The Affordable Care Act and the Value of Using an Agent
By Timothy Jackson
If I can sign up for Health Insurance online, why would I want to use an agent?
That’s a great question. Now with those that are the “do-it yourself” types this is a perfect way to buy health insurance. However, I would like make a few points in the value of using an agent when purchasing health insurance.
1. Industry Knowledge – Problematic Website: By now we all know that the website to purchase health insurance through the federal marketplace is extremely challenging. By using an agent they are usually very familiar with the challenges in the industry and most likely they have knowledge on how to best avoid problems. For example an agent can give you advice on how his other clients made it through the website and tips on what to expect based on the answer you provide.
2. Product Knowledge – When someone has the opportunity to compare the different plans available to them either through the marketplace website or other insurance search engines it is difficult for a common consumer to understand the difference between the carriers. For example each insurance company has their own way in showing deductibles and out of pocket maximums. By the way, the agent can also easily help you understand the meaning of “deductibles”, “co-insurance”, “co-pays” and “out of pocket maximums”.
3. Price – Health Insurance Agents don’t cost you any extra money. Most health insurance agents these days talked about their industry 24/7. They can help you with industry knowledge (guiding you through the marketplace website) and product information (the important information about the difference between the carriers) and they can do this for no extra charge. Your premium is the same whether you use an agent or not. So why not have an expert on your side?
Tim Jackson is the Health Insurance Specialist; he graduated from the University of Utah in Organization Communication and is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) and he is currently serving on the Utah state board for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers (NAIFA). He presents to groups all over the state and regularly appears on K-talk AM radio on the topic of the recent changes with the healthcare laws. Before working in the insurance industry Tim worked in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Industry. Away from work Tim enjoys the outdoors by hiking, hunting and snow shoeing. You can reach Tim through the following ways: www.myhealthinsurancespecialists.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheHealthInsuranceSpecialists or 801-718-0051
We assists small groups and individuals in providing and understanding health insurance plans. We have built our business on helping property & casualty agents and financial advisers consult with their clients to have clear health care coverage for their clients.
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