Twenty-five members of the House have asked federal health regulators to ensure a role for licensed insurance agents in the web portal that will be used to aid consumers in comparing coverage options. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled the web portal July 1 on a trial basis. An update with more comprehensive information is scheduled to debut October 1. The portal is seen as a precursor to the health insurance exchanges that will be launched in 2014 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

“We strongly encourage you to include the ability for consumers to contact certified, state-licensed independent health insurance agents and brokers for assistance when comparing coverage options,” a letter from the House members said. “It is important the consumer’s options to contact independent and state-licensed health insurance agents and brokers be included no later than October 1.”

“It is our belief that consumers will benefit from this arrangement and will respond positively to the new portal method of purchasing health insurance if they are able to access the personalized service of an insurance agent or broker,” the letter said.

The letter – signed by eight Democrats and 17 Republicans – was originated by former PIA member Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.), PIA National’s 2010 Legislator of the Year. Last year, Rep. Melancon was instrumental in adding language to the new healthcare law that guarantees that licensed professional insurance agents will be able to sell policies through the new health insurance exchanges. Prior to that, licensed agents would have been banned from participating.

What It Means to Agents: This is another example of the value of having a former agent bring the agent perspective to Capitol Hill as a member of Congress.

25 House Members Go To Bat For Agents (National Underwriter 7/27/10)

August 3, 2010