Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about life insurance, health coverage, estate planning, and working with us.

About Hendricks Advisory

Are you a fiduciary financial adviser?
Hendricks Advisory operates as a licensed insurance agency. We provide guidance on insurance products (Life, ACA, Dental, Major Medical). Investment advisory or financial planning services will be offered only if/when separately registered and disclosed.
Is there a cost for your help?
There is no direct fee to you. We are compensated by insurance carriers when policies are placed. This does not affect your premium cost — you pay the same rate whether you enroll directly or through our agency.
What areas of North Carolina do you serve?
We serve families and small businesses across all of North Carolina, including the Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point), Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, and all surrounding areas. Many of our services can be handled remotely.
Which insurance carriers do you work with?
For life insurance, we work with Transamerica and other top-rated carriers. For health insurance, we are contracted with Cigna, United Healthcare, and Ambetter. Carrier availability varies by product and county.

Life Insurance

How much life insurance do I need?
A common guideline is 10–15 times your annual income, but the real answer depends on your debts, number of dependents, future education costs, and whether your spouse works. Use our Life Insurance Needs Estimator or contact us for a personalized review.
What's the difference between Term, Whole Life, and IUL?
Term covers a set period at the lowest cost. Whole Life provides permanent coverage with guaranteed cash value. IUL offers permanent coverage with index-linked growth potential and flexible premiums. Try our comparison tool to see which may fit.
Can I have more than one life insurance policy?
Yes. Many people layer a large term policy for income replacement with a smaller permanent policy for lifetime coverage and cash value. This is called a "laddering" strategy.
What if I have a pre-existing health condition?
Many carriers offer guaranteed issue or simplified issue policies with limited or no health questions. Rates may be higher, but coverage is available. We specialize in finding the right carrier match for your health profile.
How long does it take to get approved?
Some term policies offer instant or accelerated decisions in 24–48 hours without a medical exam. Traditional underwriting with a full exam typically takes 2–6 weeks.

ACA Health Insurance

How do ACA subsidies work in North Carolina?
Subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) are based on household size and estimated annual income. For 2025, a family of 4 earning up to approximately $124,800 may qualify. We'll calculate your specific savings in minutes.
Can I keep my current doctor?
That depends on which carrier and plan you choose. Cigna, United Healthcare, and Ambetter each have different provider networks. We'll check whether your preferred doctors are in-network before you enroll.
What if I missed Open Enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you've experienced a qualifying life event: losing employer coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or losing Medicaid eligibility. Contact us to check.
Does ACA cover dental and vision?
ACA plans cover pediatric dental, but adult dental and vision are typically not included. We help you add standalone dental and vision plans that fit your needs — usually $10–$30/month.

Estate Planning & Tools

Do you help with trusts and wills?
We don't draft legal documents — that requires an attorney. However, we educate clients on the differences between trusts and wills through our free calculator, and we help ensure the insurance side of your estate plan is properly funded.
How does life insurance connect to estate planning?
Life insurance provides estate liquidity (cash to cover taxes, debts, and settlement costs), funds trusts, equalizes inheritances, and delivers tax-free benefits to beneficiaries — often before probate even begins.
Are your online tools really free?
Yes — 100% free, no signup or credit card required. They're educational tools designed to help you understand your options. They are not a substitute for professional advice.