This page provides many answers to questions you may have regarding the quoting process, and all the questions that are being asked on the census forms.
Many of the questions on the census form make perfect sense. Of course we need the standard name, address, and phone number so we can contact you regarding your benefit needs. Some of the questions may seem personal in nature. That is what this page is about. To explain the additional information, why we are asking for it, and better yet, why some agents don't ask for it!
First lets answer that question, "why some agents don't ask for as much information". AMGI concentrates our knowledge and experience on health benefits and ancillary health products only! Some agents sell home, auto, or life products, but dabble in health insurance. They simply aren't as well versed in the complex issues of health insurance. We know that different carrier's require slightly different information, so we gather it "up front" to reduce the delays on processing your needs. We also know that many carriers will give a quote based on just basic information, but then once you apply for a policy, they will ask for the information we ask for "up front", and then increase the rate you pay on your premium, based on things like age, sex, height, weight, and health history. By just taking a few more minutes filling out the census, we can get a more realistic quote, closer to what you really pay, and place you with the best carrier for your needs. By having the data "up front", we can help by pre-filling the application that is submitted to the carrier, should you decide to apply for a plan.
Protection of your information - AMGI takes great care in protecting your information. From all the news headlines we hear these days, it seems nobody is safe from "data invaders". AMGI is aware of this, and only uses your data to help you obtain health benefits. AMGI uses some of the following methods to help ensure a higher degree of protection.
- Physical security on our building.
- Shredding of old un-needed forms and information.
- Up-to-date virus protection.
- Internet firewalling procedures.
- Making staff 'security & virus' aware.
- Use of secure servers for online forms.
By completing and mailing or faxing these forms to AMGI, you are using a method many of us feel more secure with.
Member of an Association - AMGI supports several Associations in their marketing plans. If you are a member of an Association let us know so we can serve you and your Association effeciently.
SSN# - (Social Security Number) - Not all carriers need your SSN number to quote you, but we get it up front just in case. Plus, after receiving a quote, if you decide to place an application with a carrier, we already have your SSN, and can move more swiftly with your request.
Phone & Type - We ask for your Phone & Type so we know if this is a home or business number. We ask for Other Phone & Type to give us an alternate phone we can reach you with. If you don't have an alternate phone or just don't wish to give it to us leave Other Phone blank.
Email Address - This can be very handy. It allows us a faster communication method than mail for us to keep in touch with you during plan analysis and placement. One thing to keep in mind, currently not all materials can be communicated via email, so it is important to have your address and phone information.
Current Medical Insurance Company - If you currently have a plan, we don't need to quote that company again, plus it helps us understand what style of plan you are used to, therefore we have an idea of what alternatives might be available.
Renewal Date - This is for what month and date your current policy renews. It helps us know when your plan renews so we can try to have alternative plans available before your current plan renews.
Deductible Amount - Most plans have an amount you must pay for health care expenses before insurance covers the costs, usually based on yearly deductible amounts. By knowing this, it helps us understand what style of plan you are used to.
Co-Insurance - Refers to money you are required to pay for services, after a deductible has been paid. Co-insurance is often specified by a percentage. For example, the employee pays 20 percent toward the charges for a service and the Insurance company pays 80 percent. This is referred to as an 80/20 plan.
