Choosing the right healthcare plan can be an overwhelming experience. It has lasting repercussions and can have a great impact on your financial health, as well as your physical well-being.
Before you even get to the ins and outs of the right healthcare plan, you have another important decision to make: You can work with a government-exchange navigator or go through an independent insurance agent.
While there are some similarities, you’ll see that the differences are significant enough to weigh the scales in favor of an independent insurance agent.
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Benefits of a healthcare “personal shopper”
Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone knowledgeable tag along with you when you went shopping?
Their guidance could steer you away from a bad purchase and push you toward one that is suited to you.
Think of an insurance agent as a healthcare personal shopper. He has the knowledge to steer you toward to best choice for your situation.
Let’s do some comparisons and dive into why an insurance agent makes a great ally:
- Cost. The cost of your plan is the same, whether you go through an agent or a government-exchange operator. When you think of it that way, you’re getting personalized advice and support and it isn’t costing you anything extra.
- Knowledge. Making an informed choice isn’t all that easy if you don’t understand the terminology of all the fine print. Licensed health insurance agents are immersed in this information all the time and have the knowledge to relay it to you in a way you can understand. Government agents are only able to tell you about some of the many plans available and they are legally not allowed to make any kind of recommendation.
- Support. Your independent insurance agent is with you for the long haul. They can help you if you need to make changes during the open enrollment period or simply re-enroll in your plan. They can also act as an advocate with your insurance company if any questions or issues come up. On the other hand, you wouldn’t typically work with the same government agent for an extended period of time after you’ve purchased insurance.
- License. A licensed independent agent is just that – licensed! Their career is based around knowing all there is to know about healthcare plans and which ones will best suit the needs of particular clients. Keep in mind that a government agent doesn’t have to be licensed in this area.
- Subsidies. Independent agents have access to the same information that government agents do in terms of subsidies. You can also apply through an independent agent just the same way you would with a government operator. But if you want to meet face-to-face, your independent agent can do that!
- Background check. At first glance, this may seem like an odd addition to the list, but think about the amount of personal information you are entrusting to whomever you choose to work with! Licensed agents are required by law to undergo background checks. Government employees don’t have to adhere to this standard.
There’s really no reason to try and go it on your own or depend on the limited help that a government-exchange navigator provides when it comes to choosing the right healthcare plan
It can be a confusing process, but it’s an important one.
A licensed independent insurance agent can help you discern what plan is the best for you.
The agents are knowledgeable enough to help you understand what you’re signing up for and are ready to be a help and support when you have questions and concerns.