SOLO: Frequently Asked Questions
Applying/Enrolling/Quotes
Rates
Benefits
Payment
Choosing a Benefit Plan Right for Me…
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Applying/Enrolling/Quotes
How long does it take to enroll?
HAP is the only local Michigan health plan to offer the convenience of complete online enrollment for an individual health plan. Enrolling online can take less than 30 minutes and coverage can begin as soon as the first day of the month following acceptance and payment.
How long will it take to process the enrollment form?
The time it takes to process your application form depends on your particular situation and medical history. Please note that your coverage does not become effective until we have approved your application, and received payment.
After I apply, how soon can my coverage be effective?
Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the approval date and receipt of payment. Your effective date depends on how quickly we can complete the underwriting process. We process applications as soon as they are received, but may experience delays in receiving medical records or other requested information.
Should I cancel my existing coverage?
Do not cancel your current insurance until you are notified that you have been accepted for coverage. If another carrier currently covers you, you must agree to discontinue the other coverage prior to or on the effective date of the SOLO powered by HAP plan.
Is there an application fee?
No, HAP does not charge an application fee.
Do I need to send my premium payment with the application form?
Yes, you will need to submit payment information for either a credit card or checking account on your application. This information will be used to cover your first month's premium. The funds will be applied to your card or taken from your account once your application is approved and you have accepted coverage.
What is Medical Underwriting?
Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company individually underwrites each application based on the health history and current health status. Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company must obtain health and medical information in order to underwrite each application. This is accomplished through the use of health questions on the application form. In some instances a follow-up medical questionnaire, and/or telephone call, and/or email may be required to verify information. Medical records may be requested and independent information gathered from other insurance industry entities.
Do you request medical records?
As part of the underwriting process we may request your medical records using the information you supplied on your application. Failure to provide complete and accurate information on the application can delay application processing.
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is a sickness or bodily injury for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within the 6-month period prior to the covered person’s effective date of coverage. Benefits for pre-existing conditions are not payable until the covered person’s coverage has been in force for 12 consecutive months with HAP.
I am a current HAP member. Can I convert my coverage to a SOLO Plan?
SOLO plans are voluntary plans that are medically underwritten. If you are interested in a SOLO plan, you must submit a completed application form and you will be medically underwritten, even if you are currently covered under an employer sponsored health plan.
Can I enroll just my children?
Yes. SOLO offers policies for children covered as part of a family, or policies covering only children.
What ages are eligible to apply?
Applicants must be under 65.
At what age do my dependents need to apply for their own coverage?
SOLO provides coverage for dependents until the end of their 18th year. After that time, they must apply for their own coverage.
How do I add a member? What if I have a “life changing” event, like getting married or having a child?
If you need to add/remove a member please contact our Client Services department at the number listed on your ID card or email us at SOLO@hap.org.
How do I check on an application I’ve already submitted or get back to an incomplete application?
To check the progress of your application or continue where you left off, Just go to www.hap.org/SOLO and click on the “My Account” link. Since your application is password-protected, you’ll need to enter the log-in information provided when you started the application.
Can HAP ever cancel my policy?
If you made false statements on your application, filed fraudulent claims or failed to pay your premiums on time, HAP can cancel your policy. HAP cannot cancel your policy because of your health or claims.
If I get a new job that offers health insurance, how do I cancel my SOLO policy?
Simply email your cancellation request to solo@hap.org. Your request should include your HAP ID and/or group number, along with the requested date of termination.
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Rates
Will my rate ever change?
Rates are guaranteed for 12 months. Upon renewal, adjustments may be made when necessary, but are not based on your personal claims experience. We do not look at the claims experience of any one insured. In order to determine if a rate adjustment is necessary we do review the trends in claims across all members with coverage similar to yours. Spreading the cost to all insureds within a group is the principle behind insurance. SOLO will give at least 30 days notice before any rate modification.
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Benefits
How soon can I see a doctor once I apply?
You can see a doctor on the first day you are effective for your SOLO plan. Remember, coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following acceptance and payment.
Do I have to choose a PCP? How do I get a referral?
SOLO’s plan designs do not require you to be assigned to a PCP or obtain a referral to see your doctor or specialist.
Can I change my coverage anytime?
If you choose to increase your coverage level at renewal, you will need to reapply for coverage and will be subject to medical underwriting and approval.
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Payment
How will you bill me?
No need to worry about paying your bill on time, we make it easy for you! We don’t send a bill, we transfer funds from your checking account or charge your credit card. The more automated the process the less time you have to spend worrying about your bills. When you are accepted for a SOLO plan, you will know the exact amount of money and approximate day it will be withdrawn from your bank account or applied to your credit card each billing period.
Is there a grace period for payment?
No. Your health care plan is a pre-paid account. Health Alliance Plan will collect your premium dollars automatically from either your credit card or your bank account. In the event that the money is not available, your policy will be canceled due to non-payment.
What happens if I can no longer afford my coverage? Can I cancel and re-apply later?
You can cancel at any time, providing 30 days for processing. You can chose to re-enroll at a later time, subject to medical underwriting and approval.
Can I change the date funds are deducted from my account?
No, Health Alliance Plan will collect monies from your account on a pre-determined date.
Can someone else pay my premium if I am the policy holder?
The financial information provided on the member application can be someone other than the person insured as long as the account is verified and in good standing.
How can I update my email address?
SOLO Members can change their email address online by sending an email to SOLO@hap.org or contact our Client Services department at the number listed on your ID Card.
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Choosing a Benefit Plan Right for Me…
How does HAP’s PPO plan work?
In general, a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan is offered by insurers who have a network of health care providers contracted to provide services at a discounted rate. A PPO plan offers you the freedom to continue using your family doctor or any other doctor you prefer. However, if the doctor or hospital you choose is not in HAP’s PPO network, HAP will cover a smaller portion of the total costs.
You’ll have an annual deductible to pay before HAP starts covering your medical bills. You may also have a copayment for certain services and be required to cover a certain percentage of the total charges for your medical bills.
How is individual health insurance different from insurance through an employer?
Insurance you get through an employer is called “group” health insurance, meaning the rates are determined based on everyone in the group. Individual and family health insurance rates are calculated much like your car insurance – they’re based on the people covered. SOLO quotes take into consideration your age, gender, tobacco use, health status and other factors.
We encourage you to get a quote and see for yourself – you may be surprised to find out how affordable a SOLO health plan can be! And with our initial rate guarantee, you can rest assured that your premium won’t change during the first 12 months you’re covered.
How do I determine if a SOLO HSA plan is right for me?
A lot of factors go into that decision, including plan choice, health care spending, and your personal preferences. We encourage you to check out our Website www.hap.org/SOLO. After you read about how the plan works and compare the plan features, simply do the math. Review the Summary of Benefits for each plan to find your potential out-of-pocket costs, and then get a quote. For more information, see Health Savings Account FAQs.
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Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
How do I choose an HSA administrator?
While you may open an HSA with any institution of your choice, we have arranged for you to establish your SOLO HSA health plan and initiate the process of opening an HSA with the ACS/Mellon HSA Solution Financial all in one easy step.
Fill out the Request for a Health Savings Account (HSA) - AUTHORIZATION FORM within your SOLO application form.
Mellon will then send you a Welcome Kit which includes information about the HSA and account terms and conditions, and a signature card that you will need to sign and return to Mellon.
HSA Frequently Asked Questions (by category)
https://hsamember.com/faq.html
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