Making Sure You’re Protected: The Shields Agency

It’s that time again!

It’s November, and that means it’s open enrollment for health insurance. Whether you are an individual who needs coverage or a small business that wants to provide the best plans for its employees in 2022, The Shields Agency is ready to help you navigate the complicated rules and regulations of health insurance.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Shields Botvidson and The Shields Agency

Owner and lead agent Leslie Shields Botvidson not only survived but thrived in the traditionally male-dominated world of insurance before opening her own independent agency. After working for several national health insurance companies, the North Texas native and Texas A&M alumna realized it was time to spread her wings. She opened The Shields Agency in November of 2019 to serve the people of Fort Worth.

“Fort Worth is a city that celebrates its own,” Leslie said. “The city fosters a community where a small business owner can make it, and growth came pretty quickly.” Leslie is a long-time sponsor of TanglewoodMoms.com, and she acknowledges that the Facebook group’s role in her success. “The women in the group have been incredibly supportive!” Leslie said.

While it’s true that our city has become an entrepreneurial incubator, nothing could have prepared us for the COVID-19 pandemic. While trying to grow her new business during the shut down, Leslie became pregnant and was due just as 2020’s open enrollment started! But a little adversity wasn’t going to stop Leslie, who was a 2021 Fort Worth Business Press 40 Under 40 Honoree.

“I was doing everything,” Leslie said. “The goal became growth. We needed to grow to service our clients.”

It was time to build a team. The Shields Agency added agents and support staff. The team rallied while Leslie and her husband Chris welcomed a beautiful baby boy on November 5th, 2020.

Leslie said that the reason her fledgling business survived is because she was able to bring on “the right people, which is the foundation for any good business…” The Shields Agency now has four licensed agents.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Shields Botvidson and The Shields Agency

“My goal is to elevate women and help them be successful in the insurance industry because it really is male-dominated.” New mom Leslie understands the challenges particular to working women. “We need flexible careers – ones where women can be successful and still do school drop off and pickup.”

While many of our readers aren’t anywhere near qualifying for Medicare (we’re still doing school drop offs and pickups!), our parents may be. We are, after all, members of the Sandwich Generation, caring for our children and our parents. Leslie says that it’s always smart to have a good insurance agent to guide you through the Byzantine labyrinth that is Medicare.

“As our parents age, having a Medicare specialist on your side is imperative,” said Leslie. “You may not realize the choices you make when you are first eligible for Medicare can impact you forever!” Having a Medicare expert guiding you and your parents can give you peace of mind.

“Open enrollment started on November 1. If you want a policy that starts on January 1, you have until December 15, December 7 for Medicare. My agents and I can help you find the best policy for you, your parents, or your small business,” Leslie said.

If you need coverage for yourself or your small business, if you or someone in your family needs help with Medicare, The Shields Agency is ready to help find you the best coverage possible. Are you ready to take the next step? Click here to get started!

Important Dates for 2022 Insurance Coverage

• December 7 – Last day for changes in Medicare coverage
• December 15 – Last day to enroll in or change plans for 2022 coverage that starts January 1, 2022
• January 15 – Last day to enroll in or change plans for 2022 coverage