FAQ
Insurance Questions, Answered
Short answers to the questions people ask most often. Each answer links to the page with the full explanation.
Working with a broker
- What is an independent insurance broker?
- An independent broker compares plans from several insurance companies instead of representing just one. Dagan Martinez-Vargas looks at plans from multiple carriers and helps you choose the one that fits your doctors, prescriptions, budget and goals.
- Do you meet in person or online?
- Most consultations are held over Zoom, so you can meet with Dagan from home or work. See the meeting types.
- Do you work with clients outside Austin?
- Yes. CHA Lifeguard is based in Austin and works with clients across Texas over Zoom. See the service area.
Health insurance
- How does Dagan help with health insurance options?
- Dagan helps Texas individuals, families and self-employed people compare ACA Marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov, PPO and HMO plans, and individual or small-group options on total cost and network access. He matches your doctors, pre-existing conditions and prescriptions to each plan and offers year-round help, including during Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment. Read the full guide to health insurance help in Austin.
Cancer, heart and accident plans
- How do supplemental cash-benefit plans work during a major health crisis?
- Supplemental cancer, heart and accident plans generally pay cash directly to you, not to your doctors, after a covered event such as a cancer diagnosis, heart attack, stroke, or a hospital or ICU stay after an accident. You decide how to use the money, for example on rent, car payments or business bills while you recover. Terms vary by policy. Learn how cancer, heart and accident insurance works.
Dental and vision
- Should I get dental and vision from the same company as my health insurance?
- Often not. Your doctor, dentist and eye doctor may be in different carriers' networks, so Dagan compares dental, vision and health plans separately instead of bundling them by default. Compare dental and vision plans.
Group coverage
- How does group health coverage change as my company grows?
- The rules change with company size. Very small teams often compare individual coverage with a micro-group plan, small businesses generally fall under small-group market rules, and employers with 50 or more full-time and full-time-equivalent employees face ACA employer requirements. Dagan revisits your plan as you grow. See group health insurance options by company size.
Disability insurance
- How do elimination periods and benefit durations affect disability coverage?
- The elimination period decides how soon benefits start after a disability begins (common options include 30 or 90 days). The benefit duration decides how long they're paid, from short periods up to retirement age. Availability depends on the policy. A longer waiting period means relying on your own savings for longer. Read more about disability insurance.
Life insurance
- What's the difference between term and whole life insurance?
- Term life covers a set number of years and is often used to protect a mortgage or household income during working years. Whole life is permanent coverage that builds cash value and is often used for final expenses. Compare life insurance types.
Don't see your question? Book a consultation or call (512) 612-3226.
Talk to Dagan
Ready to compare your options?
Book a consultation and pick the meeting type that fits your question: health insurance, life or disability insurance, cancer, heart and accident plans, or group benefits.