Individual and family health insurance can be purchased directly from a health insurance company or through an Exchange or Marketplace (Healthcare.gov, Washington Healthplanfinder). The reason to purchase health insurance through a Marketplace is if you qualify for tax credits and want to use them.

The major differences between plans are the choice of healthcare providers, up-front benefits and the maximum out-of-pocket costs.  Most plans make use of healthcare provider networks. Healthcare providers within a network agree to perform services for health plan members at negotiated discounted charges.  While plans that provide coverage when you use out-of-network providers are available, you'll have lower out-of-pocket costs when using in-network providers.  

Health insurance rates are regulated by the state and are based on age, zip code and smoking status.  No matter what agent or broker you work with, and even if you purchase your health insurance on your own through a Marketplace or directly from the health insurer, your rates will be the same, and include a commission, which is how we are paid.  There is no additional cost to you for our services.