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Welcome to the Individual Insurance Shop

Necessary Agreement
Vita welcomes you to explore your options within the individual health insurance market. But before you do, we want to make sure that you are aware of a few key facts about this market. These facts may affect your choices and decisions. Please read the information below and initial the box next to each item to confirm that you understand and agree.

	Individual Plans are Underwritten on an Individual Basis In the individual insurance market, your health and the health of your eligible dependents will determine the rate offered by the insurance carrier. Please understand that something as minor as taking a prescription medication can result in a higher premium being charged or the application being denied. Please also recognize that the rates illustrated on this website are “level one” or “tier one” rates, meaning that these rates are offered only to applicants considered to be in near perfect health. If approved, the rate offered to you will be determined by your personal health and the health of your eligible dependents. Rates typically range from tier one to tier five, depending on carrier.

	"Global" Rate Increases Insurance carriers are allowed to increase the premium they charge for your coverage. However, premium increases may not be imposed as a direct result of any change to your health, or the health of your eligible dependents, even when that change occurs after the date your policy is issued. Carriers are only allowed to issue “global” rate adjustments for all members enrolled in a particular plan. Such adjustments occur at periodic intervals as each carrier determines appropriate.

	Premiums Increase as You Get Older In addition to an applicant’s health and place of residence, age also plays a role in determining the monthly premium amount. Applicants living in the same area, determined to be of comparable health that are within the same predetermined age range pay the same premium. Once the individual policy owner has a birthday that would put him or her in the next age range, the premium amount increases. This change in premium typically takes effect the first of the month following their birthday.

	Typical Processing Time for an Application is Two to Eight Weeks The turnaround time on an individual application is typically two to eight weeks. The processing time can sometimes take even longer if the applicant’s medical records are requested. Due to the fact that the processing time of an application can vary dramatically from case to case, and there is a possibility that the application may be denied, it is recommended that you not terminate existing coverage with the expectation of receiving individual insurance. Existing health insurance should only be terminated when and if you receive written confirmation from the carrier that your individual health policy has been issued on all applicants.

	The Applicant/Member is Responsible for Understanding the Benefits Coverage available to private individuals is typically much less comprehensive than coverage available to employer groups. Please note that it is your responsibility to understand how the plan you choose operates. It is important that you pay particular attention to the limitations and exclusions section of your certificate prior to obtaining services and filing claims.

	Providing Incorrect or Incomplete Information on the Application Will Result in the Application Being Denied or the Coverage Being Revoked It is imperative that all questions on the application are answered as completely and honestly as possible. Coverage will be revoked retroactively to the effective date if it is later learned that false information was provided or that information was omitted from the application that could have potentially affected the underwriting of your policy. If coverage is revoked it will be as if the coverage was never in place.

	Vita assumes that you have submitted complete and accurate information on your application, and assumes no liability for revoked or cancelled coverage.