Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1466207
N avigating health insurance can be complex. And with all the challenges small business owners face day in and day out, it can be difficult to stay up to date and make time to understand the evolving insurance op- tions. That's why brokers offer significant value. They provide unbiased health insurance expertise and guide small business owners through these important choices. At Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut's health insurance exchange, we are committed to working with certified brokers that can provide the best service and guidance for small business owners here in the Nutmeg State. How does Access Health CT Small Business work with brokers and client relationship managers to help small business owners? At AHCT, we have resources that can help small business own- ers through the process of selecting health insurance benefits for their teams. AHCT Small Business client relationship man- agers are dedicated to supporting our brokers, offering tools, services, support, and answers to questions. This allows the brokers to help business owners understand their options and find quality, affordable health insurance plans that best serve their small business clients' needs. Client relationship managers and brokers who work with AHCT Small Business can answer questions about topics that can be confusing, including federal and state legislation that may affect health insurance, information about small business tax credits, and how much employers must contribute to their employees' health insurance plans (answer: the small business owner can decide how much they want to contribute). How else does Access Health CT work with brokers here in Connecticut? To further its broker outreach across all communities in the state, AHCT has launched a first-of-its-kind Broker Academy. The Broker Academy was created as part of our mission-driv- en goal to reduce health disparities in Connecticut. This pro- gram creates a pathway to license health insurance brokers by recruiting from, and building the skillsets of, those who live and work in historically underserved communities throughout Connecticut. Once the first class of new brokers is certified later this year, they will work with business owners and individuals in under- served communities, with the goal of increasing the number of insured residents throughout the state – including employees of small businesses in all communities statewide. AHCT is looking to the local broker community for support, by offering to serve as experienced mentors to the program participants and provide guidance throughout the training program, which begins June 1. Learn more about the Broker Academy and get involved by visiting AccessHealthCT.com/ HealthEquity. AHCT Small Business is Connecticut's official health insurance marketplace for small businesses. For more information, visit accesshealthctsmallbiz.com. Unbiased Health Insurance Resources for Connecticut Small Business Owners By Jerome Chisolm Business Development Manager for Access Health CT Small Business SPONSORED CONTENT Jerome Chisolm, Business Development Manager Access Health CT Small Business