Role of H&R Block in Obamacare

[Ann H]

A many-faceted article about H&R Block's interest in Health Care Reform. They file 1 in 7 tax returns, and most of their clients are low to moderate income (probably subsidy eligible). One paragraph of interest particularly for agents is:

H&R Block rolled the Health Care Review out to consumers this tax season. It's now exploring the possibility of partnering with other health industry groups. That could include hiring health insurance brokers, who have the authority to advise customers on what plans to purchase, or working with a specific health insurance plan or state health insurance exchange.​

How H&R Block plans to capitalize on Obamacare

 

[AllenChicago]

I'd do a temp gig with them for a few hours a week during Open Enrollment to get acclimated to the new world in a controlled professional environment.

 

[timsip]

If they have a stream of leads to bring in for Health Care Reform Review and they will offer me a desk, I would certainly entertain a partnership.

 

[stuy119]

The most valuable data, right now, is their list of 2012 tax filers and their contact information. Think about the timing of open enrollment vs. tax time - this past years filings are where the $$ is for HR Block in the health insurance chain.

 

[Yagents]

And what percentage of their clients are medicaid eligible? And the other half, how many can afford a cross sold product? And, who would want to become captive under their agency to sell insurance with them?

Sounds Navigator-ish to me

 

[timsip]

And what percentage of their clients are medicaid eligible? And the other half, how many can afford a cross sold product? And, who would want to become captive under their agency to sell insurance with them?

Sounds Navigator-ish to me

I never said anything about captive. I would partner just like I do with other entities that get mutual benefit.

 

[GreenSky]

Unless H&R has an insurance license, how could they benefit from a sale?

Rick

 

[Norwayguy]

Unless H&R has an insurance license, how could they benefit from a sale?

Rick

Last I knew they had H&R Block financial advisors or some such gunk so I would assume they know how to cash in on insurance commissions.

 

[GreenSky]

Last I knew they had H&R Block financial advisors or some such gunk so I would assume they know how to cash in on insurance commissions.

In that case you'd either be captive or a 1099 and have commissions assigned.

Looks more like a J.OB.

Rick

 

[bluediamond]

Well I wrote a long response yesterday to this and then deleted because I wasn't sure I was letting the cat out of the bag. I've been working H & R Block leads for the past 4 months, there is a place on their paperwork to mark "Yes I am interested in discussing health insurance" I guess this is what it says, then it's distributed to corporate insurance companies and sent out to certain MGA's who work their system. The only thing it has created is a decent data base for Oct, because Y is right quite a few on Medicaid, uninsurable or waiting for subsidy. Have quite a few that said they told the H & R block person no they were not interested so I imagine there may a little incentive to the tax preparer to mark yes in the box. I bet you will have to be captive with one particular company or assign commissions to an MGA in able to receive these down the road. I also heard this was just experimental.