Cutting out the middle-man isn’t always a good thing.

Why You Need An Insurance Agent

It still shocks me when someone asks why they should use an agent instead of just calling the insurance company directly to enroll in a Health Insurance Plan.  But I understand why you might ask this question.  If you get something in the mail and it looks like a good deal then why not just cut out the middle man and buy direct?

The answer is simple.  Because you need the advice and guidance of someone who is trained and experienced.  

Who’s watching out for you?

When you call an insurance company they will only tell you why their plan is better than the others.  They will not tell you what the competition may offer because their job is to sell their plan and only their plan.  Also when they sell direct to you without an agent they increase their profits because they no longer have to pay a commission to an agent.   This money does not get passed on to you. It stays in their pockets or gets paid out to their stockholders.

Your health insurance costs will not be any higher if you choose to work with an agent or if you choose to work directly with the insurance company.  But it may cost you more in the long run if you choose not to talk with an agent.  By going direct you might not learn about the plan that has a lower cost prescription copayment for an expensive brand name drug you take or the one that offers to pay for your vitamins or other health and wellness products.

There are many benefits to working with an agent. 

In my opinion the most valuable benefit to working with an agent is your relationship with your agent. When you have a question or need to help making a change you have someone to call who is knowledgeable and has experience to offer you solid advice.  Someone who cares about maintaining a relationship with you and wants to help you.

Additionally, Independent Agents like myself are trained and tested annually on ALL the health insurance plans we represent.  We know what these plans cover and how they cover it.  Agents also have first hand knowledge of customer experiences with each plan.   Agents talk to their clients on a regular basis and know when their clients are unhappy with a plan and what shortcoming the plans have. The insurance company’s representative is not going to tell you about a bad customer experience but your agent will share their clients experiences with you both good and bad so you get a clear understanding of how the plan operates.

What about shopping online?

Some websites now offer a “comparison” so that you can see clearly how the different plans look “side-by-side.”  These comparisons only show you the basic costs.  They do not show you additional benefits offered such as dental, vision and hearing.   Each plan is unique and has its strengths and weaknesses.   Agents familiar with these plans know what those are and can assist you in making a better decision.

A typical meeting with an agent starts out with a conversation about your needs.   I will ask basic questions to determine what your needs are and when we are through I will show you which plans cover your specific needs.  Then you review these plans with your agent and you ask questions YOU will learn more about the plans so YOU can make the decision as to which plan is right for you.  A good agent is a resource.  Someone who has the knowledge and experience to help guide you in making a good decision and is there by your side every step of the way through the enrollment process and still available afterwards to answer any questions that come up.   

Would you like my help?

If you would like help finding the right dental plan or ask a few questions, you can call me directly at 207-370-0143 or use my simple form on the CONTACT page of this site to send an email message.  The best part about working with me is that it will not cost you anything to talk with me to discuss your options and review the plans that are available.  I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission when you enroll in a plan.  You will not pay anything to meet with me and you will pay the same price for your insurance that everyone pays whether they had my help or not.

“My goal is to help people and I have found great joy in being able to offer my services to people who need my help.”

Are you turning 65 and still working?  Read this.