medical insurance

Choose a health insurance plan that meets your specific needs

Peace of Mind: Understanding the Importance of Health Insurance for Your Well-Being

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Health Insurance | Start a quote today! Contact Brianna or Carlos for help

Health insurance is an important aspect of life in Michigan. Understanding the different types of health insurance, key terms, availability, and cost is vital to finding the right policy for you. Shield Insurance Agency understands the importance of finding the best health insurance plan for you and they have the expertise to help determine the best coverage to fit your needs. Read on to learn more about health insurance in Michigan, including HMOs, PPOs, HRAs, HSAs, and more.

HMOs and PPOs

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) are two common types of health insurance. HMOs are health insurance plans that provide access to a network of healthcare providers and usually require referrals in order to see a specialist. PPOs also provide access to a network of healthcare providers, but they allow you to choose your own doctors and do not require referrals. Both have different structures that affect how much you pay for services and how much deductible and copayments you pay.

HRAs and HSAs

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are employer-provided plans that allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to use for eligible medical expenses. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are also employer-provided plans that allow employees to save pre-tax dollars to use for eligible medical expenses. They are similar to 401k accounts, in that investments are allowed and the money rolls over from year to year. Both of these accounts can be used to help pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as copays and deductibles.

Key health insurance terms

When thinking about health insurance in Michigan, there are several key terms to keep in mind. Copayments (or copays) are fixed amounts that customers pay for services, such as doctor visits or prescriptions. Deductibles are the amount of money the customer pays out of pocket before the insurance company pays for services. Coinsurance is the percentage of costs the customer pays once the deductible is met.

How much does health insurance cost


The cost of health insurance is different for everyone depending on factors such as age, family size, location, and type of plan. Generally speaking, HMOs tend to be less expensive than PPOs, and the higher the deductible, the lower the monthly premium. Health insurance premiums also depend on whether or not you receive subsidies or tax credits. In Michigan, the average monthly premium for family coverage with an employer-sponsored plan is about $735.

What are the different health insurance metal levels are

Health insurance plans also differ from one another depending on their level of coverage. Platinum plans typically have the highest premiums but also the most coverage, while bronze plans have the lowest premiums with the least coverage. Silver and gold plans are in the middle, offering somewhere between the two extremes of platinum and bronze plans.

When you can buy health insurance

The Annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the time when everyone can buy a health insurance plan or make changes to their existing plan. In Michigan, the OEP runs from November 1st through December 15th each year. If you miss the OEP, you can still buy coverage outside of open enrollment if you experience certain life events, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or a move to a different state.

Where you can buy health insurance

You can buy health insurance from Shield Insurance Agency which represents over 40 insurance companies and specializes in helping individuals and businesses find the right plan for them. They can help determine the best level of coverage and answer any questions you have about health insurance in Michigan. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK and an agent will be in touch soon.

Health insurance in Michigan is an important aspect of life and it is essential to understand the types of health insurance, key terms, availability, and costs when shopping for a plan. Shield Insurance Agency has the expertise to help guide you through the process of finding the right policy for your needs and they can provide a free quote. For more information about health insurance in Michigan, contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 today or visit this LINK to start the quoting process.

More blogs by Shield Insurance Agency

Read More
Learn About the Federal No Surprises Act

Learn About the Federal No Surprises Act

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Federal No Surprises Act | Health Insurance | No Surprises | Contact Brianna for assistance

Transparency in Health Care

In October 2020, the federal government issued the “transparency in coverage” final rule under the Federal No Surprises Act. The rule provides protection against balance or “surprise” billing under certain circumstances, and phases in new transparency requirements on most group health plans and health insurers. The purpose of the requirements is to enable consumers to make informed healthcare purchasing decisions.

What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “billing surprises”)?

When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a healthcare facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.

Nonparticipating describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. Nonparticipating providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called balance billing. This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.

Surprise billing is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care, such as when you have an emergency or schedule a visit at a participating facility but are unexpectedly treated by a nonparticipating provider.

Your rights and protections against Surprises

When you get emergency care or get treated by a nonparticipating provider at a participating hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from balance or surprise billing.
Services you are protected from balance billing for:

Emergency services

If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from a nonparticipating provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in-network out-of-pocket amount, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.

Michigan law also protects you from balance billing and requires that you pay only your in-network cost-sharing amounts for (i) covered emergency services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility or out-of-network facility; (ii) covered nonemergency services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility if you do not have the ability or opportunity to choose an in-network provider; and (iii) any healthcare services you receive at an in-network facility from an out-of-network provider within 72 hours of receiving services from that facility’s emergency room.

Certain services at a participating hospital or ambulatory surgical center

Learn more on how this works…

Visit http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises for more information about your rights under federal law.

Visit http://michigan.gov/difs for more information about your rights under Michigan law.

More interesting reads by Shield Insurance Agency

Read More
Medical Insurance Can Provide Financial Protection.

Medical Insurance Can Provide Financial Protection.

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Agency Blog | Medical Insurance | Contact Brianna for a quote!

Medical Insurance is a crucial aspect of our lives that we often overlook until we need it. It provides us with financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, which can be quite expensive. Health insurance covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, and prescription drugs. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of health insurance and why it is essential to have.

One of the most significant benefits of medical health insurance is that it helps you manage your medical expenses. With health insurance, you pay a monthly premium, and in return, your insurance company covers a portion of your medical expenses. This means that you don’t have to worry about paying the full cost of medical services out of your pocket. However, it is important to note that most health insurance plans have a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. Once you reach your deductible, your insurance company will cover a portion of your medical expenses.

Another benefit of medical insurance is that it covers prescription drugs. Prescription drugs can be quite expensive, especially if you need to take them regularly. With health insurance, you can get your prescription drugs at a lower cost, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. Some health insurance plans also cover preventive care, such as annual check-ups and screenings, which can help you detect health problems early on.

Health insurance also promotes well-being, both physical and emotional. With health insurance, you have access to medical services that can help you maintain your physical fitness and overall health. This includes regular check-ups, screenings, and access to specialists if needed. Additionally, some health insurance plans offer wellness programs that focus on nutrition and wellness, which can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Emotional Health is part of Medical Insurance

Emotional health is also an important aspect of well-being, and health insurance can help you manage your mental health. Mental health services, such as therapy and counseling, can be quite expensive without insurance. With health insurance, you can get the help you need without worrying about the cost. This can be especially important for those who struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

Health insurance also benefits families. With a family health insurance plan, you can cover your entire family under one policy. This means that you don’t have to worry about getting individual policies for each family member. Additionally, family health insurance plans often offer lower premiums than individual plans, which can save you money in the long run.

In conclusion, health insurance is essential for managing medical expenses and promoting well-being. It covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, and prescription drugs. Health insurance also promotes physical and emotional health, as well as nutrition and wellness. Additionally, it benefits families by providing coverage for the entire family under one policy. If you are looking for health insurance, contact Shield Insurance Agency for all of your insurance needs at (616) 896-4600.

Learn about the Federal No Surprise Act here

More fascinating blogs are featured on the Shield Insurance Agency website!

Read More
Benefits of Health Insurance for your family

Benefits of Health Insurance for your family

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | May 23, 2023 | Health Insurance | Contact Bri for a quote today!

Health insurance is a crucial aspect of our lives that we often overlook until we need it. It provides us with financial protection against unexpected medical expenses that can arise from sickness, injury, or any other medical condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of health insurance and why it is essential to have it.

Health Insurance Bills

One of the most significant benefits of health insurance is that it helps you manage your medical bills. Medical bills can be expensive, and without insurance, you may find yourself struggling to pay them. Health insurance covers a portion of your medical expenses, which can help you save a significant amount of money. The amount of coverage you receive depends on your policy, but it can cover anything from doctor visits to hospital stays.

Another benefit of health insurance is that it helps you manage your deductibles. A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. With health insurance, you can choose a deductible that fits your budget and needs. This means that you can choose a higher deductible to lower your monthly premiums or a lower deductible to pay less out of pocket when you need medical care.

Prescriptions are another area where health insurance can be beneficial. Prescription drugs can be expensive, and without insurance, you may find yourself struggling to afford them. Health insurance can help cover the cost of prescription drugs, which can make it easier for you to manage your medical condition.

Injury and sickness are two of the most common reasons people need medical care. Health insurance can help cover the cost of medical care for both injuries and sickness. This means that you can get the medical care you need without worrying about the cost.

Medical emergencies can happen at any time, and they can be expensive. Health insurance can help cover the cost of emergency medical care, which can be a lifesaver in a medical emergency. This means that you can get the medical care you need without worrying about the cost.

Finally, health insurance can be beneficial for your family. If you have a family, you want to make sure that they are protected in case of a medical emergency. Health insurance can help cover the cost of medical care for your family, which can give you peace of mind.

In conclusion, health insurance is essential for anyone who wants to protect themselves and their family from unexpected medical expenses. It can help you manage your medical bills, deductibles, prescriptions, and emergency medical care. It can also be beneficial for your family. If you are looking for health insurance, contact Shield Insurance Agency for all of your insurance needs at (616) 896-4600. They can help you find the right policy for your needs and budget.

Learn about the Federal No Surprise Act

Visit additional blog articles featured at ShieldAgency.com !

Read More
General Information about Blood and Blood Donation

January is Blood Donation Month

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

AmericasBlood.org | May 2022 | Blood Donation | Medical Insurance

U.S. Blood Donation Statistics and Public Messaging Guide

Over 40 verified statistics from published research.

blood donation statistics

Designed for blood centers, media, and anyone who is generally interested in the current state of blood donations and utilization, this guide is the first of its kind designed to provide the latest look at America’s blood supply and its donors. It uses data curated from published research, credible public sources, and input from industry experts. We encourage readers to use the editable social media graphics contained in this guide that highlight the 13 of the most widely used statistics.

This Guide will be updated annually to reflect the latest statistics.  

General Information about Blood and Blood Donation

Q1.1:  do blood donations help patients in need?

■ Every donation can help save a life.

■ Each donation can help save or deeply impact more than one life.

Q1.2: How many patients can each blood donation help?

■ One donation can help two or more patients in need. Each donation can be separated into more than one blood product including but not limited to red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

■ Some donations result in two or three of the same type of product, just more doses for patients (e.g., double red blood cells, plasma from automation, or platelets from automation). 

■ Each traditional whole blood donation can be separated into different blood product components in the lab (red blood cells and plasma) and depending on the amount of  time from donation to the lab, additional products can be made such as platelets and cryoprecipitate which are used in cancer treatment and heart surgeries.

Q1.3: How many blood centers are there in the U.S.? How much do they collect?

According to the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Blood Establishment Registration database1, there are 53 community blood centers and 90 hospitalbased blood centers in the U.S. Independent, community blood centers collect approximately 60

percent of the nation’s blood supply and the American Red Cross collects approximately 40 percent.

Q1.4: How often can individuals donate blood in the U.S.?

Individuals can donate whole blood no more than once in eight weeks.

Individuals can donate platelets (apheresis donation) as much as twice in a seven-day period — or up to 24 times in a rolling 12 months.

Individual blood centers may apply additional policies.

Q1.5: How many pints of blood do people have in their body?

An average adult has about 10.5 pints of blood in their body.

Q1.6: What is the prevalence of each blood type among the U.S. population?

The approximate distribution of blood types in the blood donor population is as follows.

Distribution may be different for specific racial and ethnic groups and in different parts of the country.

TABLE: PREVALENCE OF BLOOD TYPE 7 BLOOD TYPE PREVALENCE HOW COMMON IS YOUR BLOOD?

O Rh-positive 39% 1 in 2.5
O Rh-negative 7% 1 in 11
A Rh-positive 32% 1 in 3
A Rh-negative 6% 1 in 17
B Rh-positive 11% 1 in 11
B Rh-negative 2% 1 person in 50
AB Rh-positive 4% 1 person in 25
AB Rh-negative 1% 1 person in 100

Click here to visit the full report on U.S. blood donation…

More interesting reads by Shield Insurance Agency

Read More

Healthcare.gov Encouraging Latino Enrollment

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

HHS Announces Partnerships to Encourage Latino Enrollment through HealthCare.gov

Today, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced commitments from national organizations to support Latino outreach and enrollment efforts during the current Special Enrollment Period (SEP) made available on HealthCare.gov by President Biden due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. As part of the Latino Week of Action, April 18 – 24, these organizations and HHS will share information with Latino consumers and use social media to encourage them to enroll in affordable, quality health plans through HealthCare.gov.

“Helping communities take advantage of reduced costs on quality health care coverage is a priority for this Department. In addition to putting our money where our mouth is, we are partnering with key organizations representing the Latino community to engage their knowledge and network to promote enrollment in quality, affordable health insurance coverage during this Special Enrollment Period,” said HHS Secretary Becerra. “To the many Latinos who may have lost health care coverage during the pandemic, I am here to tell you that ‘help is here.’ Health care coverage is more affordable for people and assistance is available if you need help finding a health plan that best meets your needs.”

To read the HHS press release in Spanish, visit:
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/04/19/hhs-announces-commitments-from-partners-to-encourage-latino-consumers-es.html

To read the HHS press release in English, visit:

https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/04/19/hhs-announces-commitments-from-partners-to-encourage-latino-consumers.html

Health Insurance Marketplace sent this bulletin at 04/19/2021 02:05 PM EDT

Contact Carlos Garcia, Health Insurance Specialist with
Shield Insurance Agency if you need assistance signing up.

Health Care for the Latino population with Shield Insurance Agency
Health Care for the Latino population with Shield Insurance Agency
Health Care for the Latino population with Shield Insurance Agency
Read More

3 reasons to review & compare Medicare plans

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Medicare’s Open Enrollment ends December 7. Even if you’re happy with your current Medicare coverage, it’s important to know your Medicare coverage options for 2021. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Your needs may change. You may find you’re going to the doctor more or less often, the prescription drugs you take may be different, or you may need better access to health care services.
  2. Benefits can vary. Not all Medicare coverage options offer the same benefits. Plan benefits can change from year-to-year.
  3. New, more affordable Medicare plans may be available. The total cost, provider network, and services offered are different between plans. Review plans to see if other plan options could better meet your news or lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Review your current Medicare plan & check for changes

Does your current Medicare plan offer the benefits you need? Review your health or drug plan’s information and note any changes in costs or benefits that will happen in 2021. If you have other types of health or prescription drug coverage, make sure you understand how that coverage works with Medicare.

Compare Medicare health & drug plans

Each year, plans can make changes to the items and services they cover and what you pay. Decide if your current Medicare plan will meet your health care needs for the year ahead. If you like your current Medicare coverage and it’s still available for 2021, you don’t need to do anything.

New plan options may be available to you. If you take insulin, this Open Enrollment you may be able to get a Medicare plan that offers broad access to many types of insulin for no more than $35 for a 30-day supply. You can get savings on insulin if you join a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage that participates in the insulin savings model. You can choose among plans that offer insulin at a predictable and affordable cost. Select the “insulin savings” filter in Medicare Plan Finder to find plans that participate in this new model that can help you save on your insulin costs.

Read More

Free Preventive Medical Services in 2020

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Preventive Medical Services | Health Insurance |

With Marketplace coverage, you have access to free preventive services, like flu shots, check-ups, and screening tests. Getting these recommended services is an important step toward good health and well-being.

  • Preventive services are routine health care procedures, like screenings, check-ups, and counseling to prevent illnesses, diseases, and other health problems.
  • Taking advantage of these free services can help detect illness early, when treatment is likely to work best, so talk to your provider about what’s right for you.
  • Note: Preventive services are free only when provided by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network. (A network is the facilities, providers, and suppliers your health insurer has contracted with to provide health care services. Contact your insurance company to see which providers are “in-network.”)

Where can I learn more about preventive medical services?

Read More