Member Education
Member Education — Learning Center
A growing library of guides, explainers, and resources.
Program FAQs
Search common questions
Answers on eligibility, coverage, enrollment, and premiums.
Browse all FAQsInsurance Basics
Short videos on the fundamentals
New to health insurance? Six quick explainers cover formularies, networks, deductibles, and HSAs.
Program FAQs
Common questions about the ASID Member Health Insurance program
Program Overview
Is there a program for small firms with 2-3 employees?
Yes! We offer plans for sole proprietors through large organizations often with expense reductions of 10 – 18%.
How are these policies different than what's available through the Marketplace?
The medical insurance plans are designed to help our covered members navigate the business of healthcare delivery and reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. Using the Care Advocacy services, members can reduce their out-of-pocket expenses for facility services and specialty medications, often to $0, increasing their financial wellness, and reducing their financial anxiety during a stressful event.
Is it traditional Major Medical Insurance?
Yes, all plans offered through the ASID Member Health Insurance Program are ACA Qualified policies with options to use national PPO networks, co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Who is the insurance company?
Members are offered a choice when selecting a plan, most notably, the provider networks are CIGNA PPO and PHCS Professional Services PPO.
Are major medical carriers like United Healthcare available?
No. Plans available through the ASID Member Health Insurance program are designed around transparency and pricing efficiency.
Eligibility
Is there a minimum number of employees required?
No!
Is the individual plan available in every U.S. state?
Yes!
I privately pay for my own insurance — am I eligible?
Yes!
Can I purchase insurance for my spouse as an individual member?
If the ASID member enrolls, coverage is available for spouse or domestic partner and dependent children.
I am a firm owner with a remote employee in another state. Can I still provide coverage?
Yes!
Does an entire company need to apply for health benefits?
No, only the employees who need health benefits should apply. The company may contribute to the premium, and any remaining amount will be paid by the employee.
Coverage & Plans
Do the plans cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes. However, your current providers, treatments and medications may not be covered under the plan. To ensure continuum of care and avoid treatment disruption, schedule a call with one of Arcwood's consultants before enrolling.
Do you work with major hospitals like Mayo Clinic?
This is case specific. There is no limitation of hospitals in the US; however, treatment plans must be pre-authorized.
Is a referral required to see a specialist?
Generally, no; however, some plans offer Care Coordination advocacy and when used, will reduce your out-of-pocket expense.
If I retire, can coverage continue?
Once you retire and become eligible for Medicare, Medicare would be your available option. If you retire before Medicare eligibility, Marketplace subsidies are generally best due to income changes. ASID encourages members considering this option to contact an Arcwood specialist for review.
Enrollment
Is there a wait period when signing up?
Members will have a choice when selecting the plan right for them and their employees. 1) Employers with 1 or more participants will select their waiting period. 2) Sole Proprietors (without an LLC as an example) will have open enrollment November through December 31 each year with an effective date of January 1. Enrollment in any other month of the year has the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period. For example, if the enrollment date is January 15, the effective date of the insurance will be April 1.
Is there a health questionnaire or physical required?
A health questionnaire is asked to ensure continuity of care. Plans available through the ASID Member Health Insurance program are ACA-qualified. You cannot be declined; however, occasionally your existing coverage may make more sense due to treatment plans.
Cost & Premiums
How affordable is an individual plan?
Rates are published on the benefits website provided by Arcwood. ASID recommends scheduling a call with an Arcwood specialist for a review.
Are premiums monthly or quarterly?
All premiums posted online are monthly.
Is there an online portal to manage doctors, claims, etc.?
Yes! Once enrolled, the member portals provided by the insurance plan will provide these plan details. Prior to enrolling, you may navigate to the benefits website provided by Arcwood for links to the provider networks.
Learn the Insurance Basics
New to health insurance? These short videos cover the fundamentals.
Presented by Stacy Hutton — Arcwood Benefits
What is a formulary, and how does it work?
Watch on YouTubeWhat is a HDHP (High-Deductible Health Plan)?
Watch on YouTubeIn-network vs out-of-network?
Watch on YouTubeOut of pocket maximums vs deductibles
Watch on YouTubePPO vs HMO vs HDHP?
Watch on YouTubeWhat is an HSA?
Watch on YouTubeNeed More Help?
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