CARRIE ESPINOSA, OWNER & PRINCIPAL ADVISOR

Carrie Espinosa is an experienced Benefits Advisor, Medicare Specialist, advocate and humorist with an unparalleled passion for her industry. She is committed to helping her clients navigate their insurance and healthcare options and helping them make smart decisions. While very few people love health insurance, they do love working with Carrie because she is funny, smart, and genuinely cares about her clients.

Carrie received her AA from the College of Lake County and her BA from DePaul University (go Blue Demons!). She serves on the Board for Workforce Development, the GWDC (Greater Waukegan Development Coalition), is a contributing member of the Senior Service Coalition of Lake Co and the Legislative Chair for the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals – Suburban Chicago Chapter (NABIP-SC).

Outside of the office, Carrie enjoys spending time with her family, including her Grams. She and her husband are proud Zee Bees and attend Grace Church in Zion, IL. Carrie is an avid reader and loves staying on top of insurance industry information.

About Us

At Horizon Benefit Services, we’re more than a broker—we’re your strategic partner from hire to retire. We keep things simple, honest, and personal, because our clients are never just numbers. We’re large enough to deliver smart, innovative solutions, yet small enough to truly care. That’s why businesses and families continue to place their trust in us, year after year.

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Employee Benefits

Whether you're a growing business designing your first employee benefits package, an established company looking for better value and service, or an individual approaching retirement, we provide tailored solutions for every stage of life and work.

We specialize in simplifying the complexities of group benefits, compliance, and cost management for employers who want to attract and retain top talent. As your workforce evolves, we’re with you every step of the way—offering expert guidance and technology tools to support onboarding, benefits education, regulatory compliance, and retirement transitions.

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Medicare

We are Medicare experts. For individuals nearing or in retirement, we bring clarity and care to health insurance and Medicare planning. We help clients understand their options with confidence and select coverage that meets both their healthcare needs and financial goals. Our team is licensed, certified, and represents multiple carriers across multiple states.

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Individual Insurance

If you are self-employed, retiring early, or otherwise need help purchasing an individual or family health insurance plan, we have solutions! From Affordable Care Act plans to indemnity plans or out-of-the-box solutions, we will help you understand your options and make an informed insurance decision. We also offer complete insurance solutions including dental, vision, life insurance, and more.

Our History

Horizon Benefit Services has deep roots in our local community, dating back to Chuck Jones in the 1980s. Chuck is forever remembered for his love of the Church, music, and people.

In the 1990s, leadership passed to Paula Kliewer, who dedicated herself to meeting the employee benefit needs of local nonprofits and churches. Her years of service laid a strong foundation for the Company’s growth.

In 2008, Carrie Espinosa joined the Horizon team after several years with a multi-line insurance company. In 2013 Carrie became the Owner and Principal Advisor, broadening Horizon’s services to include Medicare and senior products.

Most recently, in 2024, Sheri Hokin entrusted Carrie and the Horizon team with her valued Employee Benefit and Medicare clients as she entered retirement—another milestone in Horizon’s story of growth and stewardship.

Through every chapter, Horizon has remained committed to one guiding principle: exceptional service. We still proudly answer our phones and are grateful to serve businesses, nonprofits, and individuals across Illinois and Wisconsin.