Frequently asked questions

No. There is no cost to talk with Blake or to get help comparing plans. Plans cost the same whether you enroll on your own or through an agent. Agents are paid by the insurance companies, not by you.

No. Utah Family Insurance Advisors is an independent agency, so Blake compares plans from Utah’s top-rated carriers to find the one that fits your needs and budget.

Meet by phone, video, or in person, whichever works best for you. A first conversation usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, but it can run an hour or two depending on your situation. There’s never a rush, and if you want to chat about life outside of insurance too, Blake is happy to.

It helps to have a list of your doctors and prescriptions, your current insurance card or policy information, and for Marketplace plans, an estimate of your household income for the year. If you do not have everything, that is okay. We can start with what you know.

Blake is licensed in Utah and works with individuals and families across the state.

A good time to start is about 3 months before the month you turn 65, which is when your Initial Enrollment Period begins. Starting early gives you time to compare options without feeling rushed.

Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private plan. A Medicare Supplement policy works alongside Original Medicare to help with certain out-of-pocket costs. The right approach depends on your needs and preferences.

If you go without Part D or other creditable drug coverage for a period of time after you first become eligible, you may owe a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part D. Blake can help you weigh your options.

It depends on your employer coverage. In many cases, people with group health coverage through current employment can delay Part B without a penalty. Blake can help you figure out what makes sense for your situation.

With Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement, you can see any provider in the country that accepts Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage plans use a provider network, so Blake will check that your doctors are in network before you enroll.

Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years. Part B has a standard monthly premium, which is higher for people with higher incomes. Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Part D plans may have their own premiums, deductibles and copays.

You can return to Original Medicare during certain enrollment periods. However, outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and certain guaranteed-issue situations, Medicare Supplement insurers may ask health questions and can decline coverage or charge more. That is why it is worth getting this decision right the first time.

Eligibility is based mainly on your household size and expected income for the year. Blake can give you an estimate in a few minutes.

No. Marketplace plans cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of a pre-existing condition.

You may still be able to enroll if you have had a qualifying life event in the last 60 days, such as losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby or moving.

The metal levels show how you and the plan split costs. Bronze plans have lower monthly premiums but higher costs when you get care. Gold plans have higher premiums but lower costs when you get care. Silver plans fall in between, and they are the only level that can include extra savings on deductibles and copays for people who qualify.

Common examples include losing other health coverage, getting married, having or adopting a child, and moving to a new area. Most qualifying events give you 60 days to enroll.

Report income changes to the Marketplace so your tax credit can be adjusted. Your tax credit is reconciled when you file your taxes, so if you received too much you may have to pay some back, and if you received too little you may get more back.

You can usually buy a Marketplace plan, but you typically will not qualify for a tax credit if your employer offers coverage that is considered affordable and meets minimum standards. Blake can help you compare both options.

Term life covers you for a set number of years and is usually the most affordable. Whole life covers you for your entire life and builds cash value, but costs more.

Not always. Some policies require an exam, while others only ask health questions. Blake can help you find options that fit your situation.

Cost depends on your age, health, the type of policy, the amount of coverage and, for term life, the length of the term. The younger and healthier you are when you buy, the lower your rate usually is.

A common starting point is to add up the income your family would need to replace, plus your mortgage, other debts, future education costs and final expenses. Blake will walk through the numbers with you and suggest an amount that fits your budget.

Yes. Many people combine policies, such as a term policy to cover the years their family depends on their income plus a smaller permanent policy for final expenses.

Coverage ends when the term is over unless you renew or convert it. Many term policies let you convert to a permanent policy without a new medical exam during a set window, so it is worth knowing your options ahead of time.

Group life insurance through work is a great benefit, but coverage amounts are often limited, and it usually ends if you leave or change jobs. Many people add an individual policy they own themselves.

Supplemental insurance adds benefits your main health plan may not cover, such as dental and vision care or cash benefits for a hospital stay, accident or serious illness.

No. It works alongside your health plan and is not a substitute for major medical coverage.

Some plans, especially dental plans, have waiting periods before certain services are covered. Blake will explain any waiting periods before you enroll.

In many cases, yes. Blake can help you find options that work with the coverage you already have.

Hospital indemnity, critical illness, accident and cancer plans typically pay a set amount directly to you when a covered event happens. You can use the money however you need, from deductibles and copays to travel, groceries or rent while you recover.

Many dental plans cover preventive care like cleanings at a high percentage, and basic and major services like fillings and crowns at a lower percentage. Plans often have waiting periods and an annual maximum, so Blake will explain exactly what a plan covers before you enroll.

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, eye exams for glasses, or glasses and contacts. Some Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits, and stand-alone dental and vision plans can fill the gap.

Yes. Individual dental, vision and supplemental plans are available whether or not you have coverage through work.