Whether you are between jobs, self-employed, or work for a company that doesn’t offer health insurance, an individual health plan enables you to make sure you and your loved ones are covered for those unforeseen medical expenses.

Generally, health insurance can only be obtained during the annual Open Enrollment Period. However, you may be able to get coverage if you have experienced a Qualifying Life Event.

The 2018 Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1, 2017 to December 15, 2017.

DHMO

A DHMO dental insurance plan has a network of contracted dentists that offer services at a predetermined, discounted rate. Under a DHMO dental plan, the member must designate a primary care dentist and must obtain a referral to see a specialist. Typically, DHMO dental plans do not have waiting periods for basic and major services and no annual maximums. A DHMO dental plan is a perfect solution if looking for first time dental insurance.

DPPO

A DPPO dental insurance plan has a network of contracted dentists that provide special rates on dental care. PPO dental plans have more flexibility in allowing members to choose dentists, regardless if they are in the network or not. However, the rates are usually lower if selecting a dentist that from the plan’s network. Most PPO dental plans have waiting periods. Generally, members must wait 6 to 12 months before major services are covered. However, if you had prior dental coverage, or enrolling in a group dental plan, the waiting period may be waived.

Most Vision Insurance plans have a small copay for annual eye exams—typically $10 or $15. Some plans also cover retinal imaging to help screen for Glaucoma. Many Vision Insurance plans offer frame and contact lens allowances. This allowance reduces the cost you pay for a new pair of frames or for contact lenses. In addition, some plans will also provide a discount off the retail price of a second pair of glasses or even sunglasses.

Short-Term Disability

A Short-term disability policy pays a percentage of your salary for a specific amount of time, typically 40-60% of your gross weekly income. Usually, coverage will start one to fourteen days after suffering an injury or illness that leaves you unable to work. Short-term disability benefits can last from 9 to 52 weeks.

Long-Term Disability

A Long-term disability policy is similar to a short-term disability plan but the benefits last for an extended period of time. Usually, longer term disability benefits kick in after a short term disability benefits have been exhausted. A comprehensive disability insurance plan will dovetail short-term with long-term disability benefits. This will allow disability benefits to continue for an extended period of time without interruption.

Short-term health insurance plans do not meet the Minimum Essential Coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act and may result in a penalty.

An owner or officer of a corporation can file to be exempt from workers compensation coverage. This will exclude the officer from  workers’ compensation benefits.

With an exemption, the individual may remove their payroll from the total covered payroll amount. Many employers choose to be exempt on their workers compensation policies to save money on their premium.