GOT YOU COVERED!

AFFORDASHARE - SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Sarah Browning

Jeff Frey, founder and CEO of AffordaShare, used to sell traditional health insurance, but with an increase of calls from clients with complaints, questions about their current health insurance plans, constant changes, confusion about networks and monthly premiums skyrocketing, and deductible amounts going up, he thought there had to be a better way for his clients. Jeff determined there really were only a couple options out there.

“You really don’t need health insurance - what you need is a way to pay for your medical treatment when needed,” Jeff says.

What he found is that treating your health care like any other buying decisionobtaining the price and evaluating the facility and physicians, and then simply paying for the care and treatment you need - is the best way to go. It’s simple and straightforward. Therefore, about eight years ago he launched AffordaShare. AffordaShare is not insurance, but rather a private, cashpay medical association. “Once you become a member with AffordaShare, you no longer need traditional health insurance,” Jeff says.

Jeff says his target market is primarily smallbusiness owners, independent contractors, real estate agents, roofers, landscaping companies, those in the HVAC industry, and anyone who does not have access to a large-group plan - or self-employed people who obtain individual health insurance.

“Clients usually save about 30 to 50% compared to regular, traditional health insurance, all while still receiving great health care coverage and great customer service,” Jeff says. The goal of AffordaShare is to get clients the best medical care and treatment at the best price.

A lot of people think they can only change their health plans once per year, but that’s not always true. Typically, you can call or email your current health care provider and cancel any time throughout the year - they often just don’t want you to do that. Health care plans and health insurance plans are generally month to month, and can be canceled throughout the year with a couple weeks of advance notice. “We have open enrollment all year long at AffordaShareyou can enroll with us any time,” Jeff says.

They do, however, see an upsurge in enrollments towards the end of the year as people and small businesses plan for the upcoming year. Fall or open enrollment is an important time for you, individually and for small businesses.

“Any time is a great time to compare AffordaShare to your current health care plan,” Jeff adds. “If we can save you money, still offer great health care protection and give you great customer service, why not do it? It’s a heads you win, tails you tie. There is nothing to lose by simply comparing cost and coverage regardless of what time of the year it is.”

AffordaShare offers many different packages and levels, with varying features and benefits to fit everyone’s needs and budgets, regardless of age or medical conditions. In addition, AffordaShare serves all demographics, from younger people who just got off of their parents’ plans, all the way up to those who are ready to switch over to Medicare.

“We have clients of all ages - married, single, and families with children - and we are currently in 22 states all across the country,” Jeff says. “We can help people anywhere in the country - all 50 states.”

If you’re not sure if AffordaShare is a good fit for you, it doesn’t hurt to compare. You can call them up or go to the website at affordashare.com. Click on the “Get a Quote” tab in the upper right section. Just complete the info there and hit “SUBMIT.” Within 24 hours you’ll have multiple options and prices to review. “This way you can make a well-informed, thoughtful decision on what’s best for you, your business and your family,” Jeff says.

Of course, nothing in life is certain. The Freys know this well. A few years ago they got a call from a 28-year-old man who was inquiring about AffordaShare because his mother wouldn’t stop telling him to obtain some type of coverage.

He told Jeff he was healthy, worked out, didn’t smoke, and wasn’t sure he’d ever need or use the coverage. He wanted the cheapest plan possible. Jeff set him up with the leastexpensive package that did not cover annual exams, dental or vision. However, if he had a major medical event, the most he would be responsible for paying was $6,000 per year. As fate would have it, this young, seemingly invincible man was diagnosed with cancer six months later.

“His care and treatment extended out for almost two years, so he paid a total of only $12,000 out of almost $150,000 in medical expenses,” Jeff says. “He is grateful he contacted us, and so is his mom.”

One question Jeff often hears is, “What am I not getting with you that I am getting with my current plan?”

“We do not cover ongoing counseling for serious mental health issues like severe depression, mental health hospitalization, or drug and alcohol rehabilitation,” Jeff says. “Virtually everything else is covered, including broken bones, stitches, ultrasounds, maternity, cancer, strokes, heart attacks and anything in between.”

Though they don’t cover mental health counseling, they do cover office visits for conditions like depression, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. “If you need to go in and consult with your doctor a couple times per year about your medication, that is just a simple office visit and we cover that,” Jeff says.

Jeff’s wife, Lisa, who also works for AffordaShare, finds that potential clients often want to talk to current members to ask how easy the process is.

“We have many members that have used us for years and have experienced various medical issues,” Lisa says. “I find that they are happy to share their thoughts and experiences of having AffordaShare with new or prospective members. They weigh the pros and cons, and after evaluating the coverage, talking with a longtime member and looking at the savings, they usually decide AffordaShare is the best option for them.”

Check out AffordaShare, as it may be the best option for you as well.

AffordaShare is based out of Fishers, Indiana. For more information, call 317-431-7541 or visit affordashare.com.