Tag Archives: real-estate

Dear Agencies: $20 an Hour for a Licensed Health Insurance Agent? That’s Not a Job Offer—It’s an Insult.

Dear Agencies: $20 an Hour for a Licensed Health Insurance Agent? That’s Not a Job Offer—It’s an Insult.

If you’re a health insurance agent—or you know one—you’ve probably seen the job postings: “Health Insurance Agent Needed! Must be licensed, have sales experience, be a self-starter, and ready to change lives. Pay: $20/hour.

And just like that, every licensed agent’s eyes roll so hard they can practically see their own student loan balances.

Let’s be honest: $20 an hour for a role that requires government licensing, annual continuing education, complex compliance rules, and daily interaction with clients who are often stressed, anxious, or struggling? That’s not competitive. That’s not even respectable. It’s a slap in the face to an entire profession.

Why Is This Happening?

It’s the same story as in many industries: agencies want expertise, accountability, and results—without offering the pay those things deserve.

Let’s break it down:

  • You want a licensed agent? That’s a minimum of 40+ hours of state-approved coursework, exam fees, and annual continuing ed.
  • You want sales and customer service experience? That’s years of honing communication, persuasion, and resilience in one of the toughest markets in America.
  • You want agents who understand CMS, HIPAA, E&O insurance, state and federal regulations, and can handle high-stress Open Enrollment chaos without missing a beat?
  • And you want them to bring in clients, cross-sell, upsell, and handle objections like pros?

All for $20 an hour?

What Agents Are Saying

The sentiment online is clear. Here’s what real health insurance agents, and professionals in similar industries, are saying:

  • “I spent months and hundreds of dollars to get licensed, and now you want to pay me the same as a fast-food shift manager?”
  • “I’m responsible for compliance, client data, and regulatory paperwork that can result in thousands in fines if I slip up, but you’re offering what—a few dollars over minimum wage?”
  • “Try living on $20 an hour in today’s economy, paying your own health insurance, E&O, and office expenses.”
  • “You want the heart of a teacher, the hustle of a salesperson, the patience of a therapist, and the risk of a business owner, all for less than what the grocery store is offering stockers right now?”
  • “I can make more as a remote call center rep—with zero licensing, zero risk, and zero stress.”

And the comparison to other industries is just as stark:

  • Costco and Amazon warehouse associates routinely start at $18-$24/hour plus benefits.
  • According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for insurance sales agents is $27.49 as of 2023—and that includes many agents earning commissions on top.
  • Fast food and retail roles are now offering $17-$20/hour with less risk and almost no licensing required.

The Real Cost of Low Wages

When agencies offer insultingly low wages, here’s what really happens:

  • Experienced agents walk. They find better pay elsewhere—or leave the industry entirely.
  • Clients suffer. High turnover means less knowledgeable agents, dropped balls, and poor service.
  • Your agency’s reputation tanks. You become known as the place that undervalues talent.
  • Newcomers get discouraged. Why spend time and money on licensing if the pay is barely above minimum wage?

The Truth About the Job

Health insurance agents aren’t just salespeople. They’re educators, advocates, problem-solvers, and, sometimes, literal lifesavers. They help families navigate the confusing world of premiums, networks, government subsidies, tax credits, and critical care coverage. They’re the ones people call in a crisis—when they’ve lost a job, gotten a scary diagnosis, or need to fight for a claim.

That level of expertise should be valued and compensated accordingly.

What Should Agencies Do?

  • Pay competitively. If you want great agents, offer at least the industry median—or more if you want to attract and retain top talent.
  • Stop lowballing. $20 an hour is not enough for a role that can change a client’s life.
  • Recognize the value of licensing and expertise. It’s not just a box to check. It’s years of commitment and knowledge.
  • Provide pathways to growth, not just a stagnant hourly wage. Offer commission, bonuses, and real career opportunities.

Resources & References


Bottom Line: If you want to pay $20 an hour, be prepared for high turnover, unhappy clients, and missed opportunities. But if you want real results, loyalty, and expert service—pay your agents what they’re worth.

Because health insurance is too important for anything less.


Want more honest talk about the real world of insurance and business? Visit TheHypothyroidismChick.com or check out books by A.L. Childers for insider tips, hard truths, and stories that matter.

🔥 The Art of the Rebuttal: 50 Ways to Win the Health Insurance Battle (PLUS 50 MORE!) 🔥

💰 Master the Power of Persuasion, Close More Deals, and Build a Lucrative Career as an Ethical Insurance Agent! 💰

Let’s be real—selling health insurance isn’t for the faint of heart. Clients hit you with objections faster than a toddler saying “no” at bedtime. But what if you had the ultimate playbook to turn those objections into commission checks?

🎯 Introducing The Art of the Rebuttal: 50 Ways to Win the Health Insurance Battle (oh, and surprise—there are 100 in total, but who doesn’t love a bonus?) 🎯

What You’ll Get Inside This Power-Packed Guide:
50 (actually 100) battle-tested rebuttals to handle objections like a pro—because “I need to think about it” is just another way of saying, “Convince me!”
Sales psychology hacks that break down how clients think, why they hesitate, and how to guide them toward “yes” (without sounding like a pushy used-car salesman).
Advanced negotiation techniques so you can close deals ethically and effectively—no pressure, no gimmicks, just results.

Who Needs This Book?
💼 New agents who want a crash course in rebuttals and confidence-boosting strategies.
💰 Experienced pros looking for fresh, effective ways to increase their close rate.
🏢 Agency owners who want their team to stop fumbling objections and start sealing deals like pros.

This isn’t your generic, outdated sales book. This is a health insurance agent’s secret weapon—packed with real-world examples, industry-specific strategies, and insider knowledge that you won’t find anywhere else.

🚀 If you’re tired of hearing “I’ll get back to you” and ready to start dominating the insurance game, this book is your golden ticket.

📖 Get your copy today and start closing more deals—ethically, effectively, and with the confidence of a seasoned pro!

📜 DISCLAIMER 📜

The Art of the Rebuttal: 50 Ways to Win the Health Insurance Battle (Plus 50 More!) is designed as a professional resource for health insurance agents looking to improve their objection-handling skills, communication strategies, and ethical sales techniques.

This book does not guarantee specific sales results, commissions, or employment success. Sales outcomes depend on individual effort, experience, industry regulations, and client interactions. The strategies provided are meant to be guidelines, not rigid scripts, and should always be adapted to fit compliance regulations and ethical business practices within your agency or company.

Additionally, while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, insurance laws, policies, and regulations may vary by state and are subject to change. Readers are encouraged to verify any legal or compliance-related information with their employer, state insurance department, or legal advisor before applying it in practice.

The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any business decisions, financial losses, or regulatory issues that may arise from the use of this book. Your success is in your hands—this book is just your secret weapon to make it happen! 🚀

Understanding the Exodus of Licensed Agents from ACA Health

In recent times, the exodus of licensed agents from ACA Health has become a notable trend, prompting an exploration into the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon. While ACA Health aims to provide vital healthcare services, a closer examination reveals significant challenges that licensed agents face within the organization.

One primary factor contributing to the departure of licensed agents is the discrepancy between promised compensation and actual pay. Despite assurances during recruitment, many agents find themselves disillusioned when faced with pay structures that fall short of expectations. This disparity erodes trust and diminishes motivation among agents, ultimately driving them to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Additionally, the working conditions within ACA Health often prove to be harsh and demanding. Agents encounter excessive workloads, tight deadlines, and insufficient support systems, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Such conditions not only hinder productivity but also compromise the quality of service provided to clients.

Furthermore, the quality of leads provided to agents within ACA Health is frequently subpar. Without access to high-quality leads, agents struggle to generate meaningful outcomes, resulting in frustration and a sense of futility. This aspect significantly undermines the effectiveness of agents and contributes to their decision to seek employment elsewhere.

Compounding these challenges are unrealistic expectations placed upon agents to perform miracles with limited resources. Despite facing significant obstacles, agents are expected to deliver exceptional results consistently. Such unrealistic demands place undue pressure on agents, leading to stress and diminished job satisfaction.

Moreover, ACA Health imposes stringent rules and regulations, constraining agents’ autonomy and creativity in executing their duties. This rigid framework stifles innovation and adaptability, further exacerbating the challenges faced by licensed agents within the organization.

In conclusion, the departure of licensed agents from ACA Health can be attributed to a combination of factors, including discrepancies in compensation, harsh working conditions, poor lead quality, unrealistic expectations, and restrictive regulations. Addressing these issues is imperative for ACA Health to retain talented agents and foster a conducive work environment conducive to success. Only through proactive measures to address these concerns can ACA Health mitigate the ongoing exodus of licensed agents and ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services to those in need.