Professional Insurance Agents Agree That Buying Insurance Is Not Like Buying a Song on iTunes

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents issued the following news release:

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) agrees with a statement made by President Obama in which he said, "Buying health insurance is never going to be like buying a song on iTunes. You know, it's just a much more complicated transaction."

The president made the remark during an hour-long press conference at the White House on November 14, during which he attempted to explain all of the problems related the launch of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

"Although many independent insurance agents and brokers would disagree with the kind of healthcare reform efforts seen so far, the president finally did make a few valid points about the nature of insurance," said PIA National President John G. Lee. "I was somewhat taken aback when the president admitted that his administration is 'discovering ... that insurance is complicated to buy.' PIA has been saying this all along because it is true. This eleventh-hour realization is a particularly disappointing admission on the part of the president, given how many highly qualified and successful former insurance regulators he appointed within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to head this effort."

The president also said during his press conference, "Part of what we're realizing is that there are going to be a certain portion of people who are just going to need more help and more hand-holding in the application process."

"That is precisely what independent insurance agents and brokers do every day as part of the regular service we provide to our customers," Lee said. "We have the training and expertise needed to advise consumers about all of their insurance choices, including health insurance. Choosing the right set of insurance coverages and policies is a complex process that cannot be compared to purchasing a book from a website or a song from iTunes. Insurance is not a commodity, and it appears the HHS and the Administration are now learning this."

Many independent insurance agents and brokers are already licensed by their state insurance departments for health insurance and have taken the extra step to be trained and certified to assist consumers to enroll in health plans offered as part of the ACA. They will also make consumers aware of their additional insurance choices not available through the exchanges. Unlike navigators, they are licensed, regulated and are required to carry professional liability insurance coverage. They must also comply with all state laws and regulations.

With all the confusion continuing, consumers need to be making the smart choice for themselves and not leave anything to chance: Don't go it alone. Consult with your local Professional Insurance Agent and ask if they are ACA Certified.

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street AmericaSM. PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.

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