So, you’re convinced that our membership (Direct Primary Care) would be a fit for you and/or your family. But what do you pair with it to make sure the ‘big stuff’ is taken care of, in case something bad happens?
Here are our recommendations…
Sedera Health
Are you 64 or younger? Are you tobacco free (the occasional celebratory cigar is ok)? Are you in fairly good health?
If all of the above are true, then Sedera Health might be a wonderful fit for you. In a nutshell, Sedera Health is a medical cost sharing community – a health insurance alternative that works on the idea of a large community of people sharing in each other’s health care expenses. It’s a concept that we at Assurance whole-heartedly agree with, and even use ourselves.
Visit our Sedera Health page for more information.
Health Sharing Ministries
Much like Sedera Health, Health Sharing Ministries are faith-based organizations that individuals and families can join to share in one another’s healthcare expenses. If you’re under 65 years old, are in fairly good health, and are OK signing a statement of faith (most of these organizations are Christian organizations), then one of these might be a fit for you. Here is our list of preferred Health Sharing Ministries (in a loose order of preference)…
Christian Healthcare Ministries
Visit each ministry’s website if you have questions about whether they could be a fit for you.
Traditional Health Insurance
If your employer offers you insurance and the monthly cost is reasonable, it may make sense to pair that insurance with us.
There may be a case where the above options are simply not a fit for you (if you have a pre-existing condition that will likely cost several thousands of dollars in the next year, if you’re a smoker over the age of 50 who doesn’t want to quit, etc.), so traditional health insurance will be your best option.
Here are some general tips when choosing a health insurance plan to pair with our Direct Primary Care membership…
- If you have a choice between different plans, generally the highest deductible plan will work best (the least amount of money will come out of your pocket, and we’ll keep you from using your deductible as much as possible).
- If you have a choice between different plans – try NOT to choose the HMO (usually Kaiser) option. If you need care outside of our clinic, we will be unable to refer you to outside services. This is mostly a hassle for you, as you’ll have to go to an in-network provider to be referred (or see if you can refer yourself).
- If you want to shop around, try visiting ehealthinsurance.com to compare several different plans.
Medicare
The current reality is that if you’re over 65, Medicare is likely the best option for major medical care.
While each individual or couple may be different, here are our general recommendations on how to pair Medicare with our membership…
- Generally stay away from HMO plans (generally Humana), Medicare Advantage Plans, or anything that locks you into a specific network of providers. While the cost may be lower, those network of providers have limited availability, and we will NOT be able to refer you to a specialist if one is needed.
- Plan Option: Highest monthly cost, least out-of-pocket
- Assurance Membership
- Part A
- Part B
- Non-HMO supplement that pays 100% of all out-of-pocket costs (typically something like AARP or similar)
- Part D (unless included with supplement, which it often is)
- Plan Option: Medium-high monthly costs, not much out-of-pocket
- Assurance Membership
- Part A
- Part B
- Plan N, Plan F, or Plan G (lower monthly cost, with a deductible if you need care outside of our membership)
- Part D
- Plan Option: Lower monthly costs, potentially high out-of-pocket costs
- Assurance Membership
- Part A
- Part B
- Part D – Optional
