It can be time-consuming and stressful to find health insurance plans that meet all your needs. Finding an insurance company that offers plans that fit your budget can also be difficult. Health insurance agents can assist you in this process. But what does a health insurance agent do?
Health insurance agents are licensed professionals who know the similarities and differences between different insurance plans. They are well-versed in specific health insurance plans and often work directly for insurance companies. Using an insurance professional can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
This article is meant to educate potential clients about what agents do and how they can help you find the perfect health plan. Visit our website to get a quote and learn more about our agents.
What Are Health Insurance Agents?
Health Insurance agents directly work with an insurance company to guide clients toward health insurance plans that meet their desires. They are contractually obligated to sell health insurance plans offered by only their insurance company.
Working with a captive agent can help you qualify for a premium tax credit, saving you money. To become an agent, you must meet the following requirements.
Have a high school diploma or GED certificate (bachelor’s degree optional)
Need to become licensed within their state
Must have an understanding of health care laws, tax laws, and state and federal health benefits
Must have good computer skills
Most people aren’t educated on all the ins and outs of health insurance. Knowing what plans you're eligible for isn’t always simple. That’s why working with an insurance professional is so important.
Our team of health insurance agents is highly qualified and experienced. Potential clients can explore our agents here.
4 Services Health Insurance Agents Do For Their Clients
Before choosing a captive agent to work with, it’s wise to learn exactly what they do for their clients. While other types of professionals can help you in your mission, (such as a health insurance broker) an agent is often more knowledgeable about specific coverage. This is due to working directly for an insurance company. They also offer the benefit of assisting individuals who are seeking a premium tax credit.
Responsibilities of an agent include:
Interviewing potential clients
Assessing their needs
Explaining health care policies and different types of insurance
Customizing insurance programs
Handling policy renewals
Assisting in settling claims
A health insurance broker doesn’t work for an insurance company. They work directly for the client. While a health insurance broker may be able to help you shop for plans with more than one insurance company, they often don’t have the inside knowledge and internal contacts with the insurance carriers that a captive agent does.
Here are four services that a good health insurance agent will offer.
Listens and Learns About Your Needs
An insurance professional should be a good listener. Taking the time to get to know your story can offer a bigger picture, allowing an agent to put together the perfect health plan.
After understanding a client's needs, they should walk you through the process of attaining coverage. They will also explain the types of insurance available and the details of the coverage.
The main goal of a good agent is to find an affordable plan that meets all of the client's needs. A good agent will feel like a guide rather than a salesman.
Explores All Available Options In the Market
Another key benefit of working with a licensed insurance agent is that they can make personalized recommendations. An agent can offer a healthcare plan based on your individual circumstances.
A good agent will know the full landscape of a situation, is knowledgeable about types of insurance, and is aware of a client's eligibility and needs. From there, they can explore the marketplace for the best plan possible.
Look here for more benefits of using a health insurance agent before considering a health insurance broker.
Helps You Save Time and Effort
Agents have access to tools and resources that clients often don’t. Their services can simplify an often tedious task. Due to modern technology, clients can work through their health plan options with an insurance professional more efficiently.
A good agent will stay in touch with clients and build long-term relationships through social media, email, and other electronic means. Staying in touch shows that they care and are willing to go the extra mile to give you the coverage you deserve.
Updates Their Clients About New Insurance Policies
Insurance agents are paid to stay educated about their industry. As new policies emerge, a good agent will let you know as soon as possible. This information makes a client feel valued, which will encourage them to stay with that agent long-term.
The Difference Between Insurance Agents and Navigators
Another health insurance professional is an insurance navigator. Navigators help individuals enroll through the health insurance exchange. They are unlicensed, so they are unable to recommend particular policies.
In addition, navigators are hired to provide general information about coverage and financial assistance connected to the Affordable Care Act, specifically Medicaid. They are government-employed and are not affiliated with particular insurance companies.
Simply put, insurance agents can offer more specific and comprehensive assistance. Navigators are only able to help with government-based coverage. They aren’t legally allowed to recommend specific plans based on your needs.
Navigators are essentially designed to help you navigate the government-run exchange website. Insurance navigators are allowed to work without a criminal background check, which licensed agents must adhere to.
If you’re eager to find an agent who can help, get a quote today.
Ways to Connect With Health Insurance Agents
Having a qualified insurance agent at your side is a worthy investment. Taking time to explore your options can help you save money and time. Referrals from friends and family and online search tools can assist you in your search.
Please check out our team of agents as well. We’re eager and ready to find a health plan that meets your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three main types of insurance?
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Point-Of-Service (POS) plans, and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs).
What is risk in insurance?
It is insurance based around the possibility of unforeseen events that lead to loss of life or property. You pay an insurance premium based on the probability of the event happening.
What is the difference between a broker and an agent in health insurance?
An agent offers comprehensive insurance plans within one particular company. On the other hand, a broker works directly for you, offering information about plans from many different companies.
What are claims in insurance?
A request to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Is a health insurance agent necessary?
An insurance agent is not necessary. However, their services often help individuals find the plan they want faster with less stress.
Do You Want to Find the Best Insurance Plan Available?
Insurance agents are licensed health insurance professionals who can help individuals find quality health insurance that meets their needs. They generally work for one particular insurance company, offering in-depth knowledge about specific health plans. Working with an agent often helps individuals better understand their options.
If you’re looking for a less stressful health insurance process, get a quote from one of our agents today.