Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance

Private health insurance plans, like PPOs from Florida Blue or United Healthcare, are purchased outside the ACA marketplace. They often offer broader provider networks, nationwide coverage, and more plan flexibility. ACA marketplace plans may include premium subsidies based on income, but can have narrower networks limited to your zip code. An independent agent can compare both options to find the best fit for your situation.

Health insurance costs in Brevard County vary based on age, coverage level, and plan type. Individual private PPO plans can start in the low hundreds per month, while family coverage ranges higher. ACA marketplace plans may be lower with subsidies. Scott Howell provides free plan comparisons across multiple carriers to find the most competitive rate for your specific situation.

Without health insurance, a single hospital stay, surgery, or serious illness can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Medical debt is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States. Even a short ER visit can result in a bill of $5,000 or more. Having a plan — even a basic one — protects your finances.

An emergency appendectomy costs $20,000-$40,000. A three-day hospital stay averages $30,000. A broken leg can cost $7,000-$10,000. Beyond immediate costs, uninsured individuals often delay care, leading to worse outcomes and higher costs long-term. Medical debt is the number one cause of personal bankruptcy in the US.

Yes, through the ACA marketplace. ACA plans cannot deny coverage or charge more based on pre-existing conditions. Private PPO plans involve health-based underwriting and may have limitations. Scott evaluates your health situation and recommends the best path — whether ACA, private, or a combination with supplemental coverage.

Private PPO plans can often provide coverage within 24-48 hours of application approval, with some carriers offering same-day effective dates. ACA marketplace plans have coverage start dates tied to enrollment deadlines — typically the first of the following month. Scott can help you find the fastest path to coverage.

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan gives you access to a broad network of doctors and specialists without requiring referrals. Many Florida agents are captive agents who can only sell plans from one carrier or focus solely on ACA marketplace plans. Independent agents like Scott Howell have access to private-sector PPO plans from multiple carriers that aren't listed on HealthCare.gov.

In most cases, yes. Private PPO plans typically offer much broader provider networks than HMO or narrow-network ACA plans. Many PPOs include nationwide coverage, so you can see doctors across state lines. Scott verifies that your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network before you enroll.

An HMO requires you to use in-network providers, get referrals to see specialists, and limits coverage to your area. A PPO lets you see any doctor in a broad network without referrals, often includes out-of-network coverage, and usually offers nationwide access. PPOs cost more in premiums but offer significantly more flexibility.

Time your new plan to start before your old plan ends. COBRA can provide temporary bridge coverage if switching from an employer plan. Scott coordinates the transition so your new coverage starts the day your old coverage ends, and verifies your doctors are in-network with the new plan before you switch.

ACA marketplace open enrollment typically runs from November 1 through January 15. Private PPO plans can be purchased year-round. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event like losing coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving.

ACA premium subsidies are based on household income. Generally, you may qualify if income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. For a single individual in 2026, that's roughly $15,000-$62,000/year. For a family of four, up to approximately $127,000. Scott checks your subsidy eligibility as part of every free consultation.

A qualifying life event allows you to enroll in or change health insurance outside open enrollment. Common QLEs include losing employer coverage, getting married or divorced, having a baby, moving to a new state, turning 26, and losing Medicaid eligibility. You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Yes — self-employed individuals and 1099 contractors are responsible for their own health coverage. A single medical emergency without insurance can lead to devastating financial consequences. Private PPO plans often offer better rates and broader coverage than marketplace plans for healthy self-employed individuals.

Absolutely. Self-employed individuals have access to both ACA marketplace plans (with potential subsidies) and private PPO plans (often lower premiums for healthy individuals). Many self-employed Floridians overpay because they only look at marketplace options. Scott specializes in finding affordable coverage for the self-employed.

A common guideline is 10-15 times your annual income, but the right amount depends on debts, dependents, education costs, and whether your spouse works. Scott helps you calculate the right amount during a free consultation.

Term life covers you for a set period (10, 20, or 30 years) and is the most affordable option. Whole life covers your entire life and builds cash value, but premiums are significantly higher. Most families get the best value from term life that matches their highest-need years.

It depends. If no one depends on your income and you have no shared debts, life insurance may not be urgent. But locking in low rates while young and healthy, covering funeral costs, and preparing for future obligations are good reasons to consider a small policy now.

Most health plans don't include comprehensive dental coverage. A separate dental plan covers cleanings, exams, fillings, and crowns. Without it, a single crown can cost $1,000-$1,500 out of pocket. Dental plans are affordable, typically $20-$50/month for individuals.

Supplemental insurance pays cash benefits directly to you when you experience a covered event — accidents, hospital stays, or critical illness diagnoses like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. You can use the money for anything: deductibles, lost income, travel, or everyday bills.

Income protection (short-term disability) replaces 50-70% of your salary if you can't work due to illness or injury. It's essential for self-employed individuals and anyone without employer disability benefits. If your income stopped today, could you pay bills for 3-6 months?

It costs exactly the same. Carriers set the premiums, so you pay the same rate whether you buy directly or through an agent. The difference is that an independent agent shops multiple carriers for you and helps you find the best value — at zero additional cost.

An independent agent isn't tied to any single carrier. Unlike captive agents who sell only one company's products, independent agents like Scott shop plans across Florida Blue, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and more. You get unbiased recommendations and access to plans you wouldn't find on your own.

No. Scott's consultation and plan comparison services are 100% free. Insurance carriers pay the agent's commission — you pay the exact same premium whether you use an agent or buy directly. There is never a fee, a markup, or any additional cost.

Scott is based in Brevard County, Florida and serves clients throughout Florida and across 30 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.