Howard Insurance Agency ("we", "us", "our") helps people understand and enroll in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans. This notice explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it.
We do not sell your personal information. We handle all personal and health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state and federal privacy laws.
Information we collect
We collect only the information we need to help you with your Medicare coverage, including:
- Contact details - your name, phone number, email address, and mailing address.
- Eligibility details - date of birth, Medicare number, and Medicare Part A and Part B effective dates.
- Health and coverage details - your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, and current coverage, so we can compare plans for you.
- Forms you complete - such as the Scope of Appointment form required by Medicare, appointment requests, and enrollment applications.
- Technical details - basic information your browser sends when you use our website, such as your IP address, which we use for security and to record when a form was completed.
We collect this information directly from you, through our website forms, by phone, by email, or in person.
How we use your information
- To review your options and recommend plans that fit your needs.
- To complete and submit enrollment applications to the insurance carriers you choose.
- To schedule appointments and send reminders.
- To answer your questions and provide ongoing service after you enroll.
- To send informational emails about Medicare, if you have asked for them. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- To meet the record-keeping requirements of Medicare (CMS), the insurance carriers, and state insurance regulators.
How we share your information
We share your information only when needed to serve you or when required by law:
- Insurance carriers - when you ask us to quote or enroll you in one of their plans.
- Service providers - companies that help us run our business, such as secure customer record, scheduling, email, and text message services. They may use your information only to provide services to us, and they are required to keep it confidential.
- Government agencies and regulators - when required by law, regulation, or legal process.
We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
Text messages
If you give us your mobile number, we may send you text messages about your appointments and your coverage. Message frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to stop receiving texts, or HELP for help.
Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging opt-in data and consent are not shared with any third party.
How we protect your information
We protect your information with administrative, technical, and physical safeguards consistent with HIPAA, including:
- Encrypted connections (HTTPS) for all of our web forms.
- Identity verification before you can view or change your information online.
- Access limited to the staff who need it to serve you.
- Secure, access-controlled systems for storing your records.
We keep your information only as long as needed to serve you and to meet our legal and regulatory record-keeping requirements.
Your choices and rights
- You can ask to see or correct the information we have about you.
- You can opt out of informational emails at any time using the unsubscribe page or the link in any email.
- You can opt out of text messages by replying STOP.
- You can ask us to limit how we use or share your information, subject to our legal obligations.
Children's privacy
Our services are for adults. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page shows when it last changed.
Contact us
If you have questions about this policy or your information, call us at 971-278-9022 or send us a message through our contact page.