A health insurance agent helps you compare plans, check subsidies, and enroll, usually on one phone call. At Vivna, licensed agents compare plans from 50+ carriers. Best of all, their help costs you nothing extra. This page explains what agents do, how they get paid, and who you will talk to when you call.
- Licensed agents compare plans across many carriers in one conversation.
- Plan prices are the same whether you enroll alone or with an agent.
- Carriers pay agents, so you never pay a fee for help.
- You can check any agent's license with their National Producer Number.
- Vivna agents help by phone nationwide from our Deerfield Beach, Florida office.
What Does a Health Insurance Agent Do?
A health insurance agent is licensed by your state to sell and explain coverage. First, the agent learns your budget, doctors, and prescriptions. Next, they compare plans that fit. Then they help you apply and enroll.
Good agents also stay with you after the sale. For example, they help with ID cards, billing questions, and claim problems. They also review your plan each year at renewal.
If you want to start now, compare health insurance quotes or call 888-730-6031.
Agent vs. Broker vs. Navigator
| Helper | Who they work with | Can they enroll you? | Cost to you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captive agent | One insurance company | Yes, for that carrier only | None |
| Independent agent or broker | Many carriers | Yes, across carriers | None |
| Marketplace navigator | Government-funded program | Helps you apply, no plan advice | None |
In everyday use, "agent" and "broker" mean nearly the same thing. Vivna is an independent agency, so our agents are not tied to one company. As a result, they can show plans from UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter, Oscar, Molina, Cigna and more.
HealthCare.gov also lists local helpers, including agents and brokers. Either way, an independent agent can compare Marketplace and private options together. Call 888-730-6031 to talk to one.
Does a Health Insurance Agent Cost Anything?
No. Using a licensed agent does not raise your premium. ACA plan prices are filed in advance, so they are the same everywhere you buy.
Instead, the insurance company pays the agent. That payment is built into every plan, whether you use an agent or not. In other words, skipping an agent does not save money.
Because the help is free, there is little reason to shop alone. An agent also helps you avoid common health insurance mistakes. Before you call, read how to compare health insurance quotes.
Meet Your Vivna Health Insurance Agents
These are the people you reach when you call Vivna. Each one is licensed, and you can verify every license.
- Heather Sprague, Owner and Agent of Record. Licensed health insurance agent, NPN 19086819. She co-founded Vivna in 2019 and leads its licensed team.
- Marlon Mills, Director of Sales. Licensed health and life agent, NPN 17291137. He has about 20 years in insurance and holds licenses in 17 states.
- Michael Sprague, Director of Marketing. More than 25 years in sales and health insurance call centers. He co-founded Vivna and builds its service programs.
Vivna Inc. holds agency NPN 19168641. Also, Vivna is BBB A+ rated. Talk to our team at 888-730-6031.
Why Use an Independent Agent Instead of a Carrier Website
Carrier websites show only their own plans. HealthCare.gov shows Marketplace plans but cannot tell you which one fits best. An independent health insurance agent fills both gaps.
First, the agent compares several carriers at once. Second, they can show private options that are not on the Marketplace. For example, short-term and Tri-Term plans are available in approved states.
Just as important, an agent can spot problems before you enroll. A plan may look cheap but leave out your doctor. Or it may not cover a key prescription.
That kind of check takes minutes on the phone. Meanwhile, it can save you thousands later. Call 888-730-6031 to get started.
How to Check a Health Insurance Agent's License
- Ask for the National Producer Number. Every licensed agent has one.
- Look it up. Search your state insurance department or the NIPR lookup tool.
- Confirm the license type. It should include health or accident and health.
- Check your state. The agent must hold a license where you live.
- Ask about appointments. Agents must be appointed with each carrier they sell.
A trustworthy agent will share this information gladly. If someone refuses, keep looking. Vivna agents list their NPNs on their author pages.
What Happens on a Call With a Vivna Agent
Most calls take 20 to 30 minutes. Here is what to expect.
- Quick questions. ZIP code, ages, income, doctors, and prescriptions.
- Plan comparison. The agent shows two or three strong options side by side.
- Subsidy check. You see your premium after any tax credit.
- Enrollment. If you are ready, the agent helps you apply on the same call.
- Follow-up. You get help with ID cards, first payment, and questions later.
Have a list of your medications handy. That way, the agent can check each plan's drug list. Call 888-730-6031 when you are ready.
Finding a Health Insurance Agent Near You
Many people search for a health insurance agent near me. Local help matters, but your agent does not need to live down the street. What matters most is a license in your state.
Vivna's office is at 810 SE 8th Ave, Suite A, in Deerfield Beach, Florida. From there, our agents help clients by phone across most of the country. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
Prefer to read first? Browse our state health insurance guides. Then call 888-730-6031 to talk it through.
Questions to Ask a Health Insurance Agent
- Which carriers can you quote in my ZIP code?
- Are my doctors and hospitals in network?
- Do you also check my prescriptions on the drug list?
- What is my total yearly cost, not just the premium?
- Do I qualify for a premium tax credit?
- What other options fit if I do not want an ACA plan?
Good answers to these questions lead to a plan that fits. For a full checklist, read how to choose a health insurance plan.
Health Insurance Agent FAQs
Is it better to use a health insurance agent or buy on my own?
An agent costs nothing extra and compares more carriers. Buying alone gives you the same prices but no guidance.
How do health insurance agents get paid?
Insurance companies pay agents a commission. You never pay a fee for their help.
Can an agent help me with Marketplace plans?
Yes. Certified agents can enroll you in Marketplace plans and apply your tax credit.
What is the difference between an agent and a broker?
In daily use, they mean nearly the same thing. Independent agents and brokers both work with many carriers.
Can a health insurance agent help after I enroll?
Yes. Agents help with ID cards, billing, claims questions, and renewals.
Do I need a local health insurance agent?
Not necessarily. Your agent needs a license in your state, and most help happens by phone.
How do I find a health insurance agent near me?
Look for a licensed independent agent in your state. Vivna agents help by phone at 888-730-6031.
Can an agent help outside open enrollment?
Yes. Agents check if you qualify for a special enrollment period. They can also show non-ACA options.
Will an agent pressure me to buy?
A good agent explains options and lets you decide. There is no obligation when you call Vivna.
What should I have ready before I call?
Your ZIP code, ages, estimated income, doctors, and medications.
Vivna agents compare 50+ carriers at no cost to you. Call Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Next Steps: Talk to a Licensed Agent
Write down your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Then call and compare plans in one conversation.
Call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. Or get a health insurance quote online first.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov: Find local help
- NIPR: Look up a National Producer Number
- KFF: Things to watch for the 2027 ACA open enrollment period
Vivna Insurance is a licensed, independent health insurance agency (NPN 19168641) appointed with 50+ carriers. Plans, prices, benefits, and availability vary by state and carrier. Short-term and Tri-Term plans are not ACA-compliant. They may exclude pre-existing conditions and sell only in approved states. Vivna is not affiliated with HealthCare.gov or any government agency. Cited figures come from the sources listed above.
Related guides
Find Local Health Insurance Help
Plans, prices and help programs change by state and even by county. These local guides show what is available near you.
More local help: the Florida health insurance guide, plus guides for Georgia, Texas, North Carolina and every state we serve.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 888-730-6031 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, for free help from a licensed agent.