4700 Spring St.
La Mesa, CA 91941
info@teaguefs.com
(619) 668-5200

COMMON QUESTIONS

Questions

General Questions

Does it cost more to use an agent?
No. You will pay the same rates whether you go direct to the insurance company or if you have an agent act as your ombudsman. As agents, we act as a liaison between you and the insurer, making the enrollment process and further service process more understandable, personal and successful.

What products do you offer?
Teague is a one-stop-shop insurance brokerage firm that writes policies for

Where are you licensed to do business?
Teague is licensed to sell insurance in the state of California

Where is your office located?
Our office is located on the 4th floor at 4700 Spring Street, La Mesa, CA 91941 (See Map). Located between Interstate 8 and Hwy 94 freeways in beautiful downtown La Mesa.

Why choose an independent agent?
An independent agent will shop most of the reputable carriers for you and help your application through medical underwriting. When your plan renews, the independent agent will review the terms of renewal and present other options without the bias of a captive (one carrier) agent.

Group Medical and Group Health Insurance

Will health insurance rates continue to go up?
Most likely, as we as a population continue to demand better/more health care, more costly treatments, and more costly prescriptions. What can we do about it? As consumers, we can ask about the cost of treatments and their efficacy before starting the treatment; we can get additional opinions, even if it means paying a bit more out of our pocket, and we can follow AMA guidelines for maintaining optimal health.

Why are the additional costs for dependents so high? Wouldn't a separate individual plan be less expensive?
Dependents, when added to your group health insurance plan in a “timely fashion” are added regardless of health conditions. Often individual health insurance is less expensive if the dependents are quite healthy. Call Anjel at 619-668-5200 X208 for more information. She may be able to help with enrollment into a government-sponsored plan for eligible dependents.

California Individual Medical and Health Insurance

How much does it cost for me and my family for individual health insurance?
Cost depends on several factors: age, plan design, persons to be covered and health status. Our specialty is to match the person(s) applying for coverage with the appropriate plan, insurer and price. Call Linda Seltzer at 619-668-505 or Anjel Jiron at 619-668-5208 for more details.

I'm currently pregnant. Can I still get individual medical insurance?
Some programs are available for expectant mothers, including government sponsored and small business plans. Call us at 619-668-5200 X 208.

I currently have diabetes (or asthma, or other chronic condition). Can I still get individual medical insurance?
Very likely, but your premiums will be higher than someone in perfect health.

I just moved here and need medical insurance as soon as possible. How long will it take to get?
Some carriers allow us to apply online, with a very short turn-around. If you have a more complex health history, it could take as long as four to six weeks for approval. Some plans we offer (short-term) exclude pre-existing conditions, but provide for immediate coverage. Call Anjel Jiron (619-668-5200 X208) or Linda Seltzer (619-668-5200 X205) for more information on how to apply for California Individual Medical Insurance.

I turn 65 next month, still work, and am covered by my Group Medical Insurance. Should I still enroll in Medicare? You’re asking the right questions of the right people at the right time! Our team can help determine whether you should stay on your group plan or if you might be able to get a richer benefit plan with Medicare Supplements. Call us at 619-668-5200 X 205.

Disability Insurance

I’m self-employed (or have “opted out” of my Workers Compensation plan). If I get hurt and can’t work, how can I pay my bills?
Disability income replacement plans are important to everyone’s financial security. We can help you determine what plans are best for you, whether they be short-term disability, long-term disability, group disability insurance or individual disability insurance. Call Catherine Coffey, our Disability Insurance Specialist, for more information at 619-668-5200 X210.

Life Insurance

Do I need a physical exam to get life insurance?
The requirements you will need will depend on the death benefit you choose.

How much life insurance do I need?
We’ll ask you “Why do you think you need life insurance? Who do you want to take care of financially should you die prematurely?” One rule of thumb suggests five to ten times your salary if you need the insurance to help support your family. Call Catherine Coffey for more information about Life Insurance at 619-668-5200 X 210.

I don't smoke cigarettes but occasionally smoke a cigar. Can I still get non-smoker rates?
Tobacco use of any kind significantly affects mortality, and insurers price accordingly. Some carriers have select rates for the occasional smoker. And you can always retest for non-tobacco use one or two years after quitting. Call Catherine Coffey for more information about Life Insurance at 619-668-5200 X 210.

Which is better: term insurance or whole life?
How long do you need your life insurance? Term Life Insurance generally is for temporary needs; permanent insurance, like Whole Life Insurance or Universal Life Insurance is designed to last your entire life.

I’ve heard about Life Insurance that includes Long Term Care. Is this a good deal?
We work with some of the top Long Term Care Insurance programs. Some of them incorporate Life Insurance. Since each person’s needs are so individual, our Senior Certified Advisor, Linda Seltzer diligently reviews each person’s needs, financial and personal, to develop an appropriate plan of action. Contact Linda at 619-668-5200 X205.

Common Questions about group health insurance, employee benefits, disability insurance, individual health insurance and life insurance