How to Apply for Coverage
To apply for HIPUtah coverage, you must follow these steps
- Please pay special attention to the instructions and provide the necessary information requested. If the application is not complete or if the required documentation is missing, the application will be returned to you and will delay the application process and your effective date
- Include copies of your medical records or a physician's letter detailing your diagnoses and prognoses with your application. In addition, to receive credit for prior insurance coverage, you must submit proof of previous insurance.
- Choose a deductible and premium. There are three calendar year deductible options available. The HIPUtah Outline of Coverage includes information on these. Choose the specific deductible desired and determine the monthly rate (premiums) for the deductible you have selected
- When all forms are completed, mail the application, the medical information, proof of insurance, and payment option form to the following address:
Sentry West Insurance Services
Attn: Jared Balis
3860 South 2300 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
If the application is complete and all documentation is provided, you can expect to receive a status report from a HIPUtah representative within two weeks of the submission of your application. If additional medical information or other information is required, HIPUtah will contact you. If you have any questions, or need assistance, please call 801-308-2070.
Other HIP Utah resources:
HIP Utah - Utah Health Insurance Pool
and other options if you have been denied health insurance in the state of Utah
Before you apply for HIPUtah, try applying for Assurant Health. Assurant has helped Utah residents obtain coverage, once local insurers such as SelectHealth, Blue Cross, and Altius have denied them.
Assurant offers unique and lenient underwriting, high deductible health plans, condition specific deductibles, and exclusion riders to get you covered. Assurant also offers an optional three year rate guarantee, so your premium doesn't change for three full years. Also offered is a decreasing deductible. For every six month period that you don't meet your deductible, it decreases 10% until it is nearly cut in half.
If you have been denied due to a health condition or high prescription costs, try applying for the "OneDeductible" plan. It is recommended that you apply for the highest deductible you would be willing to accept. This will increase your chance of receiving an offer.
Other Options if you Have Been Denied
This isn't the answer all of the time. But, if you feel that your condition is well controlled and the insurance company shouldn't have any reason to expect significant future claims, it may be a good idea to apply to HumanaOne or Assurant Health for a catastrophic health insurance plan or possibly a plan with office visit co-pays and prescription coverage.
HumanaOne introduced their individual plans is Utah in 2006. They are more lenient than most of the other insurance companies in Utah.
Assurant offers condition specific deductibles that allow them to offer plans to those that other insurers won't.
COBRA
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) requires most employers with group health plans to offer employees the opportunity to continue temporarily their group health care coverage under their employer's plan if their coverage otherwise would cease due to termination, layoff, or other change in employment status (referred to as "qualifying events").
You cannot be denied for group health insurance through an employer for health history or medical reasons. Some people seek employers with health insurance benefits because they know the employer's health plan will accept them, no matter what their health history.
Utah Medicaid Insurance
The state offers medical insurance for individuals who meet certain requirements, such as financial and residential requirements. This plan cannot be sold by Utah agents. For more information click here or call 800-662-9651.
UPP (Utah's Premier Partnership for Health Insurance)
UPP (Utah's Premium Partnership for Health Insurance) helps make health insurance more affordable for working individuals and families who do not currently have health insurance. UPP (pronounced ‘up’) helps you pay your monthly health insurance premiums through your employer’s health insurance plan. For more information click here or call 1-888-222-2542.
