"Help me Choose" Online Feature

With so many plan health choices available, it's good to know that help is easily available to reach the best combination of price and benefits.

Celtic Insurance offers more than 40 policy different variations of coverage in many areas. The range of choices can be overwhelming. Fortunately, help available to make the decision easier. The easiest method is built directly into the online quote and enrollment system. 

Getting started

First, go to the quote request link. Just enter your zip code on the first screen and the date of birth of each applicant to bring up the entire range of health plan choices available on the bright orange tab that says "All Plans". You may notice that their are dozens of choices listed.

Click the tab right next to the bright orange tab that says "Help me Choose".

The help dialogue says "We will ask you a series of questions to help us understand your needs. Our plan recommendations are based on your needs and preferences. Selecting a recommended plan does not guarantee that you will be approved for coverage; your application will still be underwritten by the insurance company".

Health Savings Account

The first question asks "Do you want a health insurance plan which is eligible to use in conjunction with a Health Savings Account (HSA)?" A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-favored savings account that is used in conjunction with a health insurance plan to reduce your tax burden and to save for retirement. Only certain high-deductible health insurance plans can be used in conjunction with an HSA, so we need to know if you are looking for this type of plan.

Basic or Comprehensive

Next, the help screen asks about the type of coverage. The two chokes listed for non-HSA plans are:

• I am looking for basic coverage (i.e. primarily inpatient hospitalization and outpatient surgery) to provide coverage in case of a major accident or illness.
• In addition to being covered for a major accident or illness, I would also like more comprehensive coverage which MAY include benefits such as: preventative care, physician services, prescription drug benefits, and routine office visits.

Determining the extent of coverage you want is one of the most important steps in finding the most appropriate plans for you.

Deductible

The next section asks "How much are you comfortable paying each year for medical expenses before your insurance company begins paying?" Check all the options that apply. Each insurance plan has an annual deductible which defines how much you pay each year for medical care before the insurance company begins paying.  Once you reach your deductible for the year, the insurance company typically begins paying for a portion of your medical expenses. Having a low deductible is nice. But, keep in mind that a lower deductible will usually mean a higher monthly premium. The most popular deductible choices are $1,000 to $5,000 per year.

Coinsurance

After you meet your annual deductible, your insurance company will typically begin paying for a certain percentage of your medical care costs. You are responsible for the remaining percentage. The help screen asks "What percentage would you be comfortable paying?" Again, check all that apply. Typically each insurance plan has a coinsurance percentage, which is the percentage of your medical expenses that you pay after you meet your deductible. For example, if you have a plan with 20% coinsurance, then a $100 medical bill will cost you $20 and the insurance company will pay the remaining $80.

Doctor's visit fees

The doctor office visit selector screen asks "Which statement(s) describe your feelings about paying for doctor's office visits?" Check all that apply.

• I want to pay a specific amount  of $10 - $25 copay per visit 
• I want to pay a specific amount of $30 - $35 copay per visit 
• I am willing to pay the full cost until I meet my deductible

The amount you pay for an office visit for routine care, diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury by a physician in their office can vary depending on the plan you choose. Examples for $100 office visit: If the plan's office visit copay is $20, then you pay $20. If the plan requires you to reach your deductible before coverage begins (like a Health Savings Account plan) and you have not met your deductible, then you will have to pay $100; after you reach your deductible then you will typically pay a specific percentage.

Prescription Drugs

Some insurance plans offer different types of prescription drug coverage. The questions posed ask you to select your preference:

• Plans that allow me to pay a specific amount (i.e. a copay) per prescription
• Plans that pay for a certain percentage of the prescription, while I cover the remaining cost

Some plans allow you to pay a specific amount per prescription; this is often referred to as a Copay. Some people prefer this type of coverage because they know exactly how much they will pay per prescription, although having this benefit can sometimes increase the monthly premium. We would like to know what type of coverage you are looking for so that we can find the most appropriate plans for you. 

Preventative Care Coverage

On the preventative care screen, screen the system simply asks "Which plans are you interested in?" The two choices are just as simple:

• Plans with preventative care coverage
• Plans without preventative care coverage

Some insurance plans offer preventative care coverage. Typically this might include periodic health exams and/or periodic OB-GYN exams. Having preventative care coverage is nice, but it will likely increase your monthly premium.

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you want any of the benefits listed above, it will probably increase your monthly premium. If you think you might be willing to pay for these benefits, this system will give you a better idea of the additional cost in the following screens so that you can make a final decision.

At this point the "Help Me Choose" system displays a short list of recommended insurance plans based on your preferences.

OnlineAdviser personal support

Personal OnlineAdviser support is available to help with specific questions by telephone and email. Telephone support hours vary and are posted online daily  but email support is always available 24/7.

 Tel. (800) 609-0683 or e-mail onlineadviser@celticenrollment.com.