HealtheDeals.com to Consumers: Shop Local and Don’t Miss the Deadline for Jan. 1, 2017 Coverage This Open Enrollment Season by Working with a Health Insurance Advisor

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) December 13, 2016

With Dec. 15 deadline for Jan. 1 coverage fast approaching, HealtheDeals.com, an award-winning private health insurance exchange and a member of The IHC Group, today urged consumers to work with licensed health advisors when shopping for 2017 coverage. This recommendation comes at a time when many are questioning the future of Affordable Care Act (ACA) while considering plan options during the current open enrollment period which will end on Jan. 31, 2017.

In an interview, Dave Keller, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of IHC Specialty Benefits which operates HealtheDeals.com said, "A lot of people are frustrated with higher rates and more limited options. They aren't really sure what to do, especially those who don't qualify for subsidies but don't want to pay the tax penalty. During this open enrollment period, even more than the previous three, we are encouraging our customers to speak to a licensed health insurance advisor."

"Whether you are purchasing your first individual health plan or someone renewing coverage, we make this suggestion. One critical reason is the confusion and anxiety consumers are experiencing over providers and prescription drug coverage as insurers have dropped out or networks have become narrower," he added. A recent article by Kaiser Health News also recommended working with advisors as they can offer insights on insurance companies, drug formularies, and their provider networks.*

Additionally, consumers can benefit by working with professionals for these reasons:
1. Advisors can help navigate the subsidy process, explain how tax credits and cost-sharing reductions work, and determine your eligibility.
2. Advisors can explain terms that are often confusing; for example, prescription drug formularies, which determine how plans cover medications.
3. Advisors take consumers' healthcare needs and personal preferences into consideration, and find the best plan for their situation.

These experts can help navigate coverage options, including Obamacare plans as well as supplemental coverage such as critical illness, dental, hospital indemnity, and medical gap products to help lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Mr. Keller notes that working with local advisors "will definitely save you time and possibly money."

For more information about Health eDeals or on finding licensed health advisors, please visit http://www.healthedeals.com/articles/-finding-a-licensed-health-insurance-agent.

• Kaiser Health News, Nov. 2, 2016 "Healthy Customers, And Those with Major Medical Needs, May Want Bronze Plans" http://khn.org/news/healthy-customers-and-those-with-major-medical-needs-may-want-bronze-plans

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About The IHC Group
Independence Holding Company (NYSE: IHC) is a holding company that is principally engaged in underwriting, administering and/or distributing group and individual disability, specialty and supplemental health, pet, and life insurance through its subsidiaries since 1980. The IHC Group owns three insurance companies (Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York, Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. and Independence American Insurance Company) and IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc., which is a technology-driven insurance sales and marketing company that creates value for insurance producers, carriers and consumers (both individuals and small businesses) through a suite of proprietary tools and products (including ACA plans and small group medical stop-loss). All products are placed with highly rated carriers.

"IHC" and "The IHC Group" are the brand names for plans, products and services provided by one or more of the subsidiaries and affiliate member companies of The IHC Group ("IHC Entities"). Plans, products and services are solely and only provided by one or more IHC Entities specified on the plan, product or service contract, not The IHC Group. Not all plans, products and services are available in each state.

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