Benefit Advisors Network members can now better assist clients in the individual market thanks to a new partnership with GoHealth. The Chicago-based company, which has its own private exchange, allows consumers to compare plans both on and off the exchange. GoHealth also offers the same plans available on Healthcare.gov thanks to an agreement with the federal government to sell subsidized insurance under the Affordable Care Act and has a subsidy calculator so people can determine how much of a tax credit theyre eligible for.
Our platform enables the consumer to shop for numerous plans all over the country, says Scott Sullivan, senior vice president of sales and business development.
While focused on the individual market, GoHealth works with many large employers that have employees who qualify for subsidies, like part-timers, but might not be eligible for group insurance, Sullivan says. That is a big benefit to BAN, says Executive Director Perry Braun.
BANs partnership with GoHealth, announced this week, enables firms to ensure their group clients are compliant with the law while also serving the individual market, Braun says. You need to be in a position to serve all markets and all issues, he says.
The GoHealth website has a variety of tools to help consumers including free advice from licensed advisers. Available via phone or Web chat, GoHealth advisers are standing by to help people make the best selection.
The site is an outside tool for BAN, which has a co-brokered arrangement with GoHealth with a varied commission schedule, Braun says.
While open enrollment is when people need the most help, Sullivan says, GoHealth has advisers available year-round to answer questions. Helping someone make the right choice leads to a happier consumer who will stay with a plan longer, he says.
Advisers earn the same commission no matter what plan is purchased, Sullivan says. Theyre not guided by compensation to push [consumers] to plan A or plan B, he says. Its strictly about the consumers needs and priorities.
