Today we’d like to introduce you to Derene Derricotte.
Hi Derene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My professional journey has taken me through different chapters, but one thing has remained consistent: I have always enjoyed solving problems and helping people understand complicated information.
Before entering the health insurance industry, I worked as an electrical engineer. That background taught me to be analytical, pay attention to detail, and approach problems methodically. Those skills have served me well in health insurance, an industry where the details can have a significant impact on people’s lives.
As I became more experienced in Medicare and health insurance, I realized that many people were overwhelmed by their choices. They didn’t necessarily need someone to simply sell them a plan; they needed someone who would listen, explain their options in language they could understand, and help them make an informed decision.
That realization shaped the way I built my business. Today, as an independent health insurance advisor, I help individuals and families navigate Medicare, ACA Marketplace coverage, and other health insurance options. Becoming independent also gave me the ability to work with multiple insurance companies rather than approaching every client with only one company’s products.
What I enjoy most is the personal connection. Whether I’m sitting with someone one-on-one, speaking with a family, or meeting people at a community event, I want them to leave the conversation feeling more informed and less overwhelmed. That’s the philosophy behind my business: because choosing a health plan shouldn’t be confusing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been a smooth road, but the challenges have helped me grow both professionally and personally.
One of the biggest challenges in the health insurance industry is working within a highly regulated environment. Rules, regulations, plan options, and requirements can change from year to year and can also differ from state to state. As an advisor, I have a responsibility to stay educated and compliant while making complicated information understandable for the people I serve. That requires continuous learning and attention to detail.
Another major turning point was recognizing when it was time for me to move from being a captive insurance agent, representing one company, to becoming an independent broker able to work with multiple insurance companies. That was not a decision I took lightly. I had to step outside of what was familiar and build a more independent business.
Ultimately, that change allowed me to better serve my clients. Instead of approaching a client with the options of only one company, I can look at multiple carriers and help them evaluate which options may best fit their individual needs.
I have learned that growth sometimes requires knowing when to make a change, even when the path you are leaving is comfortable. The challenges have made me more adaptable, more knowledgeable, and even more committed to being an advocate and resource for my clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Derene Derricotte LLC Derene Derricotte LLC is an independent health insurance advisory business focused on helping individuals and families understand their health coverage options and make informed decisions. I specialize in Medicare and ACA/Marketplace health insurance, and I also assist with small-business and travel health insurance. What sets my business apart is the emphasis I place on education and personal service. Health insurance can be confusing, and I believe people deserve more than simply being handed a list of plans. I take the time to listen, understand each person’s circumstances, explain the options in plain language, and answer questions so that clients can make decisions with greater confidence. Becoming an independent broker has also allowed me to work with multiple insurance companies rather than representing only one carrier. That gives me the ability to compare available options based on a client’s individual needs, including their doctors, prescriptions, budget, and other priorities. My background as an electrical engineer has influenced the way I approach this work. I am naturally detail-oriented and analytical, but I also understand that insurance is very personal. Behind every application is a person or family trying to make an important decision about their health and financial well-being. What I am most proud of is the trust I build with my clients. My philosophy is simple: no obligation, no pressure. I want people to feel informed, respected, and comfortable with the decisions they make. That philosophy is reflected in the message behind my business: “Because Choosing a Health Plan Shouldn’t Be Confusing. Derene Derricotte LLC is an independent health insurance advisory business focused on helping individuals and families understand their health coverage options and make informed decisions. I specialize in Medicare and ACA/Marketplace health insurance, and I also assist with small-business and travel health insurance. What sets my business apart is the emphasis I place on education and personal service. Health insurance can be confusing, and I believe people deserve more than simply being handed a list of plans. I take the time to listen, understand each person’s circumstances, explain the options in plain language, and answer questions so that clients can make decisions with greater confidence. Becoming an independent broker has also allowed me to work with multiple insurance companies rather than representing only one carrier. That gives me the ability to compare available options based on a client’s individual needs, including their doctors, prescriptions, budget, and other priorities. My background as an electrical engineer has influenced the way I approach this work. I am naturally detail-oriented and analytical, but I also understand that insurance is very personal. Behind every application is a person or family trying to make an important decision about their health and financial well-being. What I am most proud of is the trust I build with my clients. My philosophy is simple: no obligation, no pressure. I want people to feel informed, respected, and comfortable with the decisions they make. That philosophy is reflected in the message behind my business: “Because Choosing a Health Plan Shouldn’t Be Confusing. Derene Derricotte LLC is an independent health insurance advisory business focused on helping individuals and families understand their health coverage options and make informed decisions. I specialize in Medicare and ACA/Marketplace health insurance, and I also assist with small-business and travel health insurance. What sets my business apart is the emphasis I place on education and personal service. Health insurance can be confusing, and I believe people deserve more than simply being handed a list of plans. I take the time to listen, understand each person’s circumstances, explain the options in plain language, and answer questions so that clients can make decisions with greater confidence. Becoming an independent broker has also allowed me to work with multiple insurance companies rather than representing only one carrier. That gives me the ability to compare available options based on a client’s individual needs, including their doctors, prescriptions, budget, and other priorities. My background as an electrical engineer has influenced the way I approach this work. I am naturally detail-oriented and analytical, but I also understand that insurance is very personal. Behind every application is a person or family trying to make an important decision about their health and financial well-being. What I am most proud of is the trust I build with my clients. My philosophy is simple: no obligation, no pressure. I want people to feel informed, respected, and comfortable with the decisions they make. That philosophy is reflected in the message behind my business: “Because Choosing a Health Plan Shouldn’t Be Confusing.?
Derene Derricotte LLC is an independent health insurance advisory business focused on helping individuals and families understand their health coverage options and make informed decisions. I specialize in Medicare and ACA/Marketplace health insurance, and I also assist with small-business and travel health insurance.
What sets my business apart is the emphasis I place on education and personal service. Health insurance can be confusing, and I believe people deserve more than simply being handed a list of plans. I take the time to listen, understand each person’s circumstances, explain the options in plain language, and answer questions so that clients can make decisions with greater confidence.
Becoming an independent broker has also allowed me to work with multiple insurance companies rather than representing only one carrier. That gives me the ability to compare available options based on a client’s individual needs, including their doctors, prescriptions, budget, and other priorities.
My background as an electrical engineer has influenced the way I approach this work. I am naturally detail-oriented and analytical, but I also understand that insurance is very personal. Behind every application is a person or family trying to make an important decision about their health and financial well-being.
What I am most proud of is the trust I build with my clients. My philosophy is simple: no obligation, no pressure. I want people to feel informed, respected, and comfortable with the decisions they make. That philosophy is reflected in the message behind my business: “Because Choosing a Health Plan Shouldn’t Be Confusing.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice to anyone just starting out is to be patient with yourself and be willing to keep learning. Building a business and developing expertise takes time. You do not have to know everything on day one, but you do have to be committed to learning and improving.
I would also tell someone not to be afraid to ask questions, seek out good mentors, and build strong professional relationships. In the insurance industry especially, things are constantly changing, so continuing education is not something you finish—it becomes part of the job.
One thing I wish I understood earlier is the importance of knowing when it is time to make a change. Sometimes we stay with what is familiar because it feels safe. Moving from being a captive agent to becoming an independent broker taught me that growth can require stepping outside of your comfort zone.
I would also say, don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on serving people well, build good systems as you grow, and protect your reputation. Your clients may not remember every detail you explained to them, but they will remember whether you listened to them, treated them with respect, and were there when they needed help.
Finally, don’t measure your progress only by how quickly your business grows. Pay attention to how much you are learning, the relationships you are building, and the people you are helping along the way. Those things create the foundation for long-term success.
Pricing:
- Consultations are provided at no direct cost to the client; plan premiums and costs vary by coverage selected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.derenederricotte.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064105802342
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/derene-derricotte
