Millions of people are purchasing health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Many of those are trying to get enrolled through the health care.gov marketplace, which is the only place to get subsidies to reduce costs. In doing this, some clients face problems with program access due to site failures and ongoing technical glitches. One option most people forget about or are not told is available is the opportunity to purchase coverage through an agent or broker. These professionals can provide enrollment assistance and valuable advice, and they are able to answer most questions.
Seems that in the rush to keep pumping out changes, regulations and advertisements inducing people to enroll, either this administration or the powers in charge have generally neglected one of the most important and helpful tools to getting people covered, your local, professional, licensed, trained and insured independent insurance broker!
There are also navigators, which are not the same as professional brokers and agents. Navigators are paid by the government, and they are not able to deliver as much help as a broker or agent could. These navigators are prohibited by law to make recommendations or give advice about policies. In the majority of states, navigators do not have to be licensed, and they do not have to comply with the same annual continuing educations requirements that professional agents are required by law to meet. In addition to this, navigators are not required to keep the professional liability coverage that agents and brokers must always have.
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Some independent brokers and agents have been specially trained and certified to provide assistance to people who are trying to enroll in health plans through the healthcare.gov marketplace. We are also able to make consumers aware of options that are not offered through exchanges, or “off exchange. A good broker can tell you the difference between a plan on the exchange or off. Experts point out that choosing a health plan is a serious decision that should involve investigation, experience and know how. It should not be the same as going online and purchasing merchandise. Buying inadequate coverage could financially wipe out a family if something goes wrong. Worse yet if you discover after the open enrollment period that you have made a poor decision, it is too late!
In addition to the problems consumers could face if they use navigators, experts point out that navigators cannot provide prompt assistance. With the many site issues online accompanying with the website, there is a backlog of people waiting for help. Millions more have been added into funding the technology efforts, but navigators still have to wait for issues to be fixed despite this investment.
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As they continue to sift through piles of paper applications, they will slowly only be able to provide partial help to many customers. People who are concerned about obtaining coverage during open enrollment will have better luck talking to a professional broker or agent. Since there is not a great deal of time left to purchase coverage, it is important to contact me or another licensed, trained and certified professional broker as quickly as possible to discuss concerns and ask questions. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Feel free to contact us at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns or visit us on the web for your healthcare reform resources at http://www.totalbenefits.net
