It's no cheaper to get health insurance through an agent than to search the Affordable Care Act market and compare the prices yourself. It doesn't cost you anything to hire a broker*, and most brokers who are certified by the stock exchange can also help you compare over-the-counter plans that meet the requirements of the ACA with the options available on the exchange. If your income is too high to receive subsidies, a broker who can help you shop on and off the stock market will be an excellent resource. That's why it helps to have an expert on your side. That expert, called an insurance agent, broker, or producer, plays a key role in helping people in the process of buying health insurance.
However, there are several myths about insurance agents and their role. Let's address some of the most common ones. Using the help of an insurance agent to purchase an insurance policy is like having a personal assistant. You need the best health insurance, because good health can help you achieve your life goals. Even if you take care of your diet and exercise, it's essential to protect your health if you're involved in an accident or get sick.
Purchasing insurance isn't as easy as walking to a store and getting a specific product that you're sure will benefit you from. If you're not familiar with their terms and coverage, you could make a mistake and lose money. An agent will guide you to get the best deal. These are the reasons why working with an insurance agent is a cheaper option. Health insurance brokers can get quotes for you, making it easier to find coverage and compare plans to find the cheapest health insurance.
It's usually free to hire a health insurance broker. Brokers also understand the details of health insurance and stay up to date on changes in the industry. This can make it easier to search for coverage, since the broker can help you compare health insurance plans from different companies. As a result, even those who shop in the Marketplace have access to very affordable health insurance. If you're looking for a health insurance broker, ask if they can get you quotes for more than one company. To see all the available data about qualified health plan options in your state, visit the health insurance marketplace website at HealthCare.
ValuePenguin does not review or include all insurance companies or products available in the market, and ValuePenguin advises consumers to look for the best insurance product for their particular situation. It's no cheaper to buy health insurance through an agent rather than searching the Affordable Care Act market and comparing prices on your own. First, it's important to understand the difference between a health insurance broker and a health insurance agent. You can apply for health insurance outside the open enrollment period if you qualify for a special enrollment period. Brokers can also help you get coverage on the federal health insurance exchange or a state exchange.
You don't usually have to pay a health insurance broker, but it's smart to check before scheduling an appointment. Through HealthSherpa, you can search for health insurance plans, compare prices and see what subsidies are eligible. This website may not show all the data about qualified health plans offered in your state through the health insurance marketplace website. A good agent will spend time getting to know your needs and those of your family, and then look for a health plan that fits those needs and your budget.
A health insurance broker can obtain quotes and policies from more than one company, although they may be limited to companies with which they have a contract. Insurance agents who belong to the National Association of Health Insurers also agree to a strict code of ethics.
