What inspired you to become a health insurance broker?
I spent 27 years in the pharmaceutical industry, and when I came home, I had to buy private insurance for the first time in my life. I purchased a marketplace plan and found it to be quite expensive for our small family. However, I didn’t really know that there were affordable options available. After paying high prices for 5 years for essentially annual wellness visits, I decided to purchase a much less expensive option. Little did I know that a member of our family would face Stage 3 cancer eleven months later. I was quite nervous because I just didn’t understand how this insurance would work on our journey. Fast forward several months, and we were amazed at the coverage and had an amazing experience with it. This inspired me to consider helping other people navigate this uncertain and sometimes scary healthcare world, so I immediately secured my broker’s license and started assisting others with their health insurance choices in 2018.
Why is open enrollment such an important time of year for individuals and families?
This is the one time of year anyone can secure a marketplace plan (or in our state, it’s known as Georgia Access) without having a required qualifying event. But it’s also a critical time to assess healthcare needs. Maybe the cost is too much, and you need to explore other options. Or maybe you are advancing in age and would like to ensure there is enough coverage for catastrophic events. Open enrollment is a perfect time to sit down and assess your options.
What’s the first step someone should take if they’re feeling overwhelmed by their insurance options or purchasing healthcare for the first time?
Call me! You do not have to be the expert! That’s my job, and I am here to help clients sift through the unknowns and understand what they have and what they don’t have because there is no insurance that pays for every single thing. One of my favorite lines to hear is, “I hate health insurance!” This is usually because there’s a lack of understanding, and I take the time to explain so you just don’t feel overwhelmed. My second favorite line to hear is, “I’ve never had anyone explain insurance to me the way you have.” I can almost hear a sigh of relief.
What role does understanding a client’s lifestyle or health needs play in finding the right plan?
This is very important because my job is to make sure I am offering options that best meet the needs of the client. For example, some affordable private insurance options take into consideration certain pre-existing conditions. These may not be knock-out conditions, but could impact the timeframe one may need to wait before certain conditions are covered. The premium cost savings may make it worth the wait, but the pros and cons should be considered in advance, and I help clients work through these.
How do you guide clients through comparing plans and benefits?
I prefer Zoom calls over phone calls. I like for clients to see what they are getting and understand the benefits that are important to them. They don’t have to be on camera if they prefer not to, but I will always be (and sometimes even my little Pom Brycee Claire joins me), and I will show the ins and outs of plans. I’m very transparent.
What types of supplemental or specialty coverage do you often recommend (dental, vision, accident, etc.)?
Major medical, Hospital Indemnity, 24-Hour Accident, Catastrophic Accident, Critical Illness, Specified Disease, Dental, and Vision are the main products I offer.
What changes or trends are you seeing in the health insurance industry right now?
Healthcare costs continue to escalate and seem to increase year over year, so it’s important to know that plans can be purchased that give one a little more control over healthcare costs and monthly premiums. Those plans are out there. I know. My family has one.
Why choose Amy Tyler?
I answer my phone! Or at least respond with a text with a promise to return the call if I’m currently on a Zoom or other phone call. My promise is “when you get my policy, you get me.” It’s important to work with someone who wants to be there when you need them. I’m passionate about helping my clients have as good an experience with their insurance as they possibly can.
Go to amylifeandhealth.com to get a quote and learn more about Amy Tyler.
Navigating the uncertain and sometimes scary healthcare world inspires me to help others understand their options and find the right plan.