With the introduction of the Health Insurance Exchanges there has been drastic changes in the way that consumers obtain Health Insurance Coverage. I get questioned continually as to why someone would use a Health Insurance Agent instead of simply going onto Healthcare.gov and getting Health Insurance themselves.
Here are four reasons why you should consult an agent instead of going onto the Health Insurance Exchange yourselves.
1. Expertise
If you use a licensed Insurance Agent to assist you in getting your Health Insurance Coverage, you are speaking to someone who has taken the time to obtain a license and study the various ins and outs of Health Insurance. An agent can answer questions concerning benefits, deductibles, co-pays, eligibility, subsidies, and other concerns that may arise during enrollment.
2. Help in Qualifying for Tax Credits & Subsidies
There is a great deal of confusion surrounding Tax Credits and Subsidies, and many people are unsure how to qualify. A Tax Credit is a direct payment from the federal government to the insurance company to help pay for your monthly Health Insurance premium.
A Subsidy is also paid directly to the insurance company for those earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level. This subsidy helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, co-insurance, and co-pays. A licensed agent can help you navigate the qualification process and maximize your available benefits.
3. Customer Service
One of the most important reasons to use a licensed insurance agent is the ability to pick up the phone and speak directly with someone when problems arise. An agent can help resolve billing issues, claim problems, and provider disputes—saving you hours of frustration.
4. No Additional Cost
Using a licensed insurance professional does not cost you anything extra. Agents are compensated by the insurance carriers, not the consumer. In many cases, working with an agent can actually save you hundreds of dollars per year.
When you feel overwhelmed or frustrated trying to obtain Health Insurance Coverage, reach out to a licensed Health Insurance Professional and let them guide you through the process—you’ll be glad you did.
Author Timothy Baggett
Timothy Baggett is a licensed Insurance Agent in the state of Florida and has been helping Floridians obtain insurance coverage for over 20 years. He is the owner of Amerus Financial Group in Lakeland, Florida, and serves the Lakeland, Orlando, and Tampa Bay areas. Amerus Financial Group is licensed in over 13 states and serves thousands of clients nationwide.
This Medicare resource was provided by Amerus Insurance Group, a trusted source for individual and family health insurance solutions nationwide. We help clients compare ACA marketplace plans, private health coverage, and supplemental options to find the right balance of benefits and affordability. Contact Amerus today for a free health plan review.
