Which is cheaper and easier?
The Health Insurance Marketplace has a variety of plans available to North Carolina residents to peruse on their own. That can feel overwhelming to a lot of families, though, and sometimes there are plans available not on the marketplace as well.
This is why insurance seekers often find tremendous benefit in working with a health insurance agent. Agents are highly trained and familiar with all the options, and also have tools that allow them to quickly compare plans and break down advantages and costs so you can make an informed decision more simply.
Just as importantly: buying insurance through an agent does not cost you any additional money. Any commissions paid to the agent are done so through the insurance carriers, and it does not affect your monthly premium.
Independent Agents Are Not Beholden To Any One Carrier.
The advantage with an independent agent is therefore that they can present you with the policy options best suited to your household needs and budget. Year to year, that might mean you could switch plans to save money or obtain more ideal benefits. Or your best move might be to stick with the same plan despite newer ones being offered.
The big plus of having an experienced agent overseeing your health coverage is that they are continuously updated about new plan info and can help you plan ahead of open enrollment time.
That means that anything you might want to explore and change, you’ll be aware of ahead of time.
An independent health insurance agent’s first priority is you as the client, and obtaining you the most ideal coverage for your needs.
Working With An Agent Also Means Ongoing Support.
If you have questions throughout the year or encounter a challenge, such as a medical office claiming something isn’t covered (that was supposed to be), you can simply call your agent.
They can speak directly with your coverage carrier on your behalf, and also obtain information by logging into their systems to see if anything has changed.
Sometimes it’s an issue like the doctor’s office submitted a visit under an incorrect category and insurance won’t cover it, for instance, and amending the visit to clarify its purpose can resolve the discrepancy.
An Independent Agency Can Help You Understand Complexities of Plans and Conditions, and File Correctly.
One of the biggest complaints people have when trying to obtain health and life insurance is reading through the complexities of each plan to fully appreciate how one differs from another.
During the application process, agents assist in completing the necessary forms, ensuring all information is accurate and complete to avoid any delays or issues.
They also help gather and submit any required documentation, such as proof of income, residency, and identity.
Agents are well-versed in dealing with special conditions, such as pre-existing conditions, qualifying for subsidies or tax credits, and navigating changes in life circumstances like marriage, childbirth, or job loss. Your agent can clarify any confusing terms or conditions in the policy documents, ensuring you fully understand what is covered and what is not.
Sometimes a policy may seem like a perfect fit at a glance, but there is fine print that changes when and how it can be used. Reviewing policy choices with an agent can help avoid those types of oversights.
Would you like assistance in selecting the health insurance plan that’s best suited to your household? Call us today!