Some of you may already know that I've been looking for affordable health insurance for my family.
I have a few questions.

What are these companies that I'm calling that look up different quotes for you and say that they will be your agent to deal with the insurance company?

Do you have to have one of these agents? what do they do?
The guy I was talking to, sounded like a very pushy salesman.

The other numbers I called asked for my info and told me an agent would return my call within the week. Is that normal?

And has anyone had personal experience with Mega health insurance?

Thanks

michealb

I used one few years back but the guy I used was good and managed the plans for many small businesses in the area. They are sales men and get their money by selling you a plan so if you don't trust the guy you need to shop around. They also generally act like your hr department at a company and answer any questions you might have about your insurance.

AKaeTrue

Thanks Micheal

I contacted a different guy who is an independent insurance agent (don't know if that makes a difference).
He was much nicer and a lot more helpful than the pushy guy.

His quote for the same insurance company was 83$ cheaper than the one the pushy guy gave me.

I wonder if it's normal for different agencies to have such different quotes?

Fr_Chuck

First understand there are 1000's variations of health insurnace,
depending on deductable, maximum payment of coverages, if they are a real major medical ( there is one company I know that lies about thier policy)

I myself broker for about 10 health insurnce companies, about 1/2 I use rate books to find the rates, the other 1/2 I have computer programs.
I can get a rate for someone in about 10 minutes.

The numbers you call that ask for information is just phone answering companies, they answer calls for this and maybe dozens of other companies, they then send that info to the company who gives it to a agent licensed in your state, who will call you.

In the other cases you talk directly to a licensed agent.

And I can give you a quote that will range several hundred dollars and I can make them all sound like the best policy.

AKaeTrue

Thanks Chuck

Every place that I've called so far today has told me that United Health Care is the best for my family because the rates are lower and that they are a major medical.
The best quote so far was $453.00 a month 80/20, $2,500 deductible twice annually,$35 copay,$15 generic,$30 brand.

I'm thinking this is pretty good considering I was getting quoted between $600 - $800 recently when I looked into it. Any thoughts?

I was also thinking about going with a high deductible plan (for emergencies/unexpected illnesses) but I haven't been quoted on any of those yet.
I didn't even know they existed until I read one of the emails sent to me by an agent. I'll have to ask more questions to him tomorrow.

ScottGem

We use UHC through our company and have been happy with them.

But I have another suggestion for you. Do you belong to any fraternal organizations, trade groups, etc.? You may find you can get a group rate cheaper. Many organizations can get group rates for their members.

AKaeTrue

Thanks Scott, I'll ask my husband to check into that.
He belongs to a couple of organizations for small business owners.
If I'm remembering correctly (this was quite a long time ago) there was some mention about group health insurance,
but at the time it wasn't something we were interested in so it went in one ear and out the other.
I'll definitely find out about that today. Thanks

ScottGem

Yep, lots of small biz owner groups offer this. If the group is large enough they can get rates closer to what large companies pay. Its all about spreading the risk.