Dawn Stewart - Individual Health Insurance Specialist
My name is Dawn Stewart and I am an Individual Health Plan Broker at Nico Insurance Services, Inc. in San Diego, California. My job is to help find good, affordable health coverage for individuals and families in the State of California.
Since 1979 Nico Insurance Services, Inc. has specialized in providing a level of service that separates our agency from others. I specialize in the individual and family markets. I examine your needs and provide options so that you will receive the best policy suited for you. I recognize that you have a choice when you shop for health insurance. I don’t work for the insurance company. I work for you!
When it’s time to find individual or family coverage, I will explain how each plan works, help you find a plan that suits both your needs and your pocket book, and get you through the application and underwriting process. Once your plan is in force, I am here for you to help administer your plan, answer any questions and make changes to your coverage as needed.
The top two carriers in California are Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California. Each offers a variety of HMO, PPO, HSA and Medicare Supplement plans as well as Prescription Drug Programs (PDP’s) for Seniors.
What’s the difference?
HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. Individual HMO plans usually offer a richer benefit base with 80 – 100% hospitalization coverage and only $10 office visit co-payments. However, on an HMO Plan you are required to pick a primary care doctor from the plan’s network of contracted providers.
PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. A PPO plan will pay a percentage of your medical bills. These plans will usually pay between 50%-80% depending on the plan you choose. PPO plans offer annual deductibles that range from $0-$5000. The higher the deductible, the lower the monthly cost. On a PPO plan, you are NOT required to choose a primary care doctor. You can go to any licensed physician, but using the plan’s contracted doctors will save you money.
HSA stands for Health Savings Account. An HSA-compatible plan offers you the opportunity to combine a health savings account (HSA) with your health plan. High-deductible health plans work together with HSAs to provide valuable health coverage and a potential tax advantage. Tax-deductible contributions to the HSA (and tax-free interest) can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses not covered by the health plan.
For Medicare Beneficiaries, our “Medigap” plans and Prescription Drug Programs will help you to fill the many gaps that Medicare alone can leave. To help fill the gaps in your Medicare coverage, you have the option of buying either a Medicare Supplement plan with a Prescription Drug Program on the side, or a “Medicare Advantage” plan which usually has the prescription drug coverage built in. We can help you to understand the difference in these types of coverage so you can make an informed decision about your healthcare.
I can also help with Dental, Life and Individual Disability Income plans.
If you live in California, and need help with individual health coverage, please contact me to review the information in more detail or to answer any questions regarding the many options available – (619)-667-2111, ext. 304 or by email at dawns@nicoins.com. You can also check out our website at www.nicoins.com.
