Health insurance agents are licensed by the state or states in which they serve to assist individuals, families, seniors, students and businesses in applying for individual or group health coverage. While all health insurance agents must be licensed, not all are created equal. Here are some qualities to look for in a good health insurance agent:
Knowledgeable –– An agent should be knowledgeable about the carriers they represent, and the ins and outs of the plans their carriers offer. They should be able to explain complex health insurance terminology, should be thoroughly trained on the new healthcare laws and, ideally, would be exchange-certified to help consumers apply for coverage through the health insurance exchanges.
Personable — Choosing a health plan is a big decision. An agent who carefully listens to the needs of their clients and clearly has the best interests of their clients in mind is more likely to earn the trust of consumers.
Enthusiastic — The best agents are those who are passionate about what they do. Agents should display eagerness in helping consumers find the most affordable and comprehensive plan, and be genuinely enthusiastic about helping consumers understand their coverage options.
It’s more important than ever to consult a licensed insurance agent in light of the recent changes to healthcare under the Affordable Care Act. There has been a lot of talk about “insurance navigators” in the news in recent months. “Navigators” are individuals or organizations who work for the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) navigator program to help consumers apply for health coverage through the state or federal health insurance exchanges. It’s important to note that these individuals are only required to undergo 30 hours of training — a far cry from the extensive training and experience held by many licensed health insurance agents. A seasoned agent with years of experience in the industry, and thorough training on the new healthcare laws, is a consumer’s best bet.
Benefit Packages is an exchange-certified agency that has been helping individuals, students, seniors and businesses find affordable health insurance with reputable carries like Anthem Blue Cross for over 20 years. Call us at 1-800-356-3615 for a quote, today.