Open Enrollment Reminder: Authorize Your Broker Before Your Appointment
The madness of Open Enrollment is officially upon us!
Before we meet to review your health insurance options, there’s an important step I need you to complete: authorize me as your broker through the request I send you.
I’ve emailed my clients about this process, but I want to explain what to expect and why completing it ahead of time helps us make the most of your appointment.
Why Am I Asking You to Authorize Me?
Broker authorization confirms that you’re giving me permission to access your Marketplace application.
Along with the required consent and application review steps, this allows me to help you update your information and enroll in the coverage you choose.
Permission to assist with enrollment has been a requirement for years. The additional authorization process you may encounter this enrollment season helps confirm that the person accessing your application is someone you’ve approved. Learn more about agent authorization.
Whether you’re a returning client or working with me for the first time, please complete the authorization request I sent you.
You May Also Need to Verify Your Identity
Broker authorization and identity verification serve different purposes.
Authorization confirms that you want me to help with your application. Identity verification helps confirm that you are who you say you are.
Depending on the verification process, you may be asked to:
- Create an account or sign in
- Confirm your email address or phone number
- Upload a photo of your identification
- Take a selfie
- Provide additional information
Not everyone will have the same experience. Some identity checks happen in the background, while certain applications require additional steps. Follow the instructions shown in your request. Read about consumer identity verification.
If you run into a problem, please let me know before your appointment so we can discuss the next steps.
Why These Extra Steps Matter
I understand that another login or verification request can feel frustrating.
However, making sure you’ve approved access to your application is important.
I’ve personally worked with two people who thought they had no health insurance, only to discover that someone had enrolled them without their knowledge. Because their premiums were zero dollars, they hadn’t realized coverage was in place.
You should know who is helping with your application and what coverage you’re enrolled in.
These checks help protect your information and your choices.
A Note for Caregivers and Family Members
If you’re helping someone else apply for health insurance, please plan ahead for the verification process.
The person whose identity is being checked may need to participate directly. Helping someone with their application doesn’t automatically mean you can complete identity verification in their place.
If you’re an authorized representative, or the applicant needs assistance completing the steps, contact me ahead of time so we can determine the appropriate process.
Please Complete the Request Before We Meet
My Open Enrollment consultations are scheduled for 30 minutes, and appointments are often back to back.
I want to use that time to:
- Review your healthcare needs
- Discuss the quotes I’ve sent
- Compare benefits and costs
- Answer your questions
- Help you select a plan
Completing authorization beforehand gives us more time to focus on those decisions.
My goal is to help you get everything taken care of in one appointment whenever possible.
What If You Haven’t Completed It Yet?
Please watch your email for the authorization request and any reminders I send.
If you haven’t completed the process before your appointment, we can start it while we’re on the phone. I can send the request by text and help you understand the steps.
Just keep in mind that verification may take part of our appointment time. If additional help is needed, we may need more time to finish your enrollment.
Taking care of it early can make the process much smoother.
Your Next Step
Before your Open Enrollment appointment:
- Look for my authorization email or reminder.
- Follow the link and review the request.
- Complete any identity verification steps you’re prompted to take.
- Let me know if you get stuck.
Thank you for helping us prepare! A little time spent on this now gives us more time to focus on finding coverage that fits your needs.
Schedule a consultation at:
https://calendly.com/jkappconsulting
