May 19, 2012
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Why We Can’t Forget About Agents

No matter how much information is online, many consumers shopping for health insurance will still need personalized guidance from a professional. For many, health insurance agents are an essential part of the health insurance shopping process. Up to 90 percent of GoHealth users talk to an insurance agent or request to talk to an insurance agent during their application process.

The exchanges and shopping platforms built to service consumers post –reform will provide consumers access to the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health insurance plan — including the knowledge and support of an agent.

Expert Advice

For a first–time purchaser of health insurance coverage, choosing a plan without the help of an advisor familiar with the products may feel like buying a car without ever having driven one. To successful service shoppers, an exchange should allow for easy access to a pool of expert agents familiar with products in the consumers area.

Many consumers rely on agents to make sure they understand their options and decide on the right policy for their needs. Most consumers using the exchange will be purchasing health insurance for the first time and will need an experienced agent familiar with the products to walk them through the process.

Understanding Reform

For those unfamiliar with the legislation, health care reform can seem as confusing as it is promising. Many will solicit the help of an insurance agent to walk them through the new rules, regulations and options before them.

Not only will understanding reform be central to individuals using the exchanges, but small groups as well, as many of them are directly impacted by very new regulations including tax credits for providing coverage.

Support

Insurance agents provide value as a trusted advisor during the sales process and an advocate during the life of the policy. Advancements in technology in banking and real estate have not done away with the need for on going support from knowledgeable bankers and real estate agents, and the health insurance industry is no exception. Technology will continue to streamline and improve the shopping process, but consumers will always need to leverage the experience of a seasoned insurance agent to support them both when shopping for and later when using a health insurance policy.

Health Care Reform
The passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on March 2010 presented American citizens the promise of equal access to health insurance, lower health care costs and a higher standard of health care. Although laying the groundwork for a new health care system in this country is no small task, the opportunity to deliver improved health care to more Americans is greater than ever.

Opportunity for Consumers
The growing number of consumers now in search of health insurance has resulted in a more transparent, consumer-oriented health industry. It is critical to empower consumers with the tools needed to stay informed on health care reform and how each provision will affect the way they obtain health insurance. Individuals can now make better decisions in regards to cost, benefits and the provider of their health insurance coverage with online tools available at their convenience.

The GoHealth Platform
Purchasing health insurance is an important decision and GoHealth strives to make shopping for health insurance easier by connecting consumers with the resources they need. The GoHealth platform is designed to help individuals, families and groups obtain quality health insurance coverage through licensed agents, technology and information. Using our online tools, consumers can get the information necessary to make a confident decision regarding their individual health insurance coverage, all in one streamlined marketplace.