Don’t Miss Open Enrollment
Do you or your agents need major medical insurance? Now is the time to ensure coverage for 2015 (and avoid the possibility of a tax penalty). Running from November 15, 2014 through February 15, 2015, “Open Enrollment” is the period of time when you can enroll in a qualified health plan.
Anyone who is currently covered but wishes to explore alternate plan options should also take action during this time period. “I always recommend shopping around. This period is the time to make changes and compare costs, so even if you’re happy with your current plan, it doesn’t hurt to see what’s available,” says Shannon Kennedy, president of SASid, Inc. (Smart and Simple Insurance Development). SASid is the administrator of REALTORS® Insurance Marketplace (RealtorsInsuranceMarketplace.com), the online comparative insurance shopping site just for NAR members. Here, members will find insurance plans for themselves and their families—including major medical-qualified health plans from top-rated carriers that meet the mandates of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “REALTORS® Insurance Marketplace is fully automated and easy to use—you can easily enter your geographic and demographic information in the quoting engine, review your options, and even enroll online,” Kennedy notes.
New! Shop Private and Public Exchanges
The Marketplace has an exciting new member resource for 2015. Now, NAR members in most states can view their health insurance options on both the private Members Health Insurance Exchange and also on the Public (Government) Exchange. This is particularly beneficial for anyone who may qualify for a tax subsidy. In order to get that subsidy, you have to shop through the Public Exchange. “The good news is, you can now shop for that right through REALTORS® Insurance Marketplace,” explains Kennedy. “It doesn’t cost any more to buy it here, and we can help you get access. We can also be a resource if anything goes wrong with a claim or something after you sign up.”
NAR developed the Marketplace in 2013 to help members find quality insurance plans. “Historically, most real estate professionals have lacked access to affordable, quality insurance choices due to their self-employed status,” says Bob Goldberg, NAR senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Business Development & Strategic Investments, Professional Development, Conventions. “Through REALTORS® Insurance Marketplace, our members have a one-stop shop for excellent plans from top carriers—now including plans offered through public exchanges.”
Complimentary Consultations
A key member benefit of the site is access to complimentary consultations from licensed benefit specialists. “We’re here for REALTORS® to help them understand their options,” says Kennedy. “They don’t have to purchase insurance to talk to us. One tremendous benefit of our service is that it includes free help and advice for any NAR member.” Just call 877-267-3752.
Broker Resources
A Broker Resource page on the Marketplace site offers content to help you share information about the Marketplace and Open Enrollment with your agents, and there’s a Broker Support Request box if you have questions. Additionally, Marketplace specialists can help if you have questions about the Employer Mandate portion of the ACA and wish to develop insurance solutions for your employees or agents. Visit RealtorsInsuranceMarketplace.com/ae/.
Plans Available
In addition to major medical-qualified health plans, the Marketplace offers:
- Short-term health insurance. Temporary major medical policies that can last from 30 days to 6 months.
- Limited medical indemnity supplemental insurance plan. REALTORS® Core Health Insurance can be a great option for NAR members who have high-deductible major medical plans, as a supplement to assist with everyday healthcare needs and fill gaps left by your major medical plan.
- Dental insurance. REALTORS® Dental Insurance provides coverage for preventative, basic or major dental expenses with the dentist of your choice.
- Prescription drug discount card. Drug Card America provides savings on select generic and name-brand prescriptions and may be used at pharmacies nationwide.
- Additional health and wellness programs are anticipated for 2015 and beyond.
REALTORS® Insurance Marketplace is at RealtorsInsuranceMarketplace.com. Call 877-267-3752 for assistance.
REALTORS® Insurance Marketplace is a proud partner in the REALTOR Benefits® Program, the official member benefits program of the National Association of REALTORS®, connecting NAR members with discounts and special offers on products and services just for REALTORS®. Current partner listing and offer details can be found at REALTOR.org/RealtorBenefits. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/NARRealtorBenefitsProgram.
