Health Insurance Agents Work For Consumers, They Are Not Employees of Insurance Companies!

The Customers Of Agents Are Employer Groups And Individual Consumers

Agents depend on consumers for their livelihood.  The services that they offer must consistently show their value by providing on-going service and benefit expertise.

Agents Are In The Business Of Solving Employer & Consumer Problems

Usually Agents are the first to be called when a client's claim is not paid or when premiums are raised.  Because of their experience and relationships with insurance industry personnel, Agents can often get problems resolved quickly and efficiently.

Agents Are Paid A Commission For Servicing and Selling Insurance Policies

An employer or consumer can replace their Agent at anytime without changing their policy.  So, it is in the Agent's best interest to provide their clients with the best possible service.   Most Insurance carriers pay the Agent a commission (which does not raise the policy premium) not only for selling a policy; but, for taking over much of the administration of the policy.  This is a true "value-added" service that Insurance Companies, Consumers and Employer Groups recognize.

Agents Make Complex Benefit & Legislative Issues Easy to Understand

Often, complex laws are passed by State and Federal Governments that affect Employee benefits, such as COBRA, Cal-COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA and AB1672.  Health Insurance Agents must attend special seminars, classes and lectures in order to fully understand these laws.  They can then pass this information on in a simple manner that is easily understood.  There are thousands of benefit plan options available to employers.  Agents guide Clients through the myriad of plan options, to the plans that best suit their Client's needs.

Agents Often Support The Human Resources Department For Small Employers

Quite often, small employers cannot afford to staff Human Resources personnel.  In fact, the owner sometimes must take on the added responsibility of handling Employee Benefit matters.  Employers can rely on an Agent to assist them with managing the day-to-day administration of Health Insurance and other Personnel issues.

Agents Explain The Details Of Coverage Offered By Policies

Good Agents explain the details of coverage offered by different policies and support their Client's interests when dealing with Insurers.  In a Group context, Employers need to determine what benefits to provide to their Employees.  This should also take into account the price they are willing to pay for those benefits.  Included in this analysis are Employer / Employee cost-sharing strategies, use of Cafeteria plans, 401K plans and tax-saving alternatives.

Agents Can Be Used To Present Programs To The Employer Group

Once the products are chosen, the Agent will coordinate the installation of the new benefit package.  The Agent is well-versed in enrollment procedures which lessens the burden on the Employer.  Typically, the meeting includes an Employee question and answer period which ensures a seamless transition from their old plan to their new benefit's package.

The role of the conscientious Agent does not end with the delivery of the policy or completion of the sale.  A Professional Agent will continue to solve problems and address consumer concerns while providing on-going service throughout the year.

Excerpts taken from:  "The Role Of The Professional Health Insurance Agent" 

Published by: California Association Of Health Underwriters

Written By: Advanced Benefit Consulting and Warner Pacific Insurance Services

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For More Information Contact:
 

Telephone : 1-800-DJTURNER  (In California)

Telephone : 1-661-296-0240  

FAX : 1-661-296-2408

 

Dana J. Turner Insurance Services, Inc.

         26893 Bouquet Canyon Road, Suite C, PMB 294

Santa Clarita, CA 91350

General Information: dana@djtinsurance.com