Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) April 25, 2012

KQ Insurance announced today that Bessie Starkey, Business Health Insurance Specialist, is retiring from the company at the end of the month. “We regret losing Bessie. She has been a faithful comrade in arms and her tremendous contribution to the success of this company is greatly appreciated”, said CEO John Hansen.

Bessie has been instrumental in helping countless people get medical benefits. If you’ve called KQ during the last three years, there’s a good likelihood, you’ve spoken with Bessie. She consults with people to obtain coverage for Individual Health Insurance, Group Health Insurance, Short Term Health Insurance, and Travel Health Insurance. “In addition to specializing in group insurance sales and enrollments, Bessie is skilled at listening and quickly meeting the needs of each and every client. She treats customers with the utmost respect, including those who may not have had their coffee yet. Plus, she’s good at cheerleading her teammates. Bessie has a remarkable gift of patience and is able to stay “on top of the game”, no matter what’s going on around her. Customers and co-workers just love her. We couldn’t be happier for her entering retirement, but she will be greatly missed”, commented General Manager Jessica Howland.

Prior to joining KQ, Bessie worked for Green Point Mortgage Company as a Team Lead. Even then, she was always on the phone helping consumers with their service needs. When the company closed, Bessie was laid off. After three months of searching for the right job, the right job found her.

Asked for her advice to people who are considering retirement, in-between jobs, or just working hard, Bessie shared her secrets for blooming wherever you are planted: “Gratefulness, a willingness to learn, patience, and if you’re working, giving your employer your very best effort, no matter what the task involves.”

After more than 40 years of working, Bessie is excited about retiring and beginning the next adventure. “I am grateful for the many years I have been in the work force. I have met and worked with so many wonderful people and have learned so much along the way. I wish all of them the brightest of days ahead.” Bessie is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, catching up on projects at home, traveling, helping people at her church, enjoying her family, and having some well-deserved “me” time. The team at KQ Insurance Services wishes Bessie an exceedingly and abundantly happy and fulfilling future.

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.

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Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) April 23, 2012

KQ Insurance Services announced today the launch of a new webpage that provides consumers an easy-to-follow shopping guide for understanding different types of health insurance plans. Along with simplified and easy-to-understand language, the new webpage includes an info-graphic that gives a visual layout of the different types of medical insurance types so shoppers can save time finding the right medical plan.

“We don’t just want to sell a popular plan. We want to help each customer find the plan that’s ultimately right for them and their health insurance situation.” said John Hansen, CEO of KQ Insurance Services.

Probably, the #1 question that callers ask about has to do with understanding how the different health insurance plans work. Ultimately, consumers want to know how much something costs and what benefits they’ll receive. Who wouldn’t want the most coverage for the cheapest price? Since people’s needs vary, the webpage on the different types of health insurance reviews how to find the “best plan” based on the medical services that a person needs most, and the budget level they want to work with.

In creating the info-graphic for different types of health insurance, KQ wanted to use terms that people ordinarily use to find health insurance. They needed to know how people are talking about health insurance when they are searching for it. With that, the company put a lot of thought into generalizing the different types of medical insurance plans into Copayment Plans, Standard Deductible Plans, and Deductible with HSA Plans. After some careful research, however, they decided to instead label the categories as Copayment Plans, Low-Mid Range Deductible Plans, and High Deductible Health Plans. They changed the categories partly due to the fact that “High Deductible Health Plan” or HDHP Plans have become an increasingly popular term in the last few years.

The new info-graphic display can be used as a general reference for different types of health insurance. It is not limited to one insurance carrier’s set of plans. This makes shopping for affordable medical insurance even easier for people who want the big picture.

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.

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Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) April 11, 2012

On April 10, 2012, KQ Insurance Services announced the launch of a new “Health Insurance Broker” page on their website. The webpage outlines the advantages of going through a medical insurance broker to get assistance when choosing a medical plan, receiving quotes, or applying for coverage. The new page is intended to dispel myths about health insurance costing more and the application process being slower when a middle-man is involved.

On the contrary, the page asserts that the personalized service that a health insurance broker offers helps consumers take the guesswork out of shopping for healthcare, thus saving time and enabling applicants to find health insurance that best matches their needs. “When we have the opportunity of helping someone find health coverage that suits their budget and service needs, there’s a thrill of knowing that there’s another person or family who’s going to be protected from potentially high medical expenses,” said Thomas Cazneau, Enrollment Specialist and Social Media Administrator at KQ Insurance Services.

The new webpage also addresses what to look for in a health insurance broker, whether you are looking for individual health insurance or group health insurance for small businesses. Since going through a broker is free and the product and price for the health plan is the same as going directly to the insurance company, what health insurance brokers are really selling is service. As such, you want to find someone you work well with. At KQ Insurance Services, being entrusted with helping someone find their next step in obtaining medical insurance is not a small thing. It’s not unusual for them to talk with people who are in a crossroads situation. When it comes to healthcare, consumers tend to prefer dealing with a compassionate representative who is willing to take the extra time with them.

“We try to be the kind of service representative that we would want to talk with if we were on the other end of the phone,” noted General Manager, Jessica Howland. “Sometimes, people who call for health insurance just lost their benefits due to a job loss or death of the subscriber and they need affordable medical insurance. You don’t always know where people have been, so as a health insurance broker, we try to offer health plans that make the most sense for the customer’s particular situation,” she added.

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.

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Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) March 30, 2012

KQ Insurance Services has made shopping for private health insurance less threatening and even entertaining. On March 30th, 2012, this online health insurance agency launched a new web page with a visual of a game board called “The Path to Getting Private Health Insurance Coverage”.

“Getting affordable medical insurance can be a daunting task,” said CEO, John Hansen. “Many don’t know where to start or even what questions to ask. This game board gives a clear picture of the process, so people know what to do in order to find the right private health insurance coverage for their families.”

This info-graphic looks like a child’s board game, something most people are familiar with. Each spot on the game board shows a step in the process of getting individual medical insurance coverage. There are two game pieces colored blue and yellow. These game pieces represent two individuals who experience divergent paths when shopping for private health insurance. “The first three steps are the same for Blue and Yellow,” said Thomas Cazneau, Social Media Administrator at KQ Insurance Services. “Both must Get Quotes, Choose a Plan, and Apply. Then their personal health insurance paths split.”

Yellow represents an individual who has been approved for private health insurance coverage. Once approved, he can start using the insurance plan. Blue represents someone who has been denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition. He has the opportunity to appeal this denial through recent test results proving that his pre-existing condition is either under control or has been resolved. Often times obtaining this information takes time, so many customers research other options that are designed for those recently denied for coverage.

At first this visual only displayed one game piece, but KQ Insurance Services realized the importance for customers to be able to identify with both possible journeys on this “Path to Getting Private Health Insurance Coverage”. They hope that customers will be able to more clearly understand the steps necessary to getting individual health insurance coverage.

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.

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Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) March 21, 2012

On March 20, 2012, KQ Insurance Services announced the launching of a new web page aimed at helping individuals who have been denied health insurance coverage.

The Plight of Denied Customers
“Would you tell me how a person with medical conditions is supposed to find health insurance?” many callers have asked the health insurance agency, often with honest frustration. In 2014, Americans will no longer need to ask. Until then, however, this question is quite common and a very real source of worry for many. Countless adults struggle to find health care coverage due to their health history. Often, these are people whose condition is under control, but when the likelihood of a major medical incident is probable, insurance carriers tend to shy away from offering them health coverage.

What are my options?
The new web page from KQ Insurance Services gives denied applicants ideas on alternatives that may be available to them. “It’s never easy telling someone their application was denied. It’s a very personal matter that affects not only their ability to receive healthcare, but could also impact their finances,” said CEO John Hansen. In looking for ways to meet a very real need, the company researched customers’ options after being denied health coverage and listed them on the web. To simplify their search for medical coverage, KQ Insurance Services included an info graphic that provides a visual of their options, plus contact information to reach the various agencies or programs that could provide health insurance.

But I’m already a patient!
Often, current enrolled members on group medical plans who have pre-existing conditions want to switch from their group health insurance to a private health plan. Ironically, a good number of these applicants end up not qualifying for individual or family health insurance because in order to qualify, they must pass medical underwriting. Many protest, “But I’m already a member!” or “But they diagnosed me!” KQ Insurance Services’ response is that group insurance and individual-family health insurance are different contracts, so the eligibility requirements are not the same. A person who meets the criteria for group insurance doesn’t automatically qualify for individual health insurance because those plans are based on medical history. As such, they can still get a denied application.

Hope Spoken Here
Silver linings are not guaranteed, but neither are they unusual at KQ Insurance Services. Although people who’ve been denied health coverage may have been upset when they first called, they sometimes end the call happy and with a great sigh of relief. “We work together in exploring options in an effort to help each client find affordable medical insurance. Now and again, we find solutions that fit better than the plan they originally applied for. And that makes for a very good day all around,” said Enrollment Specialist Holly Davies.

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.

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Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) February 28, 2012

KQ Insurance Services, an insurance agency that sells affordable medical insurance, underwent an extreme makeover and is sporting a new look. Recently, the Santa Rosa based company replaced about 85 percent of its office furnishings to make room for state of the art work stations, a conference room, and guest seating for workshops and special gatherings.

The three month long makeover was the brainchild of Angie Perez, former Office Manager and the new Latino Services Administrator for the company. “We’re a busy phone service center. With an average of around 100 calls a day, it can get pretty noisy around here. In order to better-serve customers, we needed the acoustics to be toned down. Relocation was not the best solution, so we maximized on what we had. That necessitated sound absorbent wall partitions and work stations,” said Angie. The main goal was to provide service representatives with a quieter work environment; however, there were a few extra bonus surprises along the way, such as each employee getting a plush, semi-private office.

It was quite an undertaking to keep the phones serviced in the midst of a construction zone. To minimize business interruption, the company handled the remodel in stages. It started with a major clean-up project. Nothing was sacred. Every nook and cranny, right down to the closet and supply cabinets, was trimmed of excess or unneeded furnishings. The computer network, electrical, and alarm system also had to be redone and coordinated with employees’ schedules. Employees remained flexible, even working during the New Year’s holiday to avoid the construction work.

“Angie has done a great job spearheading the expansion project. I’m very proud of my team and am excited that we are able to have a workplace where people can really excel”, said John Hansen, owner and CEO of KQ Insurance Services.

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.
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Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) January 20, 2012

This week, KQ Insurance Services introduced a new web page showcasing Travel Health Insurance on their site. The new product allows the online agency to offer emergency travel benefits to Americans and non-citizens who are traveling outside of their home country. The international line of business is underwritten and administered by HCC Medical Insurance Services, in association with Lloyd’s of London.

“In March 2011, we stumbled on short term health insurance through HCC. When we discovered how many consumers were benefiting from temporary insurance, we asked HCC about other insurance products they offered. We decided to give international travel health insurance a try because it complemented the other business lines we offer,” said Esmeralda Mercado. Travel medical insurance provides protection for many situations not normally covered under a standard health policy. For example, it helps pay for a return trip home if the trip is interrupted by a covered incident, such as death of an immediate family member. Travel health insurance also extends coverage to non-medical emergencies, like incidental home country coverage. This benefit allows travelers who are away for an extended period to be able to return home for a visit before resuming their travel plans. This is especially helpful for non-U.S. citizens who are visiting family members in the United States. Travel insurance is also a good consideration for newlyweds on their honeymoon, couples celebrating a mile-stone event by traveling abroad, business people away on assignment, and people on missionary trips.

In the past, KQ Insurance Services has not aggressively pursued international travel health insurance leads, but they are now testing the waters, beginning with the launch of the new web page.

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.

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Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) January 11, 2012

KQ Insurance Services is now selling temporary health insurance plans. This online medical benefits agency, known for selling individual and group health plans, launched a new page this week on their website about short term health insurance. This new product offering from the carrier, HCC Medical Insurance Services, enables the agency to offer temporary coverage to clients who need benefits right away or who need a health plan to fill a gap in coverage.

Being at the right place at the right time has paid off for KQ Insurance Services. March 2011, the company received an unsolicited application for short term health insurance, a product they did not offer at the time. Upon receiving the application, Esmeralda Mercado approached the CEO, John Hansen, about adding temporary health insurance to their product offerings. Hansen gave her three words that set the wheels in motions, “Go for it!”

Very quickly the staff at KQ Insurance Services wondered why they hadn’t moved on this sooner. “It was a pleasant surprise to find so many ways that people can benefit from temporary medical insurance,” said Group Specialist, Holly Davies. “Not only does it dovetail nicely with products we offer, it also meets a variety of medical insurance needs of the general public. For example, it’s a good filler plan for someone who is in between jobs, or is waiting to finish their employment probation period for health benefits, or is waiting to find another option to COBRA and other expensive medical coverage.”

Health Benefits Specialists at KQ Insurance Services are excited about this additional product they are now able to offer their customers. According to Benefits Specialist, Bessie Starkey, “Short term health insurance gives people major medical protection while they do not yet have a permanent solution to their healthcare needs. Essentially, temporary health coverage buys time for customers who are between plans.”

Beyond increasing product offerings and enabling KQ to improve their customer service, offering temporary health insurance has also increased the profits of the company. KQ now receives on average around $300 per month in commission checks from HCC, their short term health insurance carrier.

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.

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Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) January 10, 2012

Today, KQ Insurance Services released a new video that can be found on their family health insurance page. The video is aimed at clarifying the process of getting a health insurance quote for families. The agency hopes that this video will make people feel more comfortable with the process of shopping for family medical coverage online.

In the video, Jacob Hansen, Video Administrator for KQ Insurance, shows viewers how to get to the website, www.KaiserQuotes.com. He then walks them through the process of entering a zip code on the home page and typing in the dates of birth pertinent to those family members needing insurance.

“Entering a zip code is easy. But some people have a hard time trusting a website with their email address and their family members’ dates of birth,” pointed out Thomas Cazneau, Social Media Administrator at KQ. Hansen appeals to this understandable concern by reassuring viewers that their email addresses will not be sold or given to any third party but will instead be preserved for emailing quotes and deadline reminders. He also informs viewers of the ability to unsubscribe from receiving these emails at any time.

During the process of getting family health insurance quotes, viewers are often confused by which type of coverage to select. Hansen clarifies between which option to choose when quoting for a family and which option to select when quoting for child or children only. He explains how the quotes produced range from least expensive at the top, to most expensive at the bottom, but also notes how the same quotes can be sorted by Plan Type or Deductible Range.

KQ hopes that this video will clarify any confusion regarding a quote for family health insurance. It can now be found on KQ’s YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/kaiserquotes).

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.

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Santa Rosa, CA (KQ Insurance Services Press) December 7, 2011

KQ Insurance Services, a leading online broker for affordable medical insurance, is pleased to announce the return of Jessica Howland to Santa Rosa, California and to her post as Office Manager. In 2007, Jessica left her leadership role after working with the company for two years. However, she continued working remotely for KQ Insurance Services while completing a degree in psychology and counseling through Louisana Baptist University.

KQ Insurance Services was started by Bill Hansen and his son, John Hansen, at the end of 2004. It was a family business founded with internet startup flair in the Hansen family’s back yard granny unit. The first office manager was Bill Hansen’s daughter, Rebekah Hansen, followed by Leah Howland a family friend from church. Then Leah’s older sister, Jessica Howland, came on board to serve under her younger sister as the assistant manager overseeing the individual health insurance benefits specialists in the call center. In 2007, after Leah got married and relocated to Southern California, Jessica became the company’s third office manager. A little over a year later, in the Fall of 2008, it was Jessica’s turn to leave. She went away to school, but she continued working for the company off-site as a benefits specialist. During this time, she served under two different office managers, Esmeralda Mercado and Angie Perez, both of whom she had personally trained.

In September 2011, Jessica returned to the office and to her leadership position. Today, Jessica Howland has the prestigious honor of being both the third and sixth manager of KQ Insurance Services. “Jessica has accomplished a feat that few could manage,” commented CEO John Hansen. “Not only did she serve under her younger sister, but after being Office Manager, she went on to work under two former subordinates that she had trained. Moreover, she has returned to her post with these two former office managers still present, and she has lead the company through this transition process while keeping the team happy. Her graciousness and wisdom have made this possible.”

Esmeralda Mercado and Angie Perez continue to be valued employees of the company; however, their roles have changed. Esmeralda transitioned to web content writing in 2010. At that time, Angie stepped in as office manager until her recent transition to Latino Outreach Services. When Jessica announced her return to Santa Rosa in the Spring of 2011, Ms. Perez suggested that Jessica take the manager role again. “I knew this would be a natural transition for the team,” said Angie. “Plus it would free me up to focus on Latino outreach and our Seguro Médico web pages.”

About KQ Insurance Services
Since 2005, KQ Insurance Services has ranked as one of the top online individual and group health insurance agencies. The company consists of benefits specialists who provide personalized insurance services to individuals and businesses needing assistance with enrollment, quotes, and health plan questions.

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