Health insurance can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. You’re trying to figure out what’s covered, what’s not, and why the costs keep shifting. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sort it out alone. At Focal Point Financial Services, we’ve been helping people like you find the right health plans for years. No confusion, no pressure—just clear advice from a team that’s got your back.
We’re based in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and Monument, Colorado, serving folks across the Twin Cities and Denver areas. Our job? To take the stress out of health insurance planning and match you with coverage that fits your life. Whether you’re juggling a family, eyeing Medicare, or just need something solid for yourself, we’re here to make it simple.
Insurance Services
Medicare
Dental and Vision
MNsure and Christian Care Plans (OneShare)
Life Insurance and Long-Term Care (LTC)
First Dollar Coverage (accident, critical illness, cancer)
Travel
The Health Plans We Can Help You With
Health insurance isn’t one thing—it’s a bunch of options, each with its own quirks. We’ll walk you through them so you’re not guessing. There’s HMOs, where you pick a main doctor and stick to a tighter network for lower costs. PPOs give you more freedom to see who you want, though you’ll pay a bit more for it. Medicare Advantage plans? They’re a twist on traditional Medicare, often tossing in extras like drug coverage, but they’ve got their own rules.
If you’re over 65—or close to it—Medicare can feel like its own beast. We’ve got advisors who live and breathe this stuff, helping you with enrollment, Part D drug plans, and supplements. Under 65? We’ll find individual or family health plans that don’t break the bank. And if you’re in Minnesota, we’re certified MNsure brokers, so we can navigate that marketplace with you too.
Oh, and we don’t stop at health. Need dental, vision, or disability coverage? We’ll tie it all together so you’re covered from head to toe - literally.
Medicare Disclaimer
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 6 organizations which offer 42 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Medicare
Medicare can be complicated, let us simplify it for you!
- What is it?
- What does it cost?
- What does it cover?
- Should I sign up?
- When do I sign up and how?
Call our office to set up an appointment to go over what questions you have and help you understand all your options:
- Are you still working?
- What is a Supplement?
- What is an Advantage plan?
Dental and Vision
These are sometimes a benefit that gets forgotten, we can provide
information of individual dental and vision plan options that can be purchased all year round, without the need of a qualifying event.
Here are links to explore options:
You will be able to complete your application on their website as well as chat with someone if you have questions!
Life Insurance and Long-Term Care (LTC)
Life Happens! Take control of your financial future with life insurance.
It’s time to get back to basics. Life insurance is an affordable way to provide financial stability for your loved ones if something happens to you. Learn more and then get the coverage you need.
Did you know that Medicare does not cover Long-Term Care expenses, are you prepared to cover the costs? We can explore how to protect your savings and maintain your independence. Contact our office to look at plan options.
First Dollar Coverage
FlexBenefit indemnity plans have you covered! They can provide you with financial protection and peace of mind on how to pay for your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Accident, Critical Illness and Cancer policies available
- Help bridge the financial gaps left by health insurance
Explore plan options, apply and chat with someone if you have any questions.
Individual and Family Plans –MNsure and Christian Care
MNsure
- Do you need health insurance?
- Do you have a qualifying event to purchase?
We can help you understand what plan options are available, help you determine if you are eligible for tax credits. Make sure you choose a plan that will provide you with access to the doctors you use.
Explore MNsure
Christian Care Plans – OneShare
- OneShare Health is a faith-based alternative to traditional insurance
Flexible benefit programs - Affordable, simple and flexible
Call our office to set up an appointment to discuss it further.
Travel Insurance
We recommend BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) Global Solutions!
- You may have great coverage in the U.S. But did you know most of those benefits don’t follow you overseas?
- If you need medical care when you’re traveling, you could have trouble finding care. You might not have any coverage for the services you need. And you could have to pay for everything upfront.
- If it sounds risky, it is—to both your health and your wallet. But that’s why BCBS Global Solutions is here. No matter where your travels take you, they’ve got your back.
They offer:
- Global network: Coverage from Blue Cross® Blue Shield® in the U.S. and large direct billing provider network outside the U.S.
- Digital tools: Help members find care, look up medicine equivalents, use Direct Pay and get news and safety alerts. And unlimited telemedicine visits!
- Unmatched service: 24/7/365 support to answer questions, set up care and make things easier for members.
Explore plan options from BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) Global Solutions.
Why Working With a Health Insurance Expert Matters
Let’s be real—health insurance isn’t something you think about until you need it. Then, suddenly, it’s everything. A good plan can save you from a financial mess when life throws a curveball. A bad one? Well, it can leave you stuck with bills you didn’t see coming. That’s why we’re big on health insurance planning. It’s about finding quality coverage that works for your budget and your needs, not just checking a box.
A 2023 report found that nearly half of Americans - 45% - say they don’t fully get their health insurance. That’s a lot of people guessing their way through doctor visits and bills. We think you deserve better. Our team digs into your situation, looks at your options, and finds health plans that make sense for you. No one-size-fits-all nonsense here.
And here’s a little insider tip: don’t just chase the cheapest premium. It’s tempting, sure, but low upfront costs can mean big out-of-pocket hits later. We’ll help you balance it all—cost, coverage, access to doctors—so you’re not left scrambling.
How We Make Health Insurance Work for You
At Focal Point, we don’t do cookie-cutter health plans. You’re not a number to us; you’re a person with your own story. We sit down with you—whether that’s in person, over the phone, or on a Zoom call—and ask the real questions. What’s your health like? What’s your budget? Are you covering just yourself or a whole family? From there, we build a plan tailored to your individual needs.
We team up with trusted insurance partners to bring you options that deliver. Looking for individual health insurance? We’ve got it. Need a family plan? Covered. Medicare got you scratching your head? We’ll walk you through it. And if you’re a business owner, we can sort out group plans for your employees too. It’s all about finding solutions that stick.
Here’s what you get when you work with us:
- Real Expertise: Our team’s been at this since 1986. Char Pendergrass, our Client Service Manager, knows health insurance inside and out—she’s been a licensed broker for decades and even won The LeClair Group’s Agent of the Year award in 2022.
- Personal Touch: We don’t toss you a pamphlet and call it a day. We’re with you, step by step, making sure you understand your coverage options.
- Support That Lasts: Health insurance isn’t a one-and-done deal. We’re around for the long haul - helping with claims, billing questions, or tweaks to your plan as life changes.
There’s an old saying: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Same goes for health insurance. Let’s get it sorted today.
How to Pick a Plan That’s Right for You
Choosing a health insurance plan isn’t rocket science, but it’s not a coin toss either. You’ve got to think about a few things. What’s your health like? If you’re managing a condition or see specialists a lot, you’ll want coverage that keeps those costs in check. How much can you swing each month? Premiums matter, but so do deductibles and copays—those little costs add up fast.
Then there’s the network. Make sure your doctor or hospital is in the plan, or you might be stuck paying more than you planned. Here’s a trick we tell clients: call your doctor’s office and ask which plans they take. It’s a quick way to narrow things down. We’ll sit with you, compare your options, and point out the traps—like those sneaky “limited network” plans that sound great until you need a specialist.
Answers to the Stuff You’re Probably Wondering About
We’ve heard all the questions over the years, and we love clearing things up. Here are a few that come up a lot:
What are the main types of health plans?
You’ve got four big ones: HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POS plans. HMOs keep costs low but lock you into a network. PPOs give you more freedom to pick providers, though you’ll pay a bit more. EPOs and POS plans? They’re kind of a middle ground. We’ll break down what each means for you and help you choose.
What’s this 80/20 rule I keep hearing about?
It’s simple. Insurance companies have to spend at least 80% of your premium dollars on health care—like doctor visits or prescriptions. The other 20% covers their costs and profit. It’s called the Medical Loss Ratio, and it’s there to make sure you’re getting quality care for your money.
How do I pick the best health insurance for me?
It depends. How often do you see the doctor? Got a favorite hospital? Okay with a higher deductible if it means lower monthly costs? We’ll dig into those details with you and find a plan that matches your life. No pressure, just practical advice.
How do we get paid?
We’re brokers, so the insurance companies pay us a commission when you enroll. Here’s the good part: it doesn’t cost you a dime extra. The fee’s baked into your premium whether you use us or not. So why not get some expert help for free?
What does a health plan advisor actually do?
We’re your translator in the wild world of insurance. We explain your options, answer your questions, and hunt down a plan that fits. Plus, we handle enrollment and stick around to support you with claims or changes. Think of us as your health insurance sidekick.
Why Focal Point Stands Out
You’ve got choices out there, so why us? Well, we’re not some faceless call center. We’re a team based in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and we’ve been helping people across MN since the ‘80s. Char’s been at it so long she doesn’t even need to advertise—her clients refer their friends because she’s that good. Many clients come to us feeling overwhelmed by Medicare options, and we work to simplify the process.
We know the Twin Cities health care scene like the back of our hand, but we can help no matter where you are in Minnesota. Plus, we’re not just about health insurance. Need dental, vision, or life insurance? We’ve got those too. It’s all part of keeping you and your family protected.
Oh, and here’s a stat for you: the average family health insurance premium hit $22,221 in 2023, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study. That’s a big number. We’ll make sure you’re not overpaying for what you need.
Let’s Get Started
Look, you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. Health insurance planning can be a slog, but we’re here to lighten the load. We offer a free consultation—no strings, no hard sell. Just a chance to talk about what you need and see how we can help. Bring your questions, your worries, whatever’s on your mind. We’ll break it down in plain English and figure out what works for you.
Serving White Bear Lake, the Twin Cities, and Denver, we’re local enough to get your world but experienced enough to know the ropes. Call us at (651) 426-7375 or shoot an email to [email protected]. Let’s find you a health insurance plan that feels right—not just for your wallet, but for your peace of mind too.