The State of Florida licenses Public Adjusters to represent individuals in claims against insurance companies. Typically, a Public Adjuster works in areas of property losses, such as a home damaged by fire. The PA investigates and evaluates a claim and works to maximize the recovery of the homeowner.
A relatively unknown area of licensing in FL is the Health Public Adjuster. This job involves maximizing the recovery of health insurance benefits by a claimant. The HPA works to negotiate coverage, when coverage is limited or denied. Like other Public Adjusters, the HPA is paid a contingency fee which is a percentage of the recovery. While Public Adjusters are required to serve a 1 year apprenticeship, complete the Accredited Claims Adjuster Designation and pass the state test, these requirements do not apply to the Health Public Adjuster (3-40).
Florida Insurance University, a partner with the University of Central Florida in Orlando, is introducing a the Public Health Adjuster Designation. This designation will prepare the new HPA for the job challenges ahead with Health Care Reform. It is predicted that once health care reform is implemented, there will be an enormous volume of clients who will need assistance in getting bills for medical treatment paid.
Licensing for the Health Public Adjuster license involves applying to the Department of Financial Services for the license, submitting fingerprints and posting a $50,000 bond. The bond can be purchased from any insurance agency that sells surety bonds.
The Public Health Adjuster Designation from the University will identify those adjusters who have the training and knowledge to properly represent clients in health care claims. In a job market that is suffering from high unemployment, the Health Public Adjuster will be in great demand. More information can be obtained by calling (407) 927-1235.
