Peterson Insurance & Financial Services, LLC

Peterson Insurance & Financial Services, LLC Our purpose is to excel in securing our client's financial future and access to healthcare.

08/26/2026

Somebody must be cutting onions around here… 😭🩷

We’ve said goodbye to a true national treasure, but one thing for certain: we’ll be feeling Dolly’s sparkle forever. ✨

“If you see someone without a smile, give ‘em yours.”

Rest easy, Dolly. We’ll keep sharing the smiles. 🫶😭

Dolly Parton

"Why can't I enroll in a health insurance plan at any time of the year I prefer?"When the ACA passed in 2010, the law ma...
08/24/2026

"Why can't I enroll in a health insurance plan at any time of the year I prefer?"

When the ACA passed in 2010, the law made it easier for people to purchase health insurance without pre-existing condition exclusions; however, it required individuals to purchase coverage within 60 days of a qualifying life event or within the Annual Open Enrollment period.

For most Floridians buying coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverag intended to begin January 1; later enrollments generally begin February 1. Do not wait until the final week: prescription lists, doctors, household income and subsidy eligibility all deserve a careful review.

As a local health insurance agency in Northwest Florida, we can help you compare the total cost of coverage—not just the premium.

Employers often ask, "To establish a Group Health plan, is there a minimum number of employees we need?"Most businesses ...
08/19/2026

Employers often ask, "To establish a Group Health plan, is there a minimum number of employees we need?"

Most businesses have less than 10 employees in Northwest Florida. With employees being offered coverage through their spouse's employer plan or Tricare, it can be a challenge to meet the minimum enrollment requirements to establish a group health plan for your business.

Although group health carriers advertise that a group health insurance plan can be established with 2-3 employees, the reality is that a more competitive plan requires 4-9 eligible employees.

This group size not only meets most of the popular plan enrollment requirements, it also accommodates any staffing fluctuations, allows for the opportunity to offer more than one health plan to your employees, and provides a better chance for favorable renewals from the health plan carriers.

So, although it is technically possible to offer Group Health to your employees with 2-3 employees, there other strategies to replicate that benefit until you are onboarding those additional employees to ensure everyone has a great experience.

If you are beginning the process of adding this benefit to your business, please give us a call so we can help you easily determine what the best solution is for your business.

"Will my doctor actually take my insurance?"Here's the honest answer: it depends on your plan's network, and this trips ...
08/10/2026

"Will my doctor actually take my insurance?"

Here's the honest answer: it depends on your plan's network, and this trips up more people on health insurance plans than almost anything else.

Here's how this issue occurs in Northwest Florida:

Pensacola sits close to the Alabama line, and a lot of our healthcare — Baptist Health Care, Ascension Sacred Heart, West Florida Hospital, plus specialists may cross over into Alabama and other areas of Florida. A plan that looks great on paper can still leave you paying out-of-network rates if the provider you need isn't in it.

The most common issues we see:

A patient picks a plan based on premium alone, then finds out their longtime primary doctor is out-of-network
Someone gets referred to a specialist (common with dermatology and gastroenterology here) without checking if that specialist is in-network first.
Snowbirds and part-time residents get burned because their plan's network doesn't travel well between Florida and their home state.
Marketplace plans change network makeup year to year, and nobody double-checks during open enrollment

What actually helps: before you enroll or renew, we run your specific doctors and hospital against the plan's actual network — not just the Marketplace's directory (which is notoriously outdated). It takes minutes and it's the difference between a $30 copay and a $400 surprise bill.

Give us a call so we can schedule time to assist you.

08/10/2026

Florida Blue is inviting Pensacola’s new and growing families to celebrate the parenting journey at the Healthy Beginnings Community Baby Shower, a free, family-friendly event happening Saturday, Aug. 22. Designed for expecting parents, new moms and dads, and caregivers, the community baby shower

"My employer's health insurance is too costly for my dependents.... can't I just enroll them on the Marketplace with tax...
08/03/2026

"My employer's health insurance is too costly for my dependents.... can't I just enroll them on the Marketplace with tax credits?

- If an employee and their dependents are eligible to participate in an employer's health plan they are generally disqualified from Marketplace subsidies or tax credits to help lower the expense.
- Exceptions to this rule do exist through an affordability test and may allow a family to still qualify for this financial assistance.
- Although the rules are well published, we highly recommend working with an agent to determine the correct information is included in the affordability test.
- $Thousands: Mistakenly qualifying and using federal tax credits and result in much higher tax liabilities if you are found to have been ineligible.

Call us at 850-741-1015 so one of our health insurance specialists may assist you with your coverage determination at no additional cost to you.

“What are the hidden pitfalls of buying health insurance on your own?”Health insurance isn’t always as simple as picking...
07/28/2026

“What are the hidden pitfalls of buying health insurance on your own?”

Health insurance isn’t always as simple as picking a plan and clicking “Enroll.”

Small details can have big consequences. An overlooked deadline, an incorrect income estimate, missing documentation, or choosing a plan that doesn’t fit your needs can lead to unnecessary costs or missed opportunities.

That’s why who you work with matters. The best advisors don’t just complete applications—they take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and help you avoid the pitfalls that many people don’t even know exist.

At Peterson Insurance & Financial Services, we believe you’re more than a policy number. You’re our neighbor, and helping people navigate health insurance with care, patience, and expertise is what we do every day.

“What’s the biggest mistake people make when applying for Marketplace health insurance?”They think it’s just an applicat...
07/23/2026

“What’s the biggest mistake people make when applying for Marketplace health insurance?”

They think it’s just an application.

In reality, your estimated household income can have a major impact on your monthly premium tax credits. Understanding the rules before you apply can make a significant difference.

Many people don’t realize there are income thresholds, tax considerations, and planning opportunities that may affect their eligibility. By the time an application is submitted, it may be too late to revisit important decisions.

Health insurance isn’t just about choosing a plan—it’s about navigating the red tape that most people never see.

Sometimes, what you don’t know can cost you more than the premium itself.

“Why work with a local health insurance brokerage instead of calling a 1-800 number?”Health insurance isn’t just about e...
07/17/2026

“Why work with a local health insurance brokerage instead of calling a 1-800 number?”

Health insurance isn’t just about enrolling in a plan—it’s about having someone in your corner when life changes.

Many people are surprised to learn that working with a local brokerage often comes at no additional cost. Instead of speaking with a different representative each time, you have a dedicated team that knows your situation and is available year-round—not just during Open Enrollment.

When deadlines are tight, life changes happen, or unexpected issues arise, experience matters. Navigating health insurance often requires more than simply checking boxes. It takes knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to guide you through the process with confidence.

At Peterson Insurance & Financial Services, we believe health insurance should come with personal service—not just a policy.

“Is it better to give employees a raise or better health benefits?”A raise increases taxable income. Health benefits can...
07/10/2026

“Is it better to give employees a raise or better health benefits?”

A raise increases taxable income. Health benefits can provide value in a different way by helping employees manage healthcare costs.

For many families, affordable health coverage can have just as much impact as a larger paycheck.

The right answer depends on your business, your budget, and your team’s needs—but it’s a question every employer should consider.

Address

21 South Tarragona Street Suite 103
Pensacola, FL
32502

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 6:30pm
Saturday 9am - 5:15pm
Sunday 2pm - 4pm

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