WHY SHOULD I USE AN AGENT FOR MY HEALTH OR MEDICARE INSURANCE?

We all have questions in our heads that we want to have answers to but just don't ask the question. Few ask these questions but everyone is curious.

Here is a sample of questions I get asked on occasion but seems to be an underlying curiosity in many Clients.

What can an Agent or Broker do for me?
Agents and Brokers are individuals that assist clients, in this instance, with their health and Medicare
insurance needs. An Agent can be a Broker. Or, an Agent can be a Captive Agent meaning they only promote one Carrier. The Broker is certified with multiple Carriers allowing them to shop the best plan for the consumer.
Brokers must re-certify annually with every Carrier they are contracted with. We are educated and tested on:
1. HIPPA compliance - Protecting the privacy of our clients.
2. Ethics - Knowing the right thing to do.
3. Plans offered by each Carrier - These change every year.

Do I have to pay to use an Agent?
NO. Agents / Brokers are paid commission by the Carrier. We have no incentive to promote one Carrier over another, the commissions are very similar. Our job is to find a plan that works for you.
Don't call an Agent / Broker for free advice. Like everyone else, we are here to make money. We are
happy to help but don't waste our time. Commissions are earned by enrolling consumers not spending unlimited time answering questions for free.

I don't like my Agent, can I change? I have insurance but I don't have an agent.

You can change your health insurance Agent any time. There are several ways to do this.
1. If you have a tax credit and your plan is through Your Health Idaho, call the consumer help desk and add the Agent. Your account profile will populate in our Broker portal. This allows access to your information and the Agent will be able to help with your specific plan choices.

2. OR, if you have a tax credit and are enrolled through Your Health Idaho, login to your account and add the Agent. Follow the prompts for getting assistance on your home page. Again, your choice will populate to the Broker portal.

3. If your plan is directly with a Carrier, you can complete a form called Agent of Record to designate the Agent of your choosing.

Medicare recipients do not have the opportunity to change Agents as easily as with health insurance.
Choose your Agent wisely. Depending on the type of plan you have, circumstances and the Carrier, you may be tied to that Agent for a very long time.

If you have a specific question you would like answered, get in touch with me. I will be happy to get you an answer.