When picking a health insurance agent:
- You need one you can reach and communicate with. Agents that are two busy for your questions before making money on you are also to busy to help you get a claim paid, when they aren't making anything
- Your agent should return your phone calls right away. If he won't call you back when you might send him money, when will he?
- Your agent should know about several other plans. He may only sell one or two that he likes, but other plans may be more suitable to what you want
- Make sure your agent knows the details of your health. You may qualify for one company but not another. If an agent sends you an application sight unseen, how does he know you are buying a policy that's right for you?
- Consider having your agent submit a trial application or informal inquiry. If have a health issue, you may get declined, then no agent will be able to get you coverage
- Does your ask about family planning? Not all health plans include childbirth. These are one for the largest claims. If your agent is not interested in you and your needs, find another
- Does your agent ask about medications? Even if you are in good health, an expensive prescription drug maybe not be covered or may cause a decline. This will follow you around like a bad credit rating that never expires
- You should be dealing with an agent in his area of expertise. Agents that try to be all things to all people usually
- After talking to your agent on the phone, you will be able to sense if he's on your side or just running an application mill. Some agents focus on volume and aren't interested in talking to each individual client
- Does your agent go over your annual doctors visits? This will be highly relevant if you never go, or visit often. This is directly tired to your co-payment
- Did the agent compare deductible to no deductible plans? Some companies premiums are higher with deductibles, than other companies charge for an equivalent policy without them!
- Did the agent explain the difference between maximum out of pocket expenses and deductibles? Maximum out of pocket is the most out of your pocket for co-insurance (the percentage) you'll spend in a single year. Consider MAXIMUM out of pocket a ceiling on what you'll spend, while a deductible is the MINIMUM you'll spend, dollar wise
- Use common sense when applying for a plan. Do you want the insurance company to pay for your pregnancy when you're already pregnant? Expensive drugs when you already are on them? You are most likely going to be stuck with your current plan. The companies are in business to make money, and no company has to cover you unless you are in a group, COBRA or HIPPA plan. Even so, an agent should take several minutes to give you suggestions. Not everything we do makes us money.
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