Proponents of the new health care law claim to have seen the future of American health care - and they say it's a lot like air travel.
According to the Feb. 16 Point of View article "Reshaping N.C.'s health coverage," by Adam Searing and Adam Linker, come January 2014 choosing a health insurance plan in the new exchanges will be as easy as shopping on Orbitz. Advocates claim that by cutting insurance agents and brokers from the transaction and forcing consumers and small employers to buy policies direct, the exchanges will trim costs.
However, selecting a health insurance policy is a tad more complex than buying a plane ticket. Many consumers rely on agents and brokers to help them make informed insurance choices and take advantage of cost-saving opportunities - and should be allowed to consult with them if they so choose.
The consequences for purchasing the wrong plane ticket are pretty minor; however, choosing the wrong health insurance coverage can jeopardize health and financial security. For small business owners who provide health benefits to their workers, the risks are magnified across many families and lives.
That's where licensed professional agents and brokers come in. Expert agents can ensure that individuals and businesses find the plans that best suit their needs.
Insurance brokers are more than just salespeople. They can assist their customers by guiding them through the claims process, helping them appeal denied medical claims and correct administrative errors.
For small businesses, health insurance agents and brokers frequently serve as virtual human resources departments, providing administrative savings by assisting in compliance, completing enrollment forms, answering questions about benefits and ensuring that enrollees have the documentation they need to access medical care.
According to the nonpartisan Center for Studying Health System Change, at least half of all small firms in the United States obtain their health benefits through a broker or agent. These companies appreciate the services brokers provide. A survey commissioned by IBM found that three-quarters of small-business owners were very satisfied with their agents' work.
The health reform law claims to offer some help to confused consumers by establishing "navigators" to conduct public education activities, distribute information about enrollment and premium credits and provide enrollment assistance. Unfortunately, the law does not specify what training or certification navigators must receive to advise customers - unlike professional agents who are accountable, state-licensed professionals.
By empowering consumers with useful information, brokers make the health insurance marketplace more - not less - efficient.
Chad V. Blankenburg
President
N.C. Association of Health
Underwriters
Charlotte
The length limit was waived to permit a fuller response to the article.
