Affordable Care Act Coverage: Top Reasons to use a Broker

Ok – before this post really gets going, here at Pure Risk Solutions, we need to make a confession.

We are an insurance broker.

*Temporary pause for those who have fallen off their chair to pick themselves back up*

Obviously that’s not groundbreaking information. And therefore, a post entitled ‘Affordable Care Act Coverage: Top Reasons to use a Broker’ may seem a bit like shameless promotion. Of course, it is to an extent – but there really are numerous benefits to using a licensed health insurance agent to obtain Affordable Care Act coverage as opposed to forging your way alone.

Navigator or Broker – What’s the Difference?

Fundamentally, as a broker, we are actually licensed to sell insurance. This is obvious fact number two of this blog post, for those who are keeping track. If you choose to use one of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchanges, you will be provided the option of using a navigator for assistance. Not to downplay the function the people who fill these positions, but it’s basically customer service. Navigators can guide you through the Exchange websites, but cannot answer coverage-related questions or advise you about your specific needs or plan selection. Further to that, it’s worth reemphasizing that they cannot sell you insurance.

So what are the Benefits of using a Broker, then?

Less Hassle

1)      Time is a precious commodity. If you've heard anything about the Exchanges to this point, it’s likely that there have been a litany of glitches, creating for what was already apparent to be a tedious and lengthy process to be even more so for users. While the options are there on the websites, a broker has the ability to purchase coverage in or out of the Exchange, depending on what’s best for you and your family.

Flexibility based on your Schedule

2)      To sum it up, at Pure Risk Solutions, we’re here when you need us – be that during evenings or over the weekend. While the Connect for Health Colorado exchange has a customer service center, calls are only taken 7 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday. If you contact us, you get to speak with one of us, right away.

Knowledge, Understanding, and Peace of Mind

3)      As a broker, knowing the details of the marketplace and what your options are is our job. It’s one we love doing. We take a great deal of pride in actually getting to know our clients and their needs, so they are fully satisfied that they've found the best coverage possible. You will be assured that your doctor and prescription drug list are covered within the plan you select, and rest assured with the peace of mind you desire.

Avoidance of Pitfalls

4)      If you receive a subsidy in 2014 based on your coverage and income level, there’s a chance you could owe money back at the end of the year. We’ll assist you in providing all of the required information to the federal government, to mitigate this chance.

So there you have it. Though we in no way want to deter you from taking a look at the Exchanges yourself, just know that we are here to help you from start to finish in finding the right healthcare coverage as a licensed broker. Please give our resident expert, Dave Godel, a call at (303)834-1001 to get started, and visit the Pure Risk Solutions website at www.purerisksolutions.com for additional information.