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Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, pre-existing conditions can’t prevent you from getting health insurance. For life insurance, it might affect the policy type you qualify for, or the premium you’re asked to pay, but Warren Weiss Agency can help you find options with ERIE or other carriers that fit your situation.

Here’s some general guidance on life insurance, depending on your age:

• 25 years old: Life insurance is a great way to get started on financial planning, especially if you have dependents or are planning a family. Younger people tend to be healthier and are generally offered higher benefit amounts at low premium rates. At Warren Weiss Agency, we can help you explore affordable options with ERIE or other carriers to get started.
• 45 years old: There’s an old saying: “The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second-best time is today.” If you’re not covered by a life insurance plan, it’s still not too late to discover how life insurance can help provide financial security for your loved ones. If you already have a life insurance policy, we can also review your existing coverage to ensure the needs of you, and your loved ones, are being and will be met.
• 65 years old: Certain life insurance products remain available, and can both ensure your final wishes are met and ease financial burdens on your loved ones that may be created after your passing. We can explore these options, including guaranteed acceptance and final expense life insurance, to fit your situation.

If you have any questions or are considering life insurance, contact the Quakertown-based team at Warren Weiss Agency, and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

Yes, as a 1099 / independent contractor, you can get health insurance, but it typically won’t be offered by your clients. That means that when you enroll, you won’t be part of a group plan, so there will likely be some differences between the coverage you obtain and the coverage your W2 friends and colleagues carry. Here at Warren Weiss Agency, we can help you explore alternative health insurance coverage options and benefits:

• Individual plans: Rather than rolling the dice on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace, a local, independent health insurance broker, like Quakertown-based Warren Weiss Insurance Agency, can conduct a thorough assessment of both your needs and your options, helping to predict the total cost of coverage in different scenarios.
• Tax advantages: The good news is, as a self-employed individual, you may be able to deduct some of your health insurance premiums on your tax return. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s always best to consult a tax advisor about your specific situation.

Yes, part-time employees can get health insurance, but the type available depends on their employer.

• Employer-sponsored health insurance: In Pennsylvania, employers aren’t required to offer health insurance to part-time workers. We at Warren Weiss Agency can’t advise on specific employer plans, but we can help you with other options if your employer doesn’t offer coverage.
• Individual plans: If your employer doesn’t offer insurance, you can purchase your own plan. Rather than rolling the dice on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace, a local, independent health insurance broker, like Quakertown-based Warren Weiss Insurance Agency, can conduct a thorough assessment of both your needs and your options, helping to predict the total cost of coverage in different scenarios.

Yes, part-time employees can get health insurance, but the type available depends on their employer.

• Employer-sponsored health insurance: In Pennsylvania, employers aren’t required to offer health insurance to part-time workers. We at Warren Weiss Agency can’t advise on specific employer plans, but we can help you with other options if your employer doesn’t offer coverage.
• Individual plans: If your employer doesn’t offer insurance, you can purchase your own plan. Rather than rolling the dice on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace, a local, independent health insurance broker, like Quakertown-based Warren Weiss Insurance Agency, can conduct a thorough assessment of both your needs and your options, helping to predict the total cost of coverage in different scenarios.

Domestic partner health insurance depends on a few factors:

• Employer benefits: In Pennsylvania, employers aren’t mandated to offer health insurance to domestic partners. We recommend checking with your HR department to see whether your employer’s plan extends coverage.
• ERIE coverage: If your employer offers a health insurance plan by ERIE, one of Warren Weiss Agency’s preferred carriers, then domestic partner coverage may be available if your employer has opted to offer it.
• Other carriers: The local customer service team at Quakertown-based Warren Weiss Agency can explore options with other carriers that may offer domestic partner coverage to fit your exact family needs.

We recommend contacting Warren Weiss Agency to discuss your specific situation and explore all available options.

There are actually two main enrollment periods to consider for health insurance:

• Open Enrollment Period: This is the annual period when anyone can sign up for health insurance via the Marketplace, also known as Pennie in Pennsylvania, regardless of their health status. In Pennsylvania, the Open Enrollment Period typically runs from November 1st to January 15th. This is the best time to get coverage if you don’t currently have health insurance or want to switch plans.
• Special Enrollment Periods: These are times outside the Open Enrollment Period when you may qualify for health insurance due to a qualifying life event, such as job loss, marriage, or having a baby. You can find more information about Special Enrollment Periods at https://www.insurance.pa.gov/Coverage/Pages/Health-Insurance.aspx.

Warren Weiss Agency can assist you with navigating both Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment Periods for health insurance.

Yes, unlike primary health insurance plans that typically have set enrollment periods, you can get supplemental health insurance anytime throughout the year in most cases. There are a few things to keep in mind:

• Pre-existing conditions: While you can apply for supplemental health insurance anytime, some supplemental plans, especially Medicare supplements (Medigap) may consider your health status when approving you or setting your premium. However, you typically have guaranteed access to a Medigap plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (usually up to 6 months after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B).
• Plan availability: Although you can apply anytime, specific supplemental plans might not always be available depending on the carrier and your location.

For the best options and guaranteed rates, contact Warren Weiss Agency to discuss your situation and explore supplemental health insurance plans that fit your needs.

However, having health insurance is still essential to protect yourself from unexpected medical costs. If you have questions about enrolling in a plan, Warren Weiss Agency’s Quakertown office can help you explore your options with ERIE or other carriers.

IRS rules for health insurance reimbursement depend on the specific situation. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Employer-sponsored health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs): These plans allow employers to reimburse employees for qualified medical expenses, often including health insurance premiums, with tax-free dollars. However, there are specific IRS regulations around HRAs, such as requiring employees to have minimum essential coverage (MEC) for tax-free reimbursements. Always consult a tax professional before making tax-driven decisions.
• Individual health insurance: If you pay for your own health insurance, generally, you cannot deduct the premiums on your taxes. However, there may be exceptions depending on your specific circumstances. Again, it’s always best to consult a tax advisor for personalized advice.

For specific questions about health insurance reimbursement and how it might apply to you, it’s best to consult a tax professional. However, Warren Weiss Agency can help you explore health insurance options with ERIE or other carriers that may fit your needs.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a breakdown to help you decide between employer-sponsored health insurance and an individual plan:

Employer-sponsored plan:

• Pros: Typically lower premiums due to employer contribution, convenient payroll deduction, etc. Often covers dependents.
• Cons: Limited plan options, may not cover all your needs. May change depending on your employer’s decisions or circumstances.

Individual plan:

• Pros: More choice and flexibility in plans and coverage. Potentially lower premiums if you’re young and healthy. May be portable if you change jobs.
• Cons: Typically higher premiums as you pay the full cost. May not cover dependents. More administrative work required on the part of the covered individual.

Here are some factors to consider:

• Your health status: If you have pre-existing conditions, an employer plan often guarantees more or better coverage.
• Your budget: Consider the total cost of the employer plan (e.g., premiums, deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket maximums, etc.) vs. an individual plan.
• Your needs: Do you need a plan that covers your dependents? Do you want a wider variety of plan options? Do you have a lot of prescriptions? Do you prefer a plan with special benefits, e.g. gym membership reimbursement, etc.?

Warren Weiss Agency can help you:

• Understand the details of your employer’s plan (if applicable).
• Shop for individual plans on the Marketplace or with other carriers.
• Find a plan that fits your budget and needs.

We recommend talking to a Warren Weiss Agent to compare your options and make the best decision for your situation.