Purchasing health insurance is a large financial concern. Having it gives you peace of mind, but the selection process can be difficult with the hundreds of plans available. And what happens after you buy the policy? Is anyone there to look out for you?

Health insurance agents are there after the sale.

• Health Insurance Agents: A professional health insurance agent is there for more than the sale. They are there to act on your behalf with the insurance company to help with any issues that arise after the sale. Agents can help with billing questions, claims concerns, and further explain your benefits. Your agent will know your needs and assist with planning your renewal or updating your coverage when special changes happen in your life.
• Navigators: Navigators cannot assist with the servicing of an insurance policy.

Health insurance agent’s services aren’t paid by you.

• Health Insurance Agents: Health insurance rates are set by the state where you purchase your plan. The premium is exactly the same if you buy the plan on your own or if you use a health insurance agent. Health insurance agents are paid a commission by the insurance company and continue to get paid as long as they continue to do a good job for you. There is no cost to you for use a professional health insurance agent.
• Navigators: Navigators are paid with tax dollars and federal grants.

Health insurance agents make insurance easy.

• Health Insurance Agents: Do you know what a deductible or a copayment is or when one applies over the other? An agent does. Do you know what a PPO, HMO, or POS network is? An agent does, and an agent can easily explain the difference of each of the hundreds of policy choices and narrow those down based on your needs and budget.
• Navigators: Navigators are restricted from explaining policies or recommending policies.

Health insurance agents are licensed.

• Health Insurance Agents: Because each state licenses insurance agents, the agent has a fiduciary responsibility to his clients. This is a moral and legal responsibility to put you, the client first. Health insurance agents have the legal right to recommend an insurance plan that fits your needs.
• Navigators: Navigators are not licensed or bonded. Navigators are legally restricted from recommending an insurance product to you. Navigators are not required to have background checks, be fingerprinted, or be liable for assisting you in navigating the marketplace.

Bill Askins | Advisor Since 1993
727-754-2944
billaskins@usmedical.org