Phipps Insurance Agency

05/12/2026

I got into this because I genuinely like helping people figure things out.

Not because I love paperwork. Not because I dreamed of selling insurance. Because there is something really satisfying about sitting across from someone who came in overwhelmed and watching them leave with actual clarity.

That's what I'm here for.

When someone comes to me about health coverage, I'm not running through a pitch. I'm asking questions. What does your life actually look like right now? What are you worried about? What has confused you in the past? What do you actually need?

Because the right plan for you isn't the most expensive one. It's not the one with the best brochure. It's the one that makes sense for your situation, your budget, and the real life you're actually living.

I'm JoAnna and I work with individuals in West Michigan who are tired of feeling like they don't fully understand their coverage. That ends with me.

If you have questions about your health insurance options, my inbox is always open. You can reach me by email at [email protected], phone or text at 616-290-0221, or visit my website at www.phippsinsuranceagency.com where you can schedule an appointment on my calendar.

05/07/2026

The anesthesiologist who put you to sleep during your surgery? 😴

Probably not in your network. 😬

Even if the hospital was. Even if your surgeon was. Even if you did everything right and checked everything twice.

This is one of the most common and most infuriating ways people get blindsided by medical bills and almost nobody knows it's coming until it happens to them.

Here's what's actually going on. ⤵

Hospitals employ some doctors directly. But a lot of the specialists who work inside those buildings, anesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists, assistant surgeons, are independent contractors. They work inside in network facilities but bill under their own contracts. Contracts that may have nothing to do with your insurance network.

So you end up with an in network facility charge and a separate out of network specialist bill from the same visit.

The No Surprises Act passed in 2022 closed some of this gap for emergency care and certain scheduled procedures. But it does not cover everything. Gaps still exist and people are still getting caught.

Here is what to do before any scheduled procedure.

👉 Ask your provider for a complete list of every specialist who will be involved in your care.

👉 Call your insurance company and verify every single one of them individually.

It takes an extra twenty minutes. It can save you thousands.

And if a surprise bill shows up anyway, request an itemized bill immediately and ask specifically whether the charges fall under surprise billing protections before you pay a single dollar.

You have more rights here than most people realize.

Tag someone who has ever gotten a medical bill that made absolutely no sense. They need to see this.

11/26/2025

Wishing you and your family a beautiful holiday! The office will be closed Thursday and Friday.

08/12/2025

Update: We are happy to report that our email system is completely back on line as of this morning, Wednesday, August 13th. Again, thanks so much for your patience!

Just a heads up that our email system has been out for most of the day today. The issue has been fixed, but it could take up to 72 hours to completely resolve. Please reach out by phone or text if you are having trouble getting through. Thank you for your patience!

06/04/2025

I'm thrilled to share that I have officially become a Registered Social Security Analyst® (RSSA®)! With this specialized training, I can now help individuals and families optimize their Social Security benefits and make informed retirement decisions. If you or someone you know has questions about Social Security strategies, let's connect! Click here to learn more https://rssa.com/analyst/joanna-phipps/.

Determining when to claim your Social Security benefits can be challenging. Joanna Phipps will help you navigate these pitfalls and answer questions you don’t know to ask.

12/03/2024

Today is my last day at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan table at the Knapp’s Corner Meijer. I am here until 3:00pm if you would like to come and chat about health insurance. The Medicare AEP ends Saturday!

11/26/2024

It’s a busy day here at Meijer. LOTS of people shopping for Thanksgiving! There’s barely two weeks left of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. Don’t forget to check up on your 2025 Medicare coverage by December 7th! I am here today until 3:00pm, and then again next Tuesday, December 3rd, from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

11/05/2024

I’m at the Knapp Corner Meijer again today. Only four more Tuesdays left to find me here. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7th!

10/22/2024

Back at Meijer today for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. We have new goodies to give away. Stop and say hi if you’re here! I’ll be here from 11:00 am to 3:00pm.

10/15/2024

It’s the first day of AEP! Hanging out at the Grand Rapids Knapp’s Corner Meijer on behalf of Blue Cross today. I will be here every Tuesday during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. Stop by and say hi!