Having quality health coverage is essential. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find an affordable health plan that gives you all the coverage you need. With so many plans available, finding the right one takes time, diligence, and dedication. While it’s possible to find good health insurance by yourself, many people ask themselves, “Can I use an agent to find health insurance?”
A licensed health insurance agent works directly with insurance companies to find the ideal health insurance plan. They are committed to selecting a health plan that fits your financial availability, offering assistance towards qualifying for a premium tax credit if needed.
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Why You Need Agents for Your Health Plan Coverage
Millions of Americans are currently living without health coverage. This leaves them susceptible to massive medical bills if a sudden accident or illness occurs. Most people believe they can’t find high-quality care without breaking the bank. An insurance professional can help you open every possible door so you know all of your options.
A licensed insurance agent can show you individual, group, and family plans and then guide you through the enrollment process. By working directly with insurance companies, they have direct knowledge about each unique health insurance plan. Working with an agent is completely free to you. Their fees are built into the health insurance coverage.
The purpose of an insurance professional is to find the most affordable health plan for their clients. They know how important it is to feel fully covered at a financially feasible rate. Take the time to find the right agent that recognizes your needs and limitations. Discover a candidate from our list of agents.
The Process of Finding the Best Health Insurance
Obtaining health coverage through a licensed health insurance agent is efficient and cost-effective. Working with an insurance professional with direct access to insurance companies ensures that experts handle the enrollment process.
If you are a senior, using a licensed insurance agent gives you the best opportunity to discover the right health insurance plan for you. Take a moment to see how we can help seniors find Medicare coverage that meets their needs.
In addition, it’s important to note that the cost of premiums will vary based on your healthcare needs. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average annual premiums in 2021 were $7,911 for single coverage and $22,463 for family coverage. Insurance agents can assist you in finding a plan that works best for your financial situation.
Here is how a health insurance agent can assist you to find the right health plan for you.
Understanding Your Needs
An insurance professional will take the time to sit down and assess your specific coverage needs. Agents must be licensed in their particular state. This means they must comprehensively understand the health insurance coverage offered within that region.
After learning a client's health and budget needs, they can recommend a health insurance plan. In most cases, the insurance companies they work for offer these plans. If financial assistance is necessary, an agent can aid clients in qualifying for a premium tax credit. A premium tax credit is meant to help lower-income individuals and families acquire health coverage.
Determining the Type of Insurance Your Parent, Relative, or Friend is Eligible For
When U.S. citizen turns 65, they become eligible for Medicare. This sort of health coverage is helpful but limited. An insurance professional can assist you, your parent, your relative, or your friend discover a Medicare Supplement to fill some of the gaps. Without additional aid, this process can be difficult to navigate. Trusting someone to guide you through the nuances of health insurance can be a big relief.
Comparing Health Plans: HMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS
An agent can help you understand the types of insurance available to you. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), exclusive provider organizations (EPOs), and point of service plans (POSs) all have differing benefits. Having a better comprehension of the similarities and differences gives you a clearer image of the right plan for you or your loved one.
Work Out What Providers You Can Access
Insurance professionals are trained to understand the fine print. The subtleties of each plan and how they relate to one another can either save you money or put you in challenging situations. An agent can show you the impact of leaving certain plans and entering others. Insurance isn’t always as intuitive as it seems, so having a professional by your side is extremely useful.
Compare Health Plans, Out-of-Pocket Costs, Benefits, and More
Many private insurance plans (and Medicare) have certain expenses. Understanding what must be paid out-of-pocket is important when exploring healthcare options.
Copayments are flat fees for medical services
Premiums are monthly payments for healthcare
Deductibles account for the money spent before the insurance plan takes action
Coinsurance is a percentage of the cost of health services after the deductible
Out-of-pocket maximum accounts for the total amount of money an individual pays for covered medical expenses before insurance comes and covers the rest
How Insurance Companies Work with Agents
Health insurance agents work directly for insurance companies. They are licensed agents, giving them the legal power to give you healthcare suggestions. Unlicensed professionals, on the other hand, are not as beneficial.
Unlicensed agents cannot make suggestions or help clients after enrollment. Moreover, unlicensed professionals do not have to undergo a criminal background check. Lastly, they cannot help you acquire financial aid such as a premium tax credit. Essentially, they can help you explore the marketplace for plans but can’t extend beyond that.
For more information about why licensed insurance agents are the most qualified to assist you with health insurance coverage, read our blog.
Licensed Agents Won’t Charge You Extra Fees
A major benefit of working with an agent is that you do not have to pay them for their services. Agents are paid based on commission built into the healthcare plans themselves. Coverage does not cost more when you utilize an agent. Insurance companies encourage clients to use agents as valuable resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of using an insurance broker?
Brokers aren’t trained by insurance companies directly. This is problematic because they may not know specific details or discounts available.
Do agents and brokers work together?
Agents and brokers can work together, but not always. Agents work directly for insurance companies while brokers work independently.
What’s the difference between an insurance broker and an insurance agent?
An insurance agent works for insurance companies, guiding clients to plans within that network. Brokers work independently and guide clients to different plans from different companies.
What is twisting in insurance?
Twisting happens when a healthcare professional manipulates a customer into dropping a plan for another one by misrepresenting what the new plan is offering.
What counts as an insurance agent?
An insurance agent must be licensed to be considered a qualified agent.
Do You Need the Help of a Trusted Professional?
Insurance agents are licensed to assist clients in the process of obtaining health insurance. They work directly for insurance companies, giving them inside access to specific details of each plan. This allows clients to receive discounts and a full understanding of all of their options. Using an agent is recommended to anyone who needs affordable comprehensive insurance.
Finding a quality agent that understands your circumstances is key. Get a quote from our trained insurance agents today.