What is the Pearl Health Care Exchange?
The Pearl Health Care Exchange is a private exchange marketplace where Appraisal Institute professionals and employers can shop for competitively priced insurance for themselves and their families.
What is the difference between a public and a private exchange?
A public exchange is set up through the federal or state government, or a combination of both, and will generally only offer healthcare and dental insurance plans. Private exchanges are set up by health insurance companies or brokerage firms, and are not part of the Affordable Care Act. However, all plans offered under the Pearl Health Care Exchange meet or exceed the U.S. Government guidelines of Minimum Essential Coverage that U.S. citizens must purchase.
What products are offered through the Pearl Health Care Exchange?
Medical insurance will be the main feature offered through the private exchange.
I have insurance through my employer. Can I still get coverage from the exchange?
Yes. Anyone can shop the public or private exchanges.
What is a subsidy, and do I qualify?
Subsidies are only offered to lower and middle-income individuals under age 65 who are not eligible for coverage through their employer, Medicaid, or Medicare.
Will I be turned down for a pre-existing health condition?
Most coverage that begins January 1, 2018 or later cannot refuse to cover you or charge you a higher premium based on a pre-existing health condition. This remains true through the public as well as the private health care exchanges.
What if I have additional questions?
We have benefits counselors available to answer your questions.
Is the private exchange available in all states?
No, not at this time. Due to complexities and differences in health insurance providers and the public exchange rules in each state, the health insurance products offered through the Pearl Health Care Exchange are not available in Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Hawaii.
Still have questions?
Pearl's Licensed Product Specialists are available to assist you. Just call 800.222.9958 and select option 3 anytime Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST or email exchange@aiinsurancetrust.org.