Health insurance broker Donna Lamb has gotten a lot of calls lately from people who need insurance because they recently lost their jobs.
Working through Compass Health Network and Texas-based 360 …
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Health insurance broker Donna Lamb has gotten a lot of calls lately from people who need insurance because they recently lost their jobs.
Working through Compass Health Network and Texas-based 360 Financial, Lamb helps customers of all ages find insurance plans that are suited to their needs. In the age of COVID-19, Lamb is helping a number of people sign up for short-term healthcare plans.
“Short term medical plans are stopgap programs that help people get to the next open enrollment (in November). Then we can help them find a better plan,” Lamb explained. “My job is to service my customers in the best way possible, to find them customized health plans to meet their needs and their budget.”
Because Lamb is paid through the insurance companies she connects customers with, her service comes at no charge to customers. Many of the people she works with are seniors seeking medicaid coverage or younger people with low income.
“It does my heart good to get out and help people who need help,” Lamb said. “I had one couple — he had a disability and lost his job, and she had to quit her job to help take care of her father. And I found them a policy ... for under $200 a month.”
Lamb said many people are surprised by the coverage they’re able to receive, and how customized some health plans can be if you know where to look.
Part of Lamb’s job is educate customers about how different types of health insurance work. Many people who set up their own plans get stuck with insurance that isn’t right for them, Lamb said.
“Unfortunately, I’ve experienced customers who were disappointed in their coverage because they didn’t know what they were doing,” she commented.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, Lamb has to speak with clients through phone, email and video chat, rather than meeting them in person. She said she misses that personal interaction, but is glad to still be helping people through a difficult situation.
“I would tell them, don’t panic yet. Give us a chance to help, and see if we can find them what they need, even if it’s just a stopgap,” Lamb commented.
Lamb said she regularly helps older people with Medicare enrollments, and come November will be helping clients navigate the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
Lamb can be reached at 636-242-1115.
