AIS helps customers navigate insurance options

SANDPOINT — Affordable Insurance Solutions recently opened in Panhandle State Bank’s Business Center.

AIS is focused on helping people navigate the intricacies of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and the Medicare program. The AIS staff are all fully trained and certified to assist people in evaluating their health insurance requirements and verifying eligibility for tax credits and subsidies all at no cost to the client.

Angela Oakes, owner of Summit Insurance Source Group, has joined forces with Gary Deaner to form AIS. Gary was the first to see the need to specialize in being a resource that navigates families and businesses through the endless complexities of the Affordable Care Act.

Angela and Gary found different paths to Sandpoint nearly 20 years ago — Gary and Carol coming from Minnesota, and Angela and her family from California. Both families made a commitment to be active members of this community, for the better. Both have supported and served on numerous non-profit boards because they know the well-being of a community has direct effect on the ‘health’ of a community. They see securing affordable insurance and being informed about the options as part of our individual well-being.

Their goal is to simplify the insurance process. They see this as especially important for the estimated 9,000 Bonner and Boundary County residents who could have affordable insurance and comprehensive coverage available to them through the program.

“Many people will be surprised to find out that they may qualify for a premium tax credit or subsidy,” Oakes said.

She recently met with a family of five that was delighted to discover they will pay $552 per year, to insure all of them on a comprehensive plan, with no deductible, and provides 94 percent value. This means the family’s cost-sharing will average 6 percent! Another couple in their early 60s was shocked to learn they could both be insured for $27 per month!

“Hearing them express the relief of stress and worry they had about paying for possible catastrophic health event was heartwarming,” said Oakes.

To further spread the word, AIS is holding informal informational meetings about coverage through the Exchange. They are being held in PSB Business Center, Suite 205c, every Tuesday morning from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. They encourage everyone to explore their options and to be mindful of the first deadline of Dec. 15.

For more information call 255-1234 or go to www.AffordableInsurance Sandpoint.com