The Hidden Financial Gaps in Your Health Plan. And How to Fix Them

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Most people think, "I have health insurance, I'm covered." But here's the truth: even the best health plans leave financial gaps.

Whether you're insured through work, buying your policy, or on Medicare, you're likely exposed to out-of-pocket costs that can add up fast and surprise you when life happens. At AEC Insure, we help individuals and families in Memphis and Northwest Mississippi uncover those gaps before they lead to unexpected bills or financial stress.

In this post, we'll break down the most common gaps and, more importantly, how to fix them with smart, affordable solutions.

Common Health Plan Gaps You May Not Know About

1. High Deductibles: Many modern health plans (especially Bronze or Silver marketplace plans) have deductibles ranging from $3,000-$8,000. Until that's met, you pay 100% of the costs for:

   • Imaging (X-rays, MRIs)

   • Outpatient surgery

   • Emergency room visits

   • Specialist care

2. No Coverage for Dental or Vision: Most health plans do not include dental or vision, even for basic needs like:

   • Cleanings, X-rays, or fillings

   • Eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses

3. Limited Emergency Coverage: If you're hospitalized, expect:

   • Copays for each day you're admitted

   • Separate bills from doctors, anesthesiologists, and labs

   • Charges for ambulance transportation

4. No Cash Payout in a Crisis: Your Health plan may pay hospitals and doctors, but about you? What happens if you:

   • Can't work after an accident or surgery?

   • Need to travel for specialized care?

   • Need extra funds to help your family while you recover?

How to Fix These Gaps (Without Breaking Your Budget)

Good news: you can fix these gaps affordably by adding a few targeted polices known as ancillary or supplemental insurance.

Here's how:

Dental & Vision Insurance

Fills in what your health plan leaves out, basic care like:

• Cleanings and preventive visits (often covered 100%)

• Fillings, contact lenses, eye exams

• Glasses, contact lenses, eye exams

Costs: Plans often start at $25 -$40/month for individuals and families.

Accident Insurance

Pays directly to you after covered injuries, broken bones, ER visits, ambulance, etc. You can use the money to cover:

• Deductibles

• Missed work

• Travel or recovery needs

Costs: Starting around $10-$20/month.

Critical Illness Insurance

If you're diagnosed with a major illness (e.g., cancer, stroke, heart attack), this policy pays a lump sum often $10,000 to $50,00 to use however you need.

Think of it as financial breathing room while you focus on recovery.

Costs: Starting around $15-$30/month, based on age and benefit amount.

Hospital Indemnity Plans

Pays a set amount per day or event during a hospital stay, cash you can use toward bills, travel, childcare, or recovery.

Helps offset those high deductibles and daily inpatient copays.

Costs: As low as $8-$20/month, depending on coverage level.

Real Clients. Real Savings.

We've helped families across Memphis, Southaven, Olive Branch, and Hernando:

• Save $1,200+ in dental costs

• Get $2,500 from accident policies

• Offset $5,00+ in hospital bills with low-cost indemnity coverage

You don't need to overpay; you just need the right mix of coverage.

Want to Know Where Your Gaps Are?

It only takes 10 minutes to review your current plan and identify any blind spots. We'll help you protect your health and your wallet with coverage that fits your life.