BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Local Simple Healthcare Solutions agency helps residents discover their ideal insurance plan

Simple Healthcare Solutions is a locally owned and family operated business that helps people find the right insurance plan that fits their needs, provide insurance consultation, and guidance to consumers.

Co-owners Ashley Taylor and Susan Potter took an unprecedented time of events while working in the industry and found the courage to branch out and start their own agency. The two collectively have a combined 32 years of experience in the industry of insurance. Both Taylor and Potter agree that when it comes to insurance that there is nothing that they have not endured.

“I was working for a large name in the insurance industry in the corporate world and they decided to downsize. In being in insurance for so long, I had made connections and built relationships that will carry me for the rest of this life. So between my resources and Ashley’s, the idea came to combine our resources and start our own agency and we did. We started a little over a year and a half ago and we already have 20 other agents working with us,” said Potter.

“Our goal here at Simple Healthcare Solutions is to educate clients so that they can make informed decisions about their health insurance options. We know the market and we are local. So we know firsthand what plan is going to be a good fit and what providers are best. It’s important for people to understand the extent of their insurance. Just because you’re paying a premium doesn’t mean you’re getting the greatest of benefits.

It’s usually only when something isn’t covered or your particular type of insurance isn’t accepted that people start to notice this problem, and we want to get people informed before reaching this point,” said Taylor.

Simple Healthcare Solutions started in 2023 with the focus of the public in mind. Taylor and Potter understand that when it comes to insurance, that it is a need for consumers, but many of them do not understand what they are paying for or what it might cover.

“We run across people every day that do not have insurance because they think they can’t afford it, or it possibly became too much for them to maintain, and they decided to eventually go without. It is hard to afford a lot of these prescriptions, procedures, and so forth without insurance, but that is where we come in at. We are here to educate them that it is possible and explain their options,” said Potter.

Taylor shared that when it comes to helping people get insurance, the client’s needs are at the forefront and that there is not a cost to use their services. “We do not charge to help, it is a part of what we do,” added Taylor.

According to Taylor and Potter, what makes their business unique is that they are local and are far from advertised commercials and call centers that are just trying to profit from consumers opposed to actually trying to help them.

“A lot of people spend time online and fall for those advertisements of low plans or numbers to call to sign up for insurance. They enter their information and then get bombarded with various companies trying to push a plan on them. People from all over are trying to gain commission, but it will be no one you can call back directly, or any one who is explaining what the plan covers. Or someone to help with an issue in case a problem arises. We are trusted advisors who want to take the time to educate people and make sure they are in the right plan, or have insurance in general. That is what matters to us,” said Potter.

Simple Healthcare Solutions offers in person or over the phone consultation, health care education pertaining to medicare and various health care options, and help with applying for assistance programs. The mother and daughter duo wants readers to know that their business takes a very individual approach when it comes to insurance.

“We have been dealing with insurance for a long time and we have a lot of knowledge and resources pertaining to the industry, so we know what works and what doesn’t,” said Taylor.

“There are not a lot of scenarios we have not seen.

Our resources and connections have allowed us the opportunity to provide people with a plethora of enrollment avenues tailored to their needs and that’s affordable. No matter if it’s life or health insurance, or retirement,” said Potter.

Taylor expressed that having insurance makes a difference because it gives consumers access to providers, prescriptions, procedures, and more that they sometimes can’t access on their own. There are times where people do not seek the care they need because they are afraid of the cost. But with Simple Healthcare Solutions, not only can they have insurance, but if a problem arises, they can step in and help get the problem resolved, she added.

Everyone is in the home stretch of the year, but this is also one of the most important times of the year. Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 is the annual medicare open enrollment period. During that time of open enrollment, individuals 65 and up have the chance to discuss their current coverage, the changes that are to take place, and other options.

For those 65 and under, the marketplace open enrollment opens Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 with the effective start date of Jan. 1 that allows people to enroll in a new program or renew their current one.

“A common problem that we tend to run into is someone switching to an insurance plan that does not fit their needs. Or they fall for those plans that are shiny and claim to offer a lot, but don’t align with what they need.

Just because a plan has the dental features you may be looking for doesn’t mean the health benefits are going to be fitting. A lot of people do not realize that and they end up wanting to switch plans,” said Taylor.

“When it comes to insurance, a common mistake that people make is relying on a call center representative to sign them up for a plan. Those individuals are not plugged into anything local. They will have no knowledge of the providers that insurance plan will cover or if you need something done in Birmingham or Huntsville opposed to Russellville, if it will be covered as well.

With us, we are sitting down with you and looking for plans that cover your needs, going over what it does and doesn’t cover, and finding assistance programs in case more is needed. So don’t fall for someone who doesn’t care how your insurance is going to turn out. We want the best for people and strive daily to do our best to make sure they are able to access quality health care, services, and providers,” said Potter.

Taylor and Potter are proud to be able to share their business with the Russellville community and surrounding areas. They expressed that insurance is their passion and they find joy in making a difference in the lives of others.

“From the outside looking in, it may just seem like insurance, but here we’re a family. My daughter and daughter in law both work here. So when people trust us to find them insurance or help them to understand their insurance, our compassion and time spent is an investment that makes people feel like they are family too, and that is exactly what we want,” said Potter.

Simple Healthcare Solutions is located at 2506 Avalon Ave. in Muscle Shoals, AL. They are open Mon. through Thurs. from 9am to 4pm, Fri. 9am to 12pm, and are available by appointment after hours. To inquire about more information or to schedule a consultation, call (256) 334-7171, they can also be reached via Facebook messenger, through their website simplehealth.net, or text Ashley at (256) 627-5460 or Susan at (256) 627-6300.