While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Health Insurance

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Table of Contents: 

  1. Want to learn about us?
  2. Where do we get our information?
  3. Are we the government?
  4. Is my information protected?
  5. What is a recession?
  6. Why would someone need health insurance?
  7. How long can you stay on your parent's health insurance?
  8. What do terms like "premium," "deductible," and "copay" mean?
  9. What does “in-network” mean?
  10. What is federal health insurance?
  11. What is employer-sponsored insurance?
  12. What are "pre-existing conditions," and how do they affect coverage?
  13. Are prescription drugs covered under health insurance?

1. Want to learn about us?

We’re a private company that conducts research online and compiles information for you in a free guide. Our goal is to give you the information in one place – in a clear and simple way – to help you achieve your goals.

2. Where do we get our information?

Our team of writers does research online. Then we put the information in one place and in a clear way to make things easier for you.

3. Are we the government?

No, we are not the government. Our company is private. We find information that’s already online, but we put it together to make things easier for you. We want to give you the best help that we can.

4. Is my information protected?

We believe in the importance of keeping your data safe. If you decide to give us your data while using our website, we use many different protections to help keep it safe. To learn more about how we protect your information, check out our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

5. What is a recession?

Health insurance is a type of coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured. Depending on the type of policy, health insurance may also offer coverage for prescription drugs, therapy, preventive care, and other health-related services.

6. Why would someone need health insurance?

Health insurance is vital for several reasons:

  • Financial Protection: Medical treatments can be expensive. Health insurance helps protect you from high, unexpected costs.
  • Access to Care: Insured individuals tend to receive more regular check-ups and preventive care because they are not deterred by costs.
  • Peace of Mind: It provides the peace of knowing that financial help is available during medical emergencies.
  • Improved Health Outcomes: Timely and regular care can lead to better health outcomes and early diagnosis.

7. How long can you stay on your parents’ health insurance?

If one or both of your parents or legal guardians have health insurance through an employer, you can stay on their plan as a covered dependent until you reach 26 years of age. After that, you’ll need to find your own health insurance plan.

8. What do terms like "premium," "deductible," and "copay" mean?

  • Premium: This is the amount you pay, often monthly, to maintain your insurance coverage. It's like a subscription fee.
  • Deductible: This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to cover medical expenses. For instance, if you have a $1,000 deductible, you pay the first $1,000 of medical costs yourself.
  • Co-pay: A fixed amount you pay for a specific service, like a doctor's visit or prescription. It's a form of cost-sharing between you and the insurer.

9. What does “in-network” mean?

In-network" refers to the group of healthcare providers (such as doctors, hospitals, and clinics) that have agreed to provide services to a health insurance plan's members at pre-negotiated rates. When you use in-network providers, the costs are typically lower than if you were to use providers outside of this network, termed "out-of-network."

10. What is federal health insurance?

These are health coverage programs that are funded and managed by the government. Examples include Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. These programs are different from private insurance plans and are designed to ensure that certain populations have access to healthcare. 

11. What is employer-sponsored insurance?

Employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) is a health insurance plan provided and often partially funded by an employer for their employees. It's one of the most common ways people in many countries, especially the U.S., obtain health coverage. The benefits and specifics of the coverage can vary widely between employers.

12. What are "pre-existing conditions," and how do they affect coverage?

A pre-existing condition is any health issue that existed before the start date of your health insurance policy. In the past, insurers could deny coverage or charge more for these conditions. However, with regulations like the Affordable Care Act in the U.S., insurers can't refuse coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions.

13. Are prescription drugs covered under health insurance?

Most health insurance plans provide some level of prescription drug coverage, but it varies by plan. Always check the policy's formulary (a list of covered drugs) to see which medications are included and at what cost.