As the year begins to wind down, conversations around health insurance inevitably heat up. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling uncertain about your plan—especially during those busy enrollment periods—you’re not alone. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and Open Enrollment Period (OEP) both occur between October and December, spurring many of us to review, replace, or renew our health plans. But what if, after a thorough review, you discover your coverage isn’t quite as comprehensive as you hoped? That is where ancillary plans step in.
What Are Ancillary Plans?
Ancillary plans cover a variety of items not under your primary health plan’s umbrella. Think of ancillary insurance as a supplemental umbrella, offering additional protection from the rainy days of healthcare costs that aren’t fully covered by your primary plan. Ancillary coverage can be the cushion that helps you land on your feet financially when life throws you a curveball. Ancillary could cover:
- Hearing
- Home Health
- Short-Term Medical
- Dental
- Accidents
- Vision
- Critical Illness
It can also encourage preventive care, ultimately lowering the likelihood of hefty medical bills down the line.
Ancillary Coordinate & Non-Coordinate
Ancillary plans come in two forms: coordinate & non-coordinate.
Coordinate plans work in tandem with your primary health insurance. Your ancillary benefits will supplement your main plan but typically won’t exceed your maximum out-of-pocket exposure under that policy.
Non-coordinate plans provide benefits regardless of how much your primary insurance covers. Even if you haven’t met your deductible, you’ll still receive the full benefit amount. Many people prefer non-coordinate plans because they offer greater flexibility—you can use the payout for anything from hospital bills to everyday household expenses.
Pricing
Ancillary coverage is meant to complement your primary health plan—not replace it. Because it spans a variety of optional services and benefits, the monthly cost can vary widely. For instance:
• A basic dental HMO might start around $16 per month.
• A robust critical illness plan with a $75,000 benefit for a 55-year-old tobacco user could cost over $100 per month.
Only you can decide how much protection you need. But if you’ve ever been blindsided by an uncovered ambulance ride or a surprise hospital bill, a small monthly premium could feel like a worthwhile investment.
Why Consider Ancillary Coverage Now?
As you reflect on your health goals, ask yourself: How prepared am I for the healthcare surprises life can bring? Ancillary coverage can help you to:
- Avoid Unexpected Costs: Hospitals can charge separately for ambulance services, blood transfusions, and specialized medical supplies.
- Encourage Preventative Care: Dental and vision checkups help catch problems early, saving you from more significant, expensive procedures.
- Tailored to Your Lifestyle: Coverage can be customized. Whether you’re an active senior traveler, a homebody who needs in-home care support, or a caregiver looking out for a loved one, there are options for you.
Got Medicare Questions?
We hope that this information on ancillary plans has been useful to you.
Let us help you answer your questions so that you can get back to the activities that you enjoy the most.
Call (888) 446-9157, click here to get an INSTANT QUOTE, or leave a comment below!
See our other websites: