Protection Stack Builder

One diagnosis. Several checks. Build your stack.

Most insurance pays one way. A protection stack works differently: a "stack" simply means combining multiple insurance products to address different healthcare needs. Each layer is its own policy, and when something big happens (a covered diagnosis, a hospital stay), every layer that applies pays independently, at the same time. Build yours piece by piece below.

A different approach to health coverage: an indemnity plan is an alternative to traditional major medical insurance. It provides set cash benefits for eligible covered services and gives you the freedom to choose your licensed doctor or hospital. You can also bundle additional coverage to help with the financial impact of more serious illnesses, accidents and other health events.

✓ Every benefit comes from the carrier's own plan documents, linked on each layer. These plans are underwritten by Philadelphia American Life Insurance Company, a New Era Life Insurance Company. We verify availability in your state and current rules before anything is final.

Step 1 · The one question that decides everything

Do you have major medical, and plan to keep it?

The carrier's rules genuinely branch here, so this is the honest starting point.

Not sure? Book a free call and we will sort it out in minutes.

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Step 2 · Build it

Your four layers: every one is optional.

Toggle layers on or off and watch your stack update below. Each layer pays on its own. None of them wait for the others.

Each layer is filed state by state. Pick yours and the stack shows only what can really be written there.
These plans aren't filed in your state. That's the carrier's rule, not ours, but it's not the end of the road: the cash-benefit finder has accident, illness and hospital plans from other carriers in most states, and a free call finds your alternative in minutes.

Layer 1 · Optimum Health Saver: everyday care benefits

"An indemnity plan that provides predictable cash benefits for everyday care needs, with the freedom to choose the doctor that is best for you."

What it isAn indemnity plan providing predictable cash benefits for everyday care needs
How it paysSet cash benefits for eligible covered services, including hospital stays, doctor visits and other covered services*
Provider choiceFreedom to choose any licensed doctor or hospital

How a set benefit works, a hypothetical example: when you receive an eligible covered service, the plan pays the applicable set cash benefit. Say the plan lists a set benefit of $75 for a covered doctor visit: an eligible visit pays you that $75, whatever the doctor bills. *Subject to the policy terms and benefit limitations.

The required honest sentence: this plan is an alternative model to traditional major medical insurance and does not meet the minimum essential requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is not major medical insurance. That is exactly why it can be this affordable, and exactly why the other layers matter. Looking for a lower cost anchor plan? Consider Premier Health Saver. Full benefit summary (PDF)

Layer 2 · Enhanced 24-Hour Accident: injury cash

"Around-the-clock accident coverage, on the job or off it."

What it isCash benefits for accident-related medical expenses, 24 hours a day
Pairs withLayer 1, bundled coverage to help pay for accidents and other health events
Good to knowSome occupations can't be written (police, fire, oil field and others), we check yours first

Full benefit summary (PDF)

Layer 3 · Critical Illness (MedGuard III): diagnosis lump sum

"Cash on first diagnosis: cancer, heart attack, stroke. No receipts required."

What it isA lump-sum payment when a listed serious condition is first diagnosed
Use it forAnything: mortgage, travel to specialists, income replacement
Pays alongsideEvery other layer, this check does not reduce the others

Full benefit summary (PDF)

Layer 4 · Specified Disease Plus: the heavyweight

"For the biggest fights: cancer, heart attack, stroke, ALS, organ transplant."

What it isCoverage for the costly procedures and expenses of fighting specified diseases
ScaleBenefits designed for major, extended treatment, per the policy's schedule and limits
Only hereThis layer is only available when the stack is your coverage (not beside major medical)

Full benefit summary (PDF)

Your stack right now

    Optional finishing touch: pair the stack with the preventive-only SBA MEC plan so annual checkups, screenings and vaccines are covered at 100% too.

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    Step 2 · Layer on top

    Keep your plan. Kill your deductible.

    Since you're keeping major medical, the stack works differently. These layers ride on top of it.

    Each layer is filed state by state. Pick yours and the stack shows only what can really be written there.
    These plans aren't filed in your state. That's the carrier's rule, not ours, but it's not the end of the road: the cash-benefit finder has accident, illness and hospital plans from other carriers in most states, and a free call finds your alternative in minutes.

    Layer 1 · GAP Plan: the deductible killer

    "A bucket of money, at a fraction of the cost, aimed straight at your deductible and coinsurance."

    What it isBenefits that offset your major medical deductible and coinsurance
    RequiresA primary medical policy, GAP pays against what your main plan covers
    Doesn't coverServices your primary plan doesn't cover, normal pregnancy, dental, vision

    Full benefit summary (PDF)

    Layer 2 · Accident cash

    "Injury cash on top of both your major medical AND your GAP plan."

    What it is24-hour accident expense benefits, paid as cash

    Full benefit summary (PDF)

    Layer 3 · Critical Illness (MedGuard III)

    "The diagnosis lump sum, because a deductible isn't the only cost of a heart attack."

    What it isLump-sum cash on first diagnosis of a listed serious condition

    Full benefit summary (PDF)

    Honest fine print for this path: when you keep ACA or major medical coverage, the Specified Disease layer is not offered, and the hospital-indemnity layer (Optimum) has the option to pair with ACA coverage in a limited version. Benefit limitations apply, and we'll walk you through whether it's worth adding. We verify the carrier's current rules with you before any application.

    Your stack right now

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      The straight answer

      These plans can't be sold to you. Here's what can.

      The carrier's rules are clear, and we'd rather tell you now than after an application: Medicare and Medicaid enrollees can't buy any of these plans, regardless of state. Workers-comp recipients can't either. VA-benefit holders are a special case. The hospital-indemnity layer alone may be available in a limited version, but not the accident or lump-sum layers.

      What we'd look at instead: if you're under 65 and between coverage, the health plan finder has real major medical and limited medical paths. If you're on Medicare, dental/vision/hearing is usually the gap worth filling. The hearing finder includes a guaranteed-issue plan for ages up to 85 with published rates. And a free call sorts any of it in minutes.

      These plans are underwritten by Philadelphia American Life Insurance Company, a New Era Life Insurance Company. The hospital-indemnity plans are an alternative model to traditional major medical insurance and do not meet the minimum essential requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They are not major medical insurance and not a substitute for it. Benefits, eligibility, and availability vary by state and are subject to underwriting; exclusions and limitations apply per each policy. Every layer here except the accident plan excludes pre-existing conditions for the first 12 months, the hospital-indemnity layers start preventive care 60 days after your effective date, and a critical-illness diagnosis in the first 90 days pays a reduced share. We confirm current rules, rates, and state availability with you before any application.
      This website is independently owned and operated by an independent licensed insurance agent, who is solely responsible for its content and representations made to consumers. Philadelphia American Life Insurance Company may underwrite certain plans referenced on this site; it does not own, operate or control this website or its contents.

      Rather build it together?

      We will design your stack with you in plain English: layer by layer, no pressure, no fee.

      Book a call with an advisor → (480) 934-3890

      *Plans, benefits, rates, and provider networks can change at any time. Speaking with your agent is necessary to verify the most up-to-date information before making any decision.