Health Insurance for B-1 & B-2 Individuals

Posted on by

The B-1/B-2 Visa allows an individual to come to the Untied States on a temporary basis. The B-1 is usually associated with business. The B-2 is used for tourism, vacation, medical treatments and participation in amateur sports, etc.

The first question we commonly get is can we get health insurance for an individual or family on this Visa? Short answer-Yes.

The most important question we need answering though is how long an individual will need coverage. If its only a short period of time a short term major medical should be sufficient. If it, its longer than six months a more permanent policy would a better solution.

Some of the carriers that provide short term major medical include International Medical Group, National General and United Healthcare.

For questions on B-1/B-2 Health Insurance please contact Evan Tunis at 800-974-5077.

Can an Asylum Applicant Qualify for Health Insurance?

Posted on by

As a sponsor of AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) we get frequent questions from immigration attorneys regarding whether their clients can qualify for coverage. There is much confusion on this, so we thought we’d dig a bit deeper on this.

The Health Insurance Marketplace(Obamacare) allows quite a bit a lot of immigration statuses the ability to get coverage. This includes not only Legal Permanent Residents but also EAD (Employment Authorization Document), Refugees, Cuban/Haitian Entrant and Lawful Temporary Residents.

Clients are usually asked to provide proof to the marketplace that will need to be verified. Failure to provide documentation could result in the policy being termed.

While coverage can be obtained the ability to get a subsidy can be more difficult. In 2018 an individual will need to make over $13,000 to get a subsidy to help offset the costs of the insurance. If a client makes under this depending on the state, they may not be eligible for any financial assistance. In addition, if an individual makes more than 400% of the poverty level they are not eligible for any financial assistance as well. For new immigrants it is our experience that the marketplace will most likely ask for proof of this income. This can be a challenge since many do not have pay stubs or a W-2. The marketplace could thus strip the subsidy away making coverage unaffordable.

For clients who do not qualify for financial assistance we advise always going private. The plans are stronger and there is no burden of proof for income. In addition, you do not need to worry about your information going into the federal governments database.

For any questions on an individuals’ options please contact Evan Tunis at 800-974-5077.

Can I Change My Name Before Becoming a Naturalized Citizen?

Posted on by

As one of the leaders in international insurance we frequently get questions that go beyond our expertise. One of them had to do with if it was possible to change a name before becoming a citizen.

The simple answer is YES! You can use the State Courts to do a formal Name change and the USCIS will accept it as the true name. For an insurance policy we can easily make the change within a few days.

Inflation & Your Health Insurance Costs

Posted on by

Inflation… We understand the concept-goods purchased now could be more expensive in the future. For example, 30 years ago a cup of coffee cost 25 cents. That same cup of coffee will now cost your $3.00 at Starbucks.

On the reverse side things like televisions and laser eye surgery have gone down in price.

We discovered the chart below and made a point to show it to all our clients.

The chart illustrates inflation form 1997-2017. Items such as TV’s, clothing and toys have gone down in price. What’s gone up is housing, childcare and #1 hospital costs.

Why is this important?

This is important due to the fact many policies being sold today have limits for hospitals. Such companies as U.S. Health Advisors, Liberty Health etc. offer protection in a hospital that will leave an individual bankrupt.

E&M Global Insurance makes sure our clients are properly insured. This includes plans with no caps for hospitals and a myriad of benefits. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.

E&M Global Insurance to present at the Fort Lauderdale BBG Roundtable

Posted on by

E&M Global insurance will be presenting at Café Vico this Tuesday from 6:00-8:00. The presentation titled, “Humanizing the Transaction of Insurance” will be the focus of the BBG (Brazilian Business Group) Fort Lauderdale Roundtable series.

Evan Tunis, owner of E&M Global Insurance, “We are extremely honored that the BBG has allowed us to share and teach all that we do. We have a unique story and we want to share this with everyone.”

The presentation will focus on the origins of the company and the plans for the future.

Watch The Scam.. U.S. Health Advisors is Not Cigna

Posted on by

E&M Global Insurance prides itself with only working with the best.   From Cigna, United or even Allianz we will only put our clients with the top carriers and networks.  Yet every few months or so I hear of some programs offering low rates and amazing coverage.  Upon investigation its usually coverage that would leave an individual bankrupt the moment that a large claim comes up.  Today’s flavor of the month is U.S Health Group.

The first thing with U.S. Health Group is that they market themselves a Cigna PPO.  They rent Cigna’s network but only pay up to the maximum on all policies.  They also make the (false) claim that they group together other healthy individuals in a risk pool, so your rates are lower.  This is the same claim Mega Life and Health used to make with the National Association of the Self Employed(NASE).  It was a lie then and it’s a lie now.

What is the maximum on these policies?

Well let’s start with a hospital stay.  Under this policy that max the carrier will pay out per day is $400-$700.  Go ahead and ask any hospital what they charge for drugs, testing etc.  This amount lasts 15 minutes.  What about a heart attack or cancer?  Great news the maximum they will pay is $2400-4200 per day.   If your particular plan has limits per day-its an indemnity product.  These are extremely dangerous and should only be bought as a supplement to a proper policy.  

In addition, and individual must pay a $95 app fee for this insurance.

This is not proper insurance and will leave an individual vulnerable to tremendous pain.  If you are considering one of these plans or want to switch, please let us know.

What is E&M Global Insurance?

Posted on by

E&M Global Insurance exists to humanize the transaction of insurance.

As a leader in international health insurance and 15 years in domestic health insurance we understand the right questions to ask to simplify the insurance process.

Feel free to ask me to review any of your insurance needs including small business group, individual and international insurance policies.  If you have and questions we are here to chat or call anytime.

In Interview with Michelle Tunis, VP of E&M Global

Posted on by

Today we will take a few minutes talking to the secret weapon of E&M Global Insurance, Michelle Tunis.  Michelle has a unique path that led her to E&M and her passion is evident.

So, tell us a bit about your background?

I was born in Peabody, Mass but moved to South Florida when I was 2.  I’ve traveled quite a bit, yet always found Florida to be where I feel most at home.  I am an only child, so you can say my friends are like my sisters. 

My dad would travel a lot on business leaving  my mom and I home alone quite a bit.  My mom has a lot of health issues and all I wanted to do was help her.    It’s  was back then that I decided that whatever career I chose I would help people.

What sort of health issues did she have?

She suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and unfortunately there is no cure.  She often would be holed up with a month for a neck surgery, followed by an elbow or foot-injury.  Its truly an  awful disease.  Yet through it all she remained positive and happy.   She is the strongest person I know.

What did you get your degree in?

I started my undergrad at Everglades University.  I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Alternative Medicine.  I also wanted to help individuals like my mom and this was a perfect place.  Following my graduation, I decided  to become an acupuncturist.  I was accepted and enrolled at ATOM (The Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine).  Upon graduation, I opened my own practice working with many individuals including athletes helping them with whatever ailments they had.

What did you learn most about being an acupuncturist?

The first thing is that you can have all the knowledge in the world about acupuncture but you need a  solid business plan to succeed.  I was learning on the fly and it was difficult.  The other thing is that you need to accept that you are  there to help as best as possible.  No matter how many sessions or therapyies there are some issues that go beyond your scope.  It was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

How did you come to work with E&M Global?

After a few years of being a full-time acupuncturist I needed flexibility to take care of my young child.  I was offered several positions, but the time value wouldn’t have worked.  It was then  I was recruited by Evan Tunis.

How exactly did that happen?

Well he did a lot of begging…LOL.  Seriously, we had a conversation where he laid out the mission statement of the company and where I could fit in.  I’ve always been an extrovert and him an introvert(Yin/Yang) so naturally it fit.  It also fit my definition of helping people which is what I want to do in life.

What is your role with E&M?

My role is to be the marketing guru for all your actions whether it be Facebook, YouTube, etc.   In addition, I regularly attend meetings with the Brazilian Business Group, AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) and many other trade groups. I love educating and communicating our message to prospective clients as well our referral partners. 

Final question Michelle, where do you see E&M Global in the next five years?

We firmly believe that we will become the top agency for our market.  We are beginning several different initiatives that we believe will accomplish this. 

20 Days Left in 2018 Health Insurance Open Enrollment

Posted on by

 

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving for you and your family. If you’re not aware we are more than 50% done with health insurance open enrollment for the year 2018. This is the only time of the year when you can change plans, add or remove a spouse or find new coverage.

We work with most carriers nationwide and can guide you or your clients in this important time. Choosing the wrong plan can have devastating consequences for years to come.

E&M Global Insurance will NOT be taking any days off between now and December 15th to give everyone proper time to find a new policy. Please call at 800-974-5077 or send me an email at Evan@EMGlobalInsurance.com and we’ll get started.