Distributors roll out PPACA plans

But H&R Block is not known as a health insurance distributor but has been active in helping promote income-based government health programs for years. In 2001, for example, the tax return preparation company helped give out brochures promoting the Children’s Health Insurance Program. 

In 2003, the payroll and benefits services arm of H&R Block agreed to let Digital Insurance Inc. offer health benefits programs to small payroll services customers.

This year, the company chose GoHealth to help consumers understand how to use the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act “advance premium tax credits” to buy coverage through the public exchange system.

GoHealth CEO Clint Jones noted in a statement that consumers can use tax credits to cut the amount they pay for health coverage, but also might have to pay large sums back if they accidentally collect too much.

Because of the way exchange plan decisions will involve both health insurance and taxes, a partnership between an insurance firm and a tax firm is a natural fit, Jones said.

Exchanges, retailers and insurers also are organizing smaller distribution alliances.

See also:

• Brokers vital for cheaper health coverage
• Web broker signs exchange agent agreement
• Covered California starts producer preregistration