Health insurance agents are currently positioned to assist consumers in selecting a health policy that fits the new government guidelines and best meets their needs.
Bedford Park, Illinois (PRWEB) November 30, 2013
In the wake of continued difficulties with the government’s healthcare website, millions of Americans have been caught on-hold waiting and wondering how they would be able to obtain required health insurance. "Health insurance agents are currently positioned to assist consumers in selecting a health policy that fits the new government guidelines and best meets their needs," began Sandra Horn, president, ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions."
Horn continued, "An advantage to utilizing a health insurance agent is that the consumer will be able to tap into the agent’s years of experience and unique knowledge of the health care market. Additionally, by using a licensed health insurance agent who is certified on the exchange, the consumer will have the added benefit of knowing they are dealing with an insurance professional, that can take the time to review benefits and explain complicated coverage and plan options, so the consumer purchases the right plan that fits their individual or family needs."
Horn provides tips that Americans should consider when purchasing insurance from health insurance agent:
1. Determine your income level.
According to the Affordable Care Act, individuals whose income is below 400% of the poverty level qualify for health insurance subsidies. This benefit means consumers will receive premium tax credits if they purchase their insurance on the exchange/marketplace. If the consumer’s income is over the 400% poverty level, they will not qualify for a tax credit, and are not required to purchase health insurance through the exchange.
2. Select an agent that represents a number of health insurance companies.
Agents that represent a number of health insurance companies can offer the consumer more options. They will have a number of different plans to choose from at various price points.
3. Years of experience can pay off.
Understanding the complexities of a health insurance plan can be a daunting task. That is why a health insurance agent may be the way to go for many consumers. Most navigators available through healthcare.gov are not licensed agents and are not trained to answer complex health insurance questions. Horn shared, "What makes ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions unique is that our multi-lingual staff are licensed and certified to work with the public to answer questions and help them through the enrollment process from start to finish. In addition, because of the years of experience our staff possess we can: identify if they qualify for a subsidy; explain the benefits of utilizing a subsidy; advise them on complicated insurance issues; help shop for the right plan that meets their specific needs; and enroll them for coverage."
4. Ensure your new plan covers each of the essential health benefit areas.
Whether you are purchasing an individual, family or small group health plan it must include the government’s new essential health benefits: ambulatory patient services; emergency service; hospitalization; maternity and newborn care; mental health and mental health and substance use disorder services; prescription drugs; maternity; rehab and habilitative services and devices; laboratory services; preventative and wellness services; and pediatric services, including oral and visional care.
5. Be aware that purchasing your new policy from a health insurance agent should not cost you more money than if you purchased it through healthcare.gov.
While agents are paid to lend their service and health insurance knowledge to you, their pay is not reflective on the insurance premium you pay. If you are in doubt, cost can be checked through healthcare.gov. That is why working with an agent that is reputable and licensed in your state is critical.
About ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions:
Headquartered in Bedford Park, Illinois, ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions is not affiliated with any governmental agency. Available nationwide, ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions is a licensed, certified and multi-lingual Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment provider created to assist individuals and part time employees obtain health insurance. ACAenroll.com and the company’s call center (1-800-342-0631) and numerous locations, will be able to assist enrollees through the entire enrollment process. Go to ACAenroll.com or contact 1-800-342-0631 for more information.