FAQ
We care about the people we serve.
Will I need to provide proof of income, citizenship, and/or immigration status?
To verify the accuracy of your application, we need you to submit documents that confirm your income, citizenship or immigration status.BHI simplifies this document submission process by allowing you to scan and email copies to [insert email address] or send them directly to our mailing address. If you have any trouble coming up with your documents, we would be happy to discuss the possibility of utilizing an affidavit instead. Simply reach out to us and we can help you compile all the information you need.
What type of documentation should I use for proof of income?
You can use pay stubs, personal or business bank statements, a copy of last year's federal tax return or W-2 or 1099 forms as proof of your income. If you aren't able to provide any of these forms, contact us and we'd be happy to send you a list of other options. You can either scan and email your documents to [insert email address] or send them directly to our mailing address.
What qualifies as valid proof of citizenship? A copy of your U.S. passport or a:
Certificate of citizenship Certificate of naturalization State-issued enhanced driver's license Document from a federally-recognized Indian tribe that includes your name and the name of the issuing tribe; this document should show your affiliation with the tribe.
What can I use as proof of immigration status (or lawful presence)?
A Green Card, Employment Authorization Card or Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa.
How do I submit supplemental documentation?
You can: Upload your documents into your online profile Scan or photograph your documents and email them to us Mail them to us
What is special enrollment and when does it occur?
During special enrollment (February 1-October 31), only people with a "qualifying event" can apply for health insurance. The Affordable Care Act says individuals can purchase health insurance even if they have pre-existing conditions. That's a hardship for insurance companies. Special Enrollment is a compromise that benefits insurers; without it, people could wait to buy health insurance until they needed expensive care. Without a qualifying (special enrollment) event, you can only buy insurance during open enrollment (November 1-January 31).
How can I get coverage outside of open enrollment? How can I prove these situations have occurred?
Below is a list of qualifying events and accepted documentation for each. You: Lose your job and coverage (submit employer letter explaining the situation.) Get married (marriage certificate) or have/adopt a child (birth certificate or adoption papers.) Become a U.S. citizen (naturalization certificate and/or certificate of citizenship.) Are Native American (proof of ancestry.) Become eligible/ineligible for subsidies due to income change (signed affidavit describing your new circumstances.) Move out of state and have new plan options (submit dated utility bill or lease proving residency and termination letter from former plan.) Turn 26 and age out of your parent's plan (submit document confirming loss of coverage and a driver's license or passport.)
Are there ways to circumvent Special Enrollment requirements so I can buy health insurance?
No. You can obtain insurance only if you have one of the aforementioned qualifying events.
Health Insurance: Need-to-know Terms
Premium: The amount you pay monthly to have your plan. Out-of-pocket expenses: What you pay, in addition to your premium, for medical care. Deductible: The amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance benefits become effective. Co-pay: A flat fee you pay for medical care. Co-insurance: The percentage of your health care bill you are directly responsible for. Maximum out-of-pocket fee: The highest possible amount you'll be required to pay in a year when you are insured. HMO: Health Maintenance Organization. With this plan, you always see one primary care physician. This physician must authorize you to see specialists. PPO: Preferred Provider Organization. You receive a list of providers in your area and can choose who to seek care from within this list. EPO: Exclusive Provider Network. You don't need a referral to see a specialist, but you do pay out-of-pocket if seen by a doctor outside your network. HSA: Health Savings Account. You can contribute pre-tax money to a savings account that can be used only for health-related expenses. Affordable Care Act: Also known as Obamacare, this act strives to improve healthcare access and quality and slow the increase of rising healthcare costs.
Are Your Prices the Cheapest?
Yes! BHI offers the cheapest (the only) insurance prices available. Insurance costs are regulated by the Department of Insurance. You'll pay the same fee for insurance regardless of where you buy it. It's best to go with a service that delivers outstanding customer service. That is our top priority; we hope this health insurance FAQ illustrates that!
Application Approval
What happens after I submit my application? We'll email you confirmation of receipt, submit your application to your desired carrier and monitor your application status to expedite approval. Approval usually takes at least two weeks.
When does coverage begin?
Once your application is approved, the insurer will charge you for your first month's premium and mail you an information packet including your insurance cards and instructions on how to use your benefits. If you enroll between the first and 15th of the month, coverage will start on the first day of the next month.
Could my application be rejected?
Yes. If you provide fraudulent or incomplete information or are not a U.S. citizen or legal resident, an insurer could reject your application.
How can I be sure my health information remains private?
BHI uses your confidential health data only to identify the best plans for you. We'll never share data about your medical or pre-existing conditions unless you request us to in writing. We only share other information with third parties when it's essential to help you secure insurance or you explicitly allow us to. We never sell our client's information.
Why do insurers bill before the policy's effective date?
As soon as your policy is approved, the insurer will draft your bank account or charge your credit card to officially signal that your new policy is in force. After that initial charge, you can expect to be charged on or near the first day of the month for that coverage month.
How long will it take to be reimbursed for a claim?
Usually within 30 days.
Can I submit a claim after I apply for insurance but before my effective date?