As insurance agents always seek to know more about who our potential clients may be, a recent analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds an interesting fact about who buys ACA health coverage.
The analysis estimates that 48 percent of adults under age 65 enrolled in direct purchase of health insurance are either employees at a small business of 25 people or less, self-employed entrepreneurs, or small business owners.
That means that about half of enrollees into the ACA are affiliated with small business in some way.
What this Means for Agents
If nearly half of ACA enrollees are associated with small businesses, are you putting yourself out where you can come into contact with these people? Let’s explore ways you can modify your strategy to interact with millions of people who may need health insurance.
Build Relationships with Small Business Associations and Networks
Small business owners often join local chambers of commerce, trade associations, or entrepreneurial meetups. Agents can attend events hosted by these groups or join their networks to build relationships. By becoming a trusted resource, agents can gain referrals and introduce ACA health insurance options to owners who may not have considered it for themselves or their employees.
Offering educational seminars or webinars to explain how small business owners can provide affordable health insurance options for themselves or their workers is a great way to build trust.
Leverage Online Platforms and Social Media
Small business owners and gig workers spend a significant amount of time online, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Health insurance agents can use these platforms to share valuable content about health insurance options, tax credits under the ACA, and eligibility guidelines. Engaging blog posts, live Q&A sessions, or educational videos can highlight how the ACA can benefit small business owners and gig workers.
Paid advertising on social media, specifically targeting people who list themselves as self-employed or own small businesses, is also an effective method for reaching this audience. Ads that explain ACA options in simple terms can catch the eye of potential clients.
Collaborate with Tax Professionals and Financial Advisors
Many small business owners and gig workers work closely with tax professionals, accountants, or financial advisors. These professionals can serve as great referral sources for health insurance agents, as they often advise their clients on tax deductions and benefits related to healthcare costs.
Building relationships with these professionals can help agents gain trust within these communities, where they can introduce ACA plans and discuss available subsidies.
Target Gig Economy Platforms
Many gig workers use platforms like Uber, Lyft, TaskRabbit, or freelance websites. These platforms may allow agents to advertise directly to workers who may be unaware of their health insurance options under the ACA. Alternatively, agents can partner with these platforms to provide educational resources or discount offers on health plans.
Offer Personalized, One-on-One Consultations
A key component of connecting with small business owners and gig workers is providing personalized consultations. These groups often have unique needs, whether they are self-employed or employ a handful of part-time workers. Offering free, no-obligation consultations can help build trust and allow agents to tailor solutions to specific situations.
How Pandora Insurance Can Help
Pandora Insurance can help you get ready for what will be a challenging 2026 Open Enrollment. Pandora Insurance partners with the major insurers in the ACA market. This is a time to be partnered with experienced players in the market who can give you the support you need to be successful.
- Freepre-license courses for our contracted agents
- Industry leading carrier contracting
- Federal Marketplace Certification for Affordable Care Act (ACA)
- Knowledge-based and practical training
- Partnerships with proven sales professionals
- Carriers include ACA (Obamacare), Medicare, life and supplemental
- Commission and bonus reporting
- Bilingual support
- Start today on your path to growing your business! Contact us at 305-603-7603.
This information is confidential and intended solely for broker use.