Who is considered an "authorized representative" in health insurance?

The term "authorized representative" in health insurance refers to an individual who has been designated by the insured to act on their behalf in the context of managing insurance matters. This includes making decisions related to their health insurance coverage, accessing benefits, and handling claims processes.

When an insured designates someone as their authorized representative, they typically provide that person with the authority to communicate with the insurance company and act in their best interest. This can be particularly important when dealing with complex health issues or when the insured is unable to manage their insurance matters personally due to various reasons.

Other options refer to roles that do not fit the definition of an authorized representative. For instance, an insurance company's designated claims handler processes claims but does not represent the insured. An insurance broker assists clients with policy selection but is not designated by the insured to manage their insurance matters. A third-party service provider may offer health management services but lacks the designation necessary to act on behalf of the insured in dealings with the insurance company.