Now's the time to find the insurance that fits your needs
By Beth Newcomb
Last year, many of us may have felt a bit out of sorts…postponing doctors’ appointments, skipping family events, and even forgetting to brush our teeth. Becoming accustomed to a “new normal” and “staying safe” claimed most of our attention.
The new presidential administration, aware of the fact that many Americans also missed out on open enrollment for Affordable Care Act coverage, has reestablished the opportunity for those who weren’t able to secure coverage for 2021 to do exactly that.
“This is really unprecedented. A special ACA open enrollment is happening right now, until Saturday, May 15,” says Steven Lichtig, a licensed insurance agent with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency. “The enrollment period for 2021 closed in December 2020. However, with many people not working and others missing the deadline, a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) has been established to ensure anyone who wanted to secure coverage but didn’t can do so now.”
Another segment of the population this Special Enrollment Period (SEP) can benefit is the underemployed. Steven says some people aren’t making as much money as they were during the previous enrollment period, so they might want to make a plan adjustment. Or, they may be able to take advantage of government subsidies that weren’t previously available to them. Additionally, if you’ve been on a plan since the beginning of the year and find that it’s just not to your liking, or isn’t meeting your needs, you have the opportunity to make a change during the special enrollment.
“Most people want options,” Steven states. “They want to be protected and limit their exposure while also having the freedom to visit the providers they’re comfortable with. Because we’re not beholden to any one company, we can provide the options people want and need for their individual situations. I can put together a plan that’s balanced, so it matches the aspects of your life that you feel are important.”
Steven likens himself to a general who assembles policy safety troops, effectively building a wall of insurance protection around each of his clients. “The goal is to find the ideal solutions for each person’s specific needs,” he shares. “We’ll take a look at your prescriptions, your doctors, and your budget, then determine which carrier is the best fit.”
That wall of protection can include health, life and disability insurance, and it can also feature dental and vision insurance. Some walls may need cancer coverage, or emergency coverage, others may not. Some people may be transitioning between jobs and need a temporary wall of coverage, others may find they’re solid with a higher deductible and lower co-pay. “Coverage is very personal, that’s why I offer a complimentary review to anyone interested,” Steven says. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but by meeting with me to discuss your particular situation, we can build the wall that’s best for you.”
Meet Steven Lichtig
“I was an attorney in a previous life,” Steven smiles. “It worked because I like helping people. When the opportunity presented itself in 2007 for me to continue helping people but in a different environment, I jumped at the chance to join the HealthMarkets team.”
Steven says having been an attorney gives him unique insights into coverage options other agents may not have. And when he’s not helping clients, Steven lives in Solon with his wife, Bridget. The two recently became empty nesters and are currently adjusting to life on their own again.
Licensed insurance agent Steven Lichtig can be reached directly at 216-577-8084. He’s based out of the HealthMarkets office in Northfield, 10512 Northfield Road, Suite 4. He can meet in person or virtually. Evenings and weekends available.
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. 47170-HM-0321