PLYMOUTH, MA…
The irony and humor that his career in selling employee healthcare benefits began on Halloween is not lost on Plymouth businessman and resident Scott Hokanson. Yet in celebrating his 20th anniversary in the business this October 31, Hokanson sees less of the humor as healthcare costs have many small business owners and employees figuratively running scared.
“The new Affordable Care Act is a bit frightening and mysterious to many people, just like that kid trick-or-treating in the monster outfit. In selling benefits to small businesses, I figuratively take the mask off the ‘monster’ and turn on the lights so business owners can see what’s available and we can work together to devise a solution,” said Hokanson, who started selling employee benefits with his father’s firm, Marshfield, MA-based Hokanson Insurance Agency, back in 1994. He started Brabo Benefits in 2013.
Over the course of his 20-year career selling benefits, Hokanson has seen the prices of healthcare benefits rise from $100 per month for single coverage to over $500 per month and deductibles increase from zero to $2000. Still, Hokanson has seen many improvements as well, particularly in terms of who can sell employee benefits.
“Back in 1994, anybody with an insurance license could sell health benefits. As part of the healthcare reform, selling employee benefits has become an expertise that requires specific accreditation and that is absolutely a benefit to consumers,” said Hokanson.
Hokanson says that expertise is needed as most employees will not spend the time needed to make the wisest healthcare benefits decision for their family.
“If you were buying a household appliance like a washing machine, you would probably spend a good five to six hours doing your research online and asking around. For something like health insurance that’s going to cost you the price of a washing machine per month, most people give it very little thought,” said Hokanson. “That’s why I enjoy this business so much is because I really feel like I am helping people who need it. Plus, it’s cool to visit small businesses and look at the many different ways people are making a living.”
A graduate of Marquette University, Hokanson resides in Plymouth with his wife and their five children. He’s a member of the Plymouth Rotary Club, president of the Sacred Heart High School Parents Association, and has served on many boards including the Plymouth Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth, the Massachusetts Connector, Blue Cross, Tufts , Fallon and Minuteman Health.
For more information on Brabo Benefits, please visit www.brabobenefits.com.
A friend with benefits – Brabo Benefits
Based in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Brabo Benefits provides the full package of employee benefits solutions, including: health, dental, life, disability, and stop loss insurance. In addition, Brabo Benefits offers consultative services, such as underwriting support and health care reform compliance. For more information, visit www.brabobenefits.com or call 617-733-6471.
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