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Respect, Puppies, & Insurance

With Rachel Johnston Insurance doesn’t have to be a struggle!

Article by Chelsea Chambers

Photography by Health Benefits of Boise

Originally published in Boise Lifestyle

Insurance decisions are never easy. They often make us ask the hard questions we don’t want to think about, both for ourselves and for our businesses. But insurance is absolutely crucial, there’s no denying that. Everyone deserves the safety, security, and—perhaps what is most important—the protection that insurance provides.

“I started my agency, Health Benefits of Boise, in January 2004,” shared owner and agent, Rachel Johnston. She continues, “With a background in Clinical Psychology, I had worked for the police department for five years. But I decided, at the suggestion of my sister, that I might be really good in the Health Insurance Industry.” And right she was!

Unlike many companies, Health Benefits of Boise has a mission that matters to the public they serve. “We are committed to achieving success in business by serving our customers to the very best of our ability and resources. In the service of this goal, we apply our knowledge, creativity and experience to communicating effectively, fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust, kindness and respect, and continually educating ourselves and our customers.”

Rachel finds fulfillment in knowing she is helping others through some of their most difficult decisions. Her background in psychology and experience with law enforcement allows her to have a sense of compassion and empathy that is often missing from the rigid world of health insurance. As Rachel was drawn to this new vocation, she brought something else besides her caring soul to the job—her love of dogs!

“They are the highlight of the agency every day,” she said with a smile. “Our dogs are such an important part of this business, for our agents, agent-supports, and clients.” One of their office pups, Milo, actually has his own cards! And sweet Chichi, after 15 years of dedicated and loving service, passed away in August 2023. The office staff took some time to grieve Chichi’s absence but have now welcomed two new dogs to the office: Chichi II and Bubba! “You can just hold them or have them sit with you. Our clients absolutely love this feature! They are the highlight of the agency! Clients often say that it is like a little mental therapy!”

While Rachel enjoys her work and loves being able to help people find security through difficult situations, there are some challenges to the health insurance world. Namely working through the short window of open enrollment periods. Some plans, like Medicare, operate on different timelines and it can get quite confusing for both client and agent. Luckily, Rachel and her well-trained staff are more than willing to muscle through the adversities to get their clients the insurance they want and need!

Visit Rachel, Milo, Bubba, Chichi II and all the amazing folks at Health Benefits of Boise. Insurance doesn’t have to be a struggle!

Clients often say that it is like a little mental therapy!

  • Meet Chichi II! Chichi II is happy to rest on the laps of anyone looking for insurance information from Health Benefits of Boise!
  • Meet Bubba! Insurance is not always easy; Bubba serves a very important role for both agents and clients!

Businesses featured in this article