Your guide to working with a health insurance agent
Choosing health insurance can feel overwhelming, whether you're exploring coverage for the first time, shopping during Open Enrollment or navigating a major life change. Some people prefer to compare plans on their own, while others want guidance from a licensed health insurance agent. Here are a few ways you can get help shopping for health insurance — on your own or with a health insurance agent.
Determine the type of support you need
Wellmark offers many tools and resources to help you learn about your health insurance options and compare plans. These are available anytime online and are completely free to use. You can even enroll online when you’re ready!
While many people choose to shop online on their own, others appreciate having a local expert — like a health insurance agent — available to answer questions and guide them through the process.
What do health insurance agents do?
Health insurance agents are licensed professionals trained to help people make informed decisions about their health coverage. They’ll get to know your needs and budget, explain your plan options, give plan recommendations and help you enroll when you’re ready.
Health insurance agents have access to tools and resources that make shopping for health insurance easier. And if you haven’t done it on your own, agents can also help you check your eligibility for health insurance tax credits (subsidies). Their guidance and support also costs you nothing.
Prefer 1:1 shopping support?
Local health insurance experts are ready to help you choose the health plan that’s right for your needs and budget. Find one in your area.
When might I consider working with a health insurance agent?
Health insurance agents can be especially helpful when you’ve experienced a big life change, have complex health needs or just want to feel more confident when shopping for individual or family coverage.
Here are a few situations where working with a health insurance agent may be helpful:
- You qualify for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
- You’ve moved to a new area or state.
- You need to find your own health plan after turning 26.
- You’ve added or removed dependents.
- You plan to retire before being eligible for Medicare.
- You’ve lost job-based coverage and need an individual or family plan.
- You have specific health needs.
- You find health insurance confusing or overwhelming.
None of these situations apply to you? A health insurance agent can still answer questions and help you find and choose a plan.
Ready to find a plan? Here’s what to do next.
Health insurance agents are available year-round to help you explore your health insurance options. Find an agent near you.
Our online shopping platform also makes it easy to compare individual and family plans and enroll when you’re ready. Try it out today!