. You can read the Covered California Health Insurance Companies and Plan Rates for 2014 booklet or have us help you wade through your options.
Far from a bare bones, discounted service, Covered California ensures benefits cover many categories, including: preventative and wellness care, ambulance, emergency, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health, substance abuse disorders, behavioral health treatment, prescriptions drugs, rehabilitative services and devices and laboratory tests. More, Covered California has a program for “premium assistance,” helping you pay the already low monthly rates.
Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
Good question. Often, families get to the dental office check-out counter only to find the majority of the procedures are not covered. If you’re like us, much grumbling follows.
Depending on your needs, family structure and lifestyle, dental insurance can be worthwhile. Adolescent hockey player in the household? Extensive dental insurance – oh yes. Are you all good brushers, flossers and carriers of strong dental genes? Basics and preventative could work for you. The bottom line is that San Diego Insurance Agency Bishop Insurance Services helps you tailor-make the dental insurance plan that protects your long-term savings while providing sufficient care.
The dental HMO and PPO have about the same limitations and opportunities afforded by the same configurations in health plans. The HMO dental plan limits dental providers to their own network, so that if you seek treatment outside of it, you pay 100% of costs. With a PPO, choosing a dentist or oral surgeon outside of the network may be more costly, but the patient can still get some coverage. Again, similar to health insurance options, the HMO costs less but offers fewer choices than the PPO. Bishop Insurance Services helps you weigh which plan will bring you the most convenience and cost-effectiveness based on your lifestyle, financial goals and health issues.
Curious about what dental coverage options we can find for you?
Your San Diego Insurance Agent Advocates
Peace of Mind and Financial Stability Follows
Since 1991 we’ve helped families, individuals, sole proprietors and small businesses find affordable and reliable insurance plans in San Diego. We stay very current with all changes in the insurance industry, not only on the carrier level but with governmental legislation as well. We make sure to keep our clients on the cutting edge of insurance protection. If you’re interested in just following along with us for a while, feel free to sign up for our blog feed As the San Diego insurance agent with ALL the options, we’re happy to share with you the exciting benefits and cost savings available. Feel free to call us anytime at 760-444-0200 or contact us via email.
