Suzanne Smaltz, of Health Markets Insurance Agency, connects with clients from all walks of life

By Beth Newcomb

In the insurance business, connecting with people is key. Licensed insurance agent Suzanne Smaltz, with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, takes her dedication to being a resourceful agent to the customers she serves a step further.

“I took Spanish class in junior high school and found that I really liked it,” she says with her trademark warmth. “I also was told that I was really good at it, so I continued with classes and ultimately got a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Being able to connect with customers from all walks of life is important, and being fluent in Spanish has helped me to serve a population that needs me.”

Suzanne recounts the time in 2017 when hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. Many people left the island to join family in this area. “So many things had to change for them, particularly their healthcare, so I was able to step in and not only help them to secure the coverage, but also explain it in their language,” she says.

In fact, Suzanne’s dedication to serving the Spanish-speaking population, which makes up nearly half of her business, was recognized last year by the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission, which awarded her the Nuestra Familia (Almost Family) Award for her service to the Latino community.

And whether a person is Spanish-speaking or not, Suzanne goes where her clients need her. “Particularly during this time of change, it’s important to make sure my clients feel comfortable in their surroundings,” she explains. “I meet them in a space where they feel safe, whether that’s here in my office or elsewhere.”

Coincidentally, Suzanne’s office location also puts her in a unique position to help. Small businesses count on her to provide insurance to both owners and employees. “My office is located inside the Bounce Innovation Hub,” she explains. “It puts me in front of businesses with 50 or fewer employees and provides them with direct access to my guidance.”

As an licensed insurance agency, HealthMarkets offers access to numerous plan options, and Medicare, and Affordable Care Act Plans. Enrollment periods for Medicare and ACA are busy times for Suzanne, who meets one-on-one with clients to help them understand their options and choose the plan that best meets their needs.

“I’ve spent hundreds of hours learning the ins and outs of different healthcare plans, so not only can I help people understand what they’re choosing, I can also save them a lot of time,” she says. “And people really appreciate the fact that they don’t have to pay for my services, which represents an enormous value.”

In addition to her BA in Spanish, Suzanne is a former investment advisor, a skillset she says is in play every time she meets with someone. “Many people come to me for pre-retirement or retirement healthcare planning,” she notes. “Part of what I offer is the opportunity for people to determine how much their health insurance is going to cost when they retire, and which plan will best meet their needs. Health benefits will have an impact on a person’s financial portfolio. My goal is to help people find the best coverage for the least amount of money.”

Suzanne invites anyone interested in reviewing their health coverage options to give her a call. Because there is no cost for her guidance, it’s a move that you can feel good about—and it could end up saving you money.

Licensed insurance agent Suzanne Smaltz, with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, is located at 526 S. Main Street, Suite 104, in Akron, inside the Bounce Innovation Hub. To schedule an appointment, call 330-285-3600.

HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No cost or obligation to enroll. HMIA008508 7-2020