|

I started ARS Associates because I believed people deserved an insurance advisor who works for them — not for a carrier.

|

Meet Chris Schaefer — Independent Insurance Broker,

Why I Do This Work

I came to insurance through the problems I saw people facing — not through a recruiter handing me a script and a quota.



The people who need insurance guidance most are often the ones most vulnerable to getting it wrong. Someone turning 65 who picks the wrong Medicare plan can end up locked out of the doctors they've seen for decades. A pre-retiree who misunderstands annuity options can make an irreversible decision about their retirement income. A family that rushes through ACA enrollment can wind up underinsured and surprised when they need care.

That's the gap I fill. I slow things down, explain what's actually in front of you, and help you make a decision that fits your life — not one that fits my commission.

How I Work With Clients

I'm an independent broker, which means I represent dozens of insurance carriers rather than one. My compensation is roughly equal across all of them, so I have no financial reason to steer you toward any particular plan. What I do have is a reason to get it right — because if a plan doesn't work for you, you're going to call me, and I'll be glad you did.

Here's what working together actually looks like:

• I listen first. Before I recommend anything, I want to understand your health situation, your budget, your timeline, and what keeps you up at night about this decision.

• I explain your options in plain language. Insurance is complicated by design. I translate it.

• I stay involved after enrollment. Annual plan reviews, claims questions, coverage changes — that's still my job after you're signed up.

• When your needs go beyond insurance, I connect you with the right people. I collaborate regularly with CPAs, attorneys, and financial professionals when a client's situation calls for it.

A Few Things Worth Knowing

I'm an independent broker with no employer, no quota, and no loyalty to any single carrier. I've spent more than 13 years working across Medicare, health, life, and retirement products — and I currently serve approximately 500 active clients, many of whom have been with me for years. I'm based in Silverton, Oregon, and licensed in 15 additional states, which means I can work with clients statewide and across the country wherever life takes them.

've had clients tell me they didn't realize how wrong their last plan was until we sat down together. I've had people call me from a hospital when a claim was denied and I've been able to help get it resolved. I've had clients who moved to Arizona or Colorado years ago and still call me when it's time to review their coverage.

That's the work. And it's why I keep doing it.