FAQ

FAQ

Why does my business need a bookkeeper?

Hiring Core Columbia Financial to save you time and money by handling your books makes good sense for your business.

Unless you’re certified in Quickbooks, have an accounting degree, or have a background in finance, you most likely don’t have the experience to fully understand certain aspects of bookkeeping.

We save you money by giving you back your work-life balance, keeping you focused on growing your business, helping you maintain cash flow, as well as setting you up to ensure proper tax filings are made, and preventing mistakes and issues that could cost you money. Remember, if you miss a bill or forget to pay something important, this will significantly impact your business credit.

I already have a health plan. Can I make changes to my current plan, WA HealthPlanFinder, or Covered CA account with Core Columbia?

Yes, absolutely. We are here year round to answer all of your questions, and assist with any changes you may need to make, from updating your email address to making SEP mid year plan changes due to a qualifying life event. We are available to assist, and answer any questions you may have, with health plans in Washington and California.

How do I know if I qualify for subsidy/premium assistance/ financial help?

Give us a call in Washington at 206-258-6820,  in California at 619-259-6905, or send an email to us at info@corecolumbia.com.
One of our licensed experts will give you a straight answers about what you qualify for now, what your future options are, and any deadlines you need to be aware of.

What is Covered California?

Covered California is the state of California’s ACA marketplace for private health coverage. It is the only marketplace where consumers may receive help lowering their cost of coverage, in the form of premium assistance, for those who meet certain income guidelines and qualify. Consumers do not need to qualify for assistance to obtain a plan through this marketplace.

What is Washington Health Plan Finder?

Washington HealthPlanFinder is the state of Washington’s ACA marketplace for private health coverage. It is the only marketplace where consumers may receive help lowering their cost of coverage, in the form of premium assistance, for those who meet certain income guidelines and qualify. Consumers do not need to qualify for assistance to obtain a plan through this marketplace.

Why should I work with your agency?

Saving time and money by turning to licensed professionals (especially ones who do not charge you a fee for their services)  is always a good decision. Working with our agency enables you to get year round expert advice and answers to any of your questions, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you and your family have seen every available option that suits your needs and budget, and the confidence that comes with understanding all of your options, and knowing you have chosen the right plan at the lowest price available.

How do I know you are keeping my personal information, and my family’s personal information, safe?

We take protecting your personal information very seriously. We only employ individuals who have passed criminal and financial background checks, who are fully licensed by state agencies, and who have been certified by the Covered CA and WA HealthPlanFinder marketplaces, in addition to other carriers and organizations. In using, requesting, or disclosing, any of your personal information, we comply with any and all applicable laws. We use encrypted and HIPAA complaint email, and will absolutely never sell or misuse any of your information. Any physical document in our possession containing client personal information is stored in a locked filing cabinet, or has been disposed of in accordance with applicable laws. We protect your personal information as we would our own.

Can I choose my own doctor?

Yes, absolutely. We tailor all of our proposals so you are only presented with options accepted by your physicians and hospital groups.

Are my pre-existing conditions covered?

Yes. While other programs may have certain restrictions, pre-existing conditions are absolutely covered by all plans obtained through the Covered California marketplace.

How do you get paid? Are there separate fees for your services?

There are no separate fees, and no cost to our clients,  insured enrollees, or beneficiaries of federal programs, for our services. Rates are the same with or without a broker. We are compensated directly by the carriers we offer, as well as the state. This gives us the ability to be here for you year round to answer questions, assist with changes and enrollments, and anything else you may require.

What is open enrollment?

Open enrollment is the time period where any individual or family may apply for a health plan through the Covered California or Washington HealthPlanFinder exchanges.  This period varies from year to year, but typically begins in October or November, and ends in January of the year the plan will be effective.

 

What is special enrollment? Do I qualify?

The special enrollment period is the time of the year where families and individuals require what is referred to as a qualifying life event in order to apply for a Covered California or Washington HealthPlanFinder health insurance plan. Qualifying life events include (but are not limited to) losing health insurance coverage, getting married, or having a baby. Give us a call at 206-258-6820, or send an email to us at info@corecolumbia.com.

One of our licensed experts will give you a straight answers about what you qualify for now, what your future options are, and any deadlines you need to be aware of.