Danielle Shamp
Shamp Health Insurance Group
danielle@shampinsurance.com
(612) 790-0207
Danielle is a licensed, independent health insurance agent specializing in both Medicare and individual (pre-65) insurance. She also works with dental, vision, and travel health insurance policies. She believes in building relationships with her clients and helping them year-after-year in finding the best health insurance plan for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individual (Pre-65):
Can I purchase or change health insurance at any time during the year?
Consumers who experience certain life events (having a baby, getting married, turning 26, etc.) may qualify for a special enrollment period which would allow them to enroll in private coverage outside the annual open enrollment period. If you do not have a special enrollment period, you would need to wait until open enrollment - a set time period each year when consumers can enroll in private health plans offered through MNsure.
Do I have to buy my insurance through MNSure?
While most carriers do allow you to purchase a plan directly through them (and bypass MNSure), if you think you may be eligible for any tax credits or subsidies due to income, you need to shop and enroll through MNSure in order to qualify for those benefits.
Do I have to have health insurance? Or can I go without?
Starting with the 2019 coverage tax year -- for which 2020 taxes are filed -- there is no longer a tax penalty or "individual mandate" for not having health insurance. (The mandate still applies to 2014-2018.). However, it is important to remember that you cannot buy health insurance outside of open enrollment unless you have a special enrollment period. That means if you have a catastrophic event outside of open enrollment and are not insured, you may be responsible for large medical bills and remain uninsured until the next open enrollment period.
Medicare:
Do I have to take Medicare if I will continue to be covered under employer coverage?
As long as you have active, credible employer benefits, you do not need to take Medicare when you turn 65. Most people sign up for Part A at 65 because it is free (although some people delay signing up while working for a large employer so they can contribute to a health savings account). But many people who have coverage through a large employer delay signing up for Part B, which carries a premium and covers outpatient care, such as doctors’ visits and tests. The same goes if you’re covered under a spouse’s workplace plan. However, if the employer has fewer than 20 employees (meaning it likely does not have credible benefits), Medicare will be your primary coverage at 65, so in that case you usually need to sign up for Part A and Part B even if you have coverage at work.
Why are my Medicare premiums higher than others?
While Part A is generally free, there is a standard Part B premium that the majority of people will pay. However, for some individuals who are higher income earners (see Medicare.gov for income brackets), they could see a higher Part B (and Part D) premium due to IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). This is adjusted every year and is based on your tax return from 2 years ago.
What are the different parts of Medicare?
Medicare Part A is your Hospital Insurance and is provided by the Federal Medicare Program.
Medicare Part B is your Medical Insurance and is provided by the Federal Medicare Program.
Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) is provided by private insurance companies and approved by Medicare. These plans generally help you pay the medical costs not covered by Medicare Part A and B.
Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage and is also offered by private insurance companies and approved by Medicare. Prescription drug coverage helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment.