by Tammy Hendtricks, MBA
Director of Health Equity & Outreach for Access Health CT
Access Health CT launched its new Broker Academy this month as part of its mission-driven approach to reduce health disparities and to increase the number of insured Connecticut residents. This first-of-its-kind program creates a pathway to licensure for aspiring health insurance brokers by recruiting from, and building the skillsets of, those who live and work in historically underserved communities throughout Connecticut.
The program includes three days of in-person training classes presented by an accredited organization that prepares individuals to sit for the life and health insurance producer licensing exam (the “Licensing Exam”), followed by comprehensive online learning and a three-month mentorship with an experienced broker to help students prepare for a career as an insurance broker.
The goal of the Broker Academy Program is for the candidates to take and pass the Licensing Exam and become licensed brokers before Open Enrollment begins in November.
As indicated in Access Health CT’s research on health disparities and social determinants of health in Connecticut, despite the state’s high ranking in wealth and health, there are substantial disparities in the health status of — and in the healthcare delivered to — lower-income Connecticut residents, particularly among people of color. There is also a proven distrust of the healthcare system within these underserved communities.
By empowering residents of these areas to become licensed brokers, Access Health CT can build trust by meeting members of the communities where they are. The first cohort of 100 candidates was recruited from Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven: three areas with high rates of uninsured people. Once the candidates receive their broker license, they will work within those same areas to boost the number of insured residents.
The Broker Academy is expected to be a significant source of economic development. The average salary for a new broker in the Hartford area is $74,356 (source: Indeed.com). In addition, the demand for insurance brokers is expected to grow by 9% through 2024 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Collaboration was essential to launch the Broker Academy, which was announced in January with the full support of Governor Lamont. Access Health CT has worked closely with the brokerage community as well as its network of community organization partners to recruit mentors and candidates, and provide virtual and in-person information sessions to educate about the program.
For more information, visit accesshealthct.com/broker-academy