Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why should members participate in the W.A.R. sponsored plans?
A: In the insurance industry, a large numbers of subscribers equates to the needed leverage to achieve the association's desired rate and plan design concessions.

Q: What types of medical insurance plans are available to Washington Association of Realtors members?
A: Employee groups (ownership & staff) are eligible for group plans in all areas. In a few selected locations agents will be allowed to join in the staff plans. Washington State defines any self-employed individual as a group, so micro group plans are available to Washington agents. In all of Washington, members are able to purchase individual medical plans. See County Map for specific coverages.

Q: How do I determine the best product for my medical insurance needs?
A: That is where the services of BCNW are extremely valuable. Each individual or group presents a unique set of circumstances, so there is no one consistent answer. We will analyze the products available, assess your insurance needs, and make recommendations of the best fit for you. For those members who may utilize a Group Health plan, we have created a plan comparison to make this easy for you.

Q: How difficult is the process of switching insurance companies?
A: Typically, the process of obtaining quotes and applying for coverage are reasonably easy and straightforward. However, it is not unusual to have some degree of access inconvenience the first week or two on a new insurance plan.

Q: What is a realistic time frame for accomplishing a switch of insurance plans?
A: Depending on the type of insurance plan, the size and complexity of the group, and the insurance companies we are quoting, it may take up to a week to ten days to receive quotes. But for many of the companies, we have the ability to quote the same day. You will need to also allow enough time for your decision and enrollment process and most insurance companies require that enrollment paper work be submitted 10-14 days prior to the effective date.

Q: What are these Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) that I keep hearing about?
A: The MSA concept is an ideal one for families or individuals who make minimal use of medical services, are seeking to minimize premium dollars, and are looking for a tax sheltered method to accumulate rainy day savings for medical.

Q: What are PPO provider networks? What does it mean to be out-of-network?
A: Insurance companies contract with doctors, hospitals and other medical providers to give special service discounts and ease of claims processing to their members. This is called a PPO plan. When a subscriber chooses to work with a provider not under contract to the network, then they are said to be out-of-network. This almost always results in reduced benefit levels under the plan.

Q: How does an HMO differ from a PPO?
A: When the requirement to choose a network primary care physician and coordinate all care through that individual is added to a PPO plan, then the result is an HMO plan. In some specialized HMO plans, the subscriber is allowed to bypass the referral process, but this usually results in reduced benefits. This style of plan is called a POS (Point of Service) plan.

Q: What is a deductible? What is co-insurance?
A: A deductible on your medical insurance acts very similar to a deductible on auto or homeowner’s insurance. Once you have paid the deductible amount, the typical medical insurance plans enters what is known as the co-insurance phase, in which the subscriber and the insurance company each pay a percentage part of the claim. The point at which the subscriber’s co-insurance responsibility stops is known as the maximum out-of-pocket or stop loss point.

Q: Do I always need to meet my deductible?
A: Many plans have services not subject to the plan deductible. Frequently wellness visits (annual physicals and immunizations) are not subject to the deductible. Many plans waive the deductible for routine illness office visits and instead impose an office visit copay. Some plans also waive the deductible for lab work and diagnostic imaging.