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Before we go over TCPA compliance, we will go over what TCPA is and why it is important. The TCPA is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. TCPA was put in place in 1991 and has been amended many times since it’s inception. The focus of TCPA is to stop the repetitive, irrelevant, or excessively intrusive calling practices of marketers.

What is TCPA Compliance

The TCPA regulates telemarketing calls, auto-dialed calls and prerecorded calls as well as text messages, and unsolicited faxes. It requires businesses to obtain consent from consumers before contacting them for marketing purposes using either automated telephone calls or text messages. In addition, the TCPA mandates identification and disclosure requirements for telemarketing calls. This includes, providing accurate caller identification information and honoring the National Do Not Call Registry.

Because technology and communication always changes, businesses may have a difficult time staying compliant with the TCPA regulations. However, if you understand the key factors of TCPA compliance and put necessary measures in place to comply, you can operate your business effectively without issue.

Learn about FCC changes to the TCPA

Key Components of TCPA Compliance

Prior Express Written Consent

In order to comply with TCPA regulations, businesses need consent from consumers before initiating telemarketing calls or sending marketing text messages. This consent must be clear, conspicuous, and obtained without any coercion.

Caller Identification

Telemarketers must provide accurate caller identification information, including name and telephone number of the business or individual placing the call. This ensures transparency and helps consumers to decide whether to answer the call or not.

National Do Not Call Registry

The TCPA mandates that businesses do not make telemarketing calls to numbers listed on the National Do Not Call Registry, unless they have obtained consent from the consumer. It is important to regularly scrubb all call lists against the DNC registry to avoid violations. Calling anyone on the DNC list can result in a hefty fine for the individual using the call center’s services or placing the call themselves. This is important for anyone who purchases call leads or uses a call center to generate leads to know.

Opt-Out

Businesses must provide consumers with an easy way to opt-out of receiving messages. This lets consumers revoke consent to receive either telemarketing calls or text messages. Once a consumer opts out, the business must honor the request and promptly cease all marketing communications.

Recordkeeping

It is important to keep accurate records of both consent and opt-out requests for TCPA compliance. Businesses should keep detailed records of consent agreements that include date, time, and method of consent, to demonstrate compliance in the event of an audit or legal dispute.

Find out about RetireFlo service for Medicare agents and make compliance easy.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

If your business is non-compliant with TCPA regulations, you may face one or more of the following consequences:

1. Regulatory authorities may impose sizable fines and penalties on your business.
2. Consumers may initiate a class action lawsuit against your business.
3. Your business may suffer damage due to loss of conusmer confidence.
4. Consequences may also cause a fianancial loss and disrupton of your business operations.

Due to the potential repercussions of non-compliance, businesses should make TCPA compliance a priority and put compliance measures in place to mitigate risks effectively.

Health sales agents learn 5 key elements for a compliant phone recording – watch a quick video

How to practice TCPA Compliance

Implement Consent Management Systems

Use consent management systems to capture, store, and manage consumer consent to contact. These systems streamline the process of obtaining and documenting consent. This reduces the risk of non-compliance.

Compliance Audits

It is a good idea to conduct regular audits of telemarketing practices and data management processes to ensure compliance with TCPA regulations. This way you can identify areas of concern and take corrective action and avoid risks.

Employee Training

Employers must properly train any employees involved in telemarketing activities to ensure they understand TCPA regulations and compliance requirements. If employees are trained properly, compliance and accountability within the organization are more easily attained.

Monitor Regulatory Changes

Staying informed about changes to TCPA regulations and guidelines issued by regulatory authorities will ensure your compliance strategies align with evolving regulatory requirements and industry standards.

TCPA compliance is a critical aspect of business operations, particularly for organizations engaged in telemarketing and text message marketing activities. Understanding TCPA compliance and implementing best practices helps businesses avoid unneccessary risks. TCPA compliance not only safeguards businesses from legal and financial liabilities but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical and responsible marketing practices.

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UHOne ancillary products provide enrollees a way to avoid coverage gaps that can result in financial hardships.

UHOne has several ancillary coverage options available

Dental coverage

These plan are available to enrollees of all ages as long as the primary insured is at least 18 years old. Plans are provided by Golden Rule Insurance. The plans provide day 1 coverage for preventative services Enhanced dental plans provide orthodontic coverage and discounts for hearing exams as well as hearing aids. If the enrollee does not use the benefit, the benefit amount increases annually, up to $750.

Plans also offer a vision rider for only a few dollars more. This rider covers eye exams as well as glasses or contacts.

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Vision Insurance

Stand-alone vision plans cover eye exams (1 per year), glasses and or contacts and opportunities for additional discounts on Lasik and hearing aids. There are 2 plan choices available. Enrollees have the option to use out of network providers, although they will pay any amount beyond the UnitedHealthcare annual allowance.

Plan A – offers coverage for either eyeglasses (lenses and/or frames) or contact lenses, not both.

Plan B – provides coverage for contact lenses in addition to eyeglasses.

Accident Insurance

No one can predict when they will have an accident, the only thing that is certain is that accidents do happen. The fact is, if your client is unprepared, accidents can cause a financial burden. There are 3 different coverage options for Accident Guard. Policies are renewable up to age 70 and provide payment to the benficiary to use any way they need.

First is Accident ProGuard which is a simplifeid issue product that offers accident benefits amounts of $5,000 or $10,000, critical illness benefit amount between $10,000 and $50,000 and an AD&D benefit of $5,000 or $10,000.

Second option is Accident ProGap is also a simplified issue product that combines an accident benefit of $2,00 or $7,000, a critical illness benefit os $2,500 to $7,500, hospital admission benefit of $2,500 and a AD&D benefit amount of $2,500 or $7,000.

Third option is Accident Expense Guard. These policies are guaranteed issue. They combine an accident benfit of between $5,000 and $20,000 as wellas a AD&D benefit of $5,000 up to $20,000.

Learn what Medicare Advantage plans don’t cover

Critical Illness Insurance

A critical illness can cause a loss of income for many people and that will add more stress they don’t need while they are working to recover. Critical illness insurance provides enrollees with a single cash payemnt to use however they need it. These plans provide a maximum lifetime benefit between $10,00 and $50,000. The application is easy to complete with yes or no questions.

Term Life Insurance

Is a great product for households that would be at risk if they suffered a loss of income. Anyone who is concerned about providing for their loved ones fter they are gone should consider a term life policy. These products are buget friendly and do not require a medical exam. Term Life SafeGuard provides protection for a select number of years. They offer 5 benefit levels: $25,000, $30,000, $50,000, $75,000 and $100,000. Enrollees can choose form 2 policy lengths: 10 years (issue ages between 18-59) or the 20 year term (issue ages between 18-49).

Agents; learn the value of adding ancillary health sales to your business

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As an insurance agent, you understand there is no insurance that covers every possible scenario life throws at your clients. Protecting clients from coverage gaps is essential. Gaps in insurance coverage can leave individuals vulnerable to unexpected financial burdens. No matter what type of insurance you offer, it is important that you understand and address these gaps. This is crucial for your client’s peace of mind and financial security.

Learn how ancillary product sales can protect your client’s assets.

Identify the coverage gaps

The first step in addressing coverage gaps is to identify them. This requires agents to review existing insurance policies and assess any potential financial risks. Below are a few common scenarios where coverage gaps can cause issues.

Underinsurance

In some cases, the coverage limits of a plan are insufficient to fully protect your client in the event of a major illness or accident. This can cause financial liability.

Exclusions

Health policies exclude specific conditions and or circumstances. This leaves enrollees without protection in some situations.

The client’s needs change

When there is a change in an individual’s life, such as marriage, the birth of a child, a death or the loss of a source of income, your clients may need to rethink their insurance coverage choices. They may want to add a life policy, long or short-term care policy, some other policy type or change coverage amounts.

Gaps Between Policies

In some instances, there are overlaps or gaps between different insurance policies that leave clients exposed to financial risks. If the client has a long-term care policy, they may need to add a short-term policy, or another specific plan designed to provide financial assistance during the waiting period imposed by their long-term care policy.

Strategies to Protect Clients from Coverage Gaps

Once you identify the gaps in coverage, it’s time to take action. Here are a few strategies agents should consider.

Agents should prepare a potential “menu” of policy types that can be used together to meet specific coverage needs not met by traditional health care policies. Good, better and best bundles are a good idea to have ready to show clients so they can find the best options for their budget. Each bundle can include a few product choices that fill a specific need such as dental, vision and hearing, cancer heart attack & stroke, final expense, disability or critical illness.

Review and update coverage

If you are an effective agent, it is a good idea to regularly check your client’s insurance coverage to ensure their needs are still met in a comprehensive and affordable way. This is a good way to avoid coverage gaps and update limits.

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Bundle Policies

Many insurance providers offer discounts when an enrollee bundles multiple insurance policies. This can help ensure comprehensive coverage as well as fill gaps between different types of insurance.

Supplemental Insurance

Supplemental insurance policies cover specific risks not adequately addressed by your primary policies. For example, a cancer policy provides coverage for expenses and treatments beyond what is offered by your health policy. Specialty policies can provide coverage for specific conditions clients may have a chance of being diagnosed with.

Insurance professionals provide viable options and advice

Because navigating insurance coverage can be complex, a licensed professional can provide affordable options and explain coverage details that a client might miss. They can help identify potential coverage gaps, recommend appropriate ancillary policies, and ensure clients have the protection they need for their own unique situation.

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Because the cost of unexpected medical expenses can put a lot of stress on any family, healthcare agents should consider adding Cigna Ancillary products to help protect their clients from the financial burden.

Learn about how ancillary sales can add to your income.

Cigna offers several ancillary product choices

Please note; product availability varies by state and is subject to change. It is important to be aware of this before discussing plan options with potential enrollees.

Flexible Choice Cancer, Heart Attack & Stroke

These plans are available in most states. The issue ages for the plans ranges from 18 to 99. Cigna plan lump-sum benefits amounts range from $5,000 to $75,000 for Cancer or heart conditions or stroke. There are several rider options, depending on your location. Plan options include; Cancer recurrence, return of premium, radiation & chemotherapy and much more. Plans are guaranteed renewable for life.

Cancer Treatment

Indemnity benefits help enrollees pay for treatments , care and other costs associated with cancer treatments. Issue ages for the plans are between 18 and 999. They are guaranteed renewable for life and offer lump-sum cancer, heart attack & stroke riders. They also offer hospital, ICU and return of premium riders. Benefits included in this coverage are radiation, bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, reconstructive surgery as well as experimental treatment options.

Flexible Hospital Indemnity

Flexible hospital indemnity plans are currently available to individuals from age 50 to 85 and are guaranteed renewable for life. Plans offer 4 additional coverage add-ons including; lump sum cancer rider, lump sum heart/stroke rider, specified disease and accident benefit. Coverage includes overnight hospital stays, emergency room visits, ambulance rides as well as skilled nursing care and more.

Flexible Choice Dental , Vision & Hearing

These plan options are available to individuals ages 18 to 89 and are renewable for life. Plans include options for disappearing deductible, 100% coverage for dental diagnostic and preventative services and more. Some plan options include a $5,000 maximum benefit for covered dental, vision & hearing annually. Benefits increase during the first 4 years of coverage up to 90% in the fourth year.

Choice Accident

Choice accident provides benefits for accidental injuries, accidental dismemberment, accidental death, PTSD, prosthesis repair or replacement and home modifications. Issue ages for this coverage ranges from 18 to 74 with guaranteed renewability for life.

These plans do not use age or occupation bands or medical underwriting. Coverage is worldwide and offers health benefit screening riders.

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Accident Treatment

Plans provide indemnity benefits that help enrollees pay for large array of treatment options. Issue ages for this coverage is 18 to 74; plans are guaranteed renewable until age 80. Enrollees can choose from several rider options, including lump-sum cancer and heart attack & stroke, hospital, ICU, as well as return of premium. Plans cover burns, coma, broken bones, surgical procedures, ambulance, accidental death and dismemberment and family lodging.

Individual Whole Life

Life plans provide assistance to loved ones for final expenses with both level and modified benefits. Issue ages for this plan is from 50 to 85 with benefit amounts starting at $2,000 up to $25,000. Plans also offer a spousal premium discount of 5% and an accidental death benefit rider is up to age 100.

Please note; all plan availability is subject to change.

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Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offer valuable coverage for millions of Americans, providing an alternative to traditional Medicare by bundling hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and often prescription drug coverage (Part D) into a single plan. Although MA plans provide comprehensive coverage, it is important to understand that no plan covers everything. In this post, we go over some of the gaps in coverage that Medicare Advantage plans don’t address.

Out-of-Network Care

One of the biggest limitations of Medicare Advantage plans is their network restrictions. Medicare Advantage plans use a specific network of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers with whom they have negotiated discounted rates. If an enrollee chooses to use an out-of-network provider for care, it can result in a noticeably higher cost or even no coverage at all. Please note; the network restrictions do not apply in emergency situations.

Non-Medically Necessary Services

As with all Medicare plans, Medicare Advantage plans do not cover services or treatments that are deemed non-medically necessary. This includes procedures considered experimental, cosmetic surgery, or other elective treatments that are not deemed essential for your health.

Long-Term Care

Medicare plans do not provide coverage for long-term care services, such as nursing home care or assisted living facilities. Although some MA plans provide limited benefits for short-term skilled nursing care after a stay in the hospital, long-term custodial care is not covered.

Watch our YouTube video on the benefits of ancillary product sales

Certain Prescription Drugs

While many Medicare Advantage plans include part D (prescription drug) coverage, not all medications are covered. Each plan has a specific formulary, a list of covered drugs, which changes each year. Some drugs require either prior authorization or step therapy before they are covered, and others are not covered at all.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing Services

Although Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services, many Medicare Advantage plans do provide limited coverage for these services. Some MA plans include basic coverage for preventive services like dental cleanings or vision exams. MA plans may provide a small allowance that beneficiaries can use for more extensive services such as dentures, eyeglasses, or hearing aids leaving a huge co-pay for the enrollee.

Travel Outside the U.S.

In general, Medicare Advantage plans do not provide coverage for medical services received outside the United States. In some rare instances, such as emergencies while traveling in certain foreign countries, some plans may provide limited coverage.

Although Medicare Advantage plans provide comprehensive coverage for many healthcare needs, it’s essential to be aware of their limitations. Understanding what is and isn’t covered helps clients make informed decisions about their healthcare and purchase additional coverage options if necessary. Supplemental insurance options provide a great way to ensure all coverage needs are met.

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If you are a healthcare agent who wants to ensure your clients have all the protection they need, Medico/Wellabe Ancillary Products provides a wide variety of product choices. Please note; As of June 2023, Medico has launched it’s new brand, Wellabe.

Ancillary product sales are an important component of your sales portfolio. They fill in the coverage gaps left by traditional health coverage and provide clients peace of mind as well as asset protection.

Product availability

The ancillary products offered by Medico/Wellabe include dental, Hospital Indemnity, First Diagnosis Cancer Insurance, Short-term Care insurance. Important; product availability varies by state, all products are not available in every area.

Dental Insurance

With the high cost of dental care, dental coverage is something everyone needs to have. Finding a good plan with a strong network can save enrollees a good deal of hard earned cash and is key to getting the proper dental coverage.

Click here to see if a dental provider is in-network

Wellabe offers 2 plan options; the Gold and the Platinum plan. Each of the plan has 2 coverage levels. The coverage levels of each plan are as follows: First level coverage benefit is $1,000. The second level of coverage offers a benefit of $1,500. Both plans offer the option to purchase a buy up of $1,000 additional coverage. Plans also provide a carry-over benefit rider that allows enrollees to carry unused benefits over to the following year.

Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Hospital Indemnity plans provide a cash benefit if a client is hospitalized for either an injury or illness. These plans area great choice to add to a Medicare advantage or ACA plan as a safeguard for your client’s assets.

Plans provide coverage for hospital confinement, Inpatient mental health, Observation Unit, transportation & lodging (if traveling at least 50 miles for treatment) as well as an Emergency room benefit.

The policy highlights include; Guaranteed issue period for applicants between the ages of 60-79. This is based on the date they sign the application. Underwriting uses a simple application with only 9 health questions. A household discount of 7% is available to enrollees in the same family (not applicable in PA).

Agents that want to contract with Crowe to offer these products, click here

If you are already a Crowe agent and want to add these products, click here

Cancer Insurance

Sadly, most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. Not only does this create a difficult journey for the patient but it also comes with large out of pocket expense that can add unneeded stress to the situation. If a client is on a Medicare Advantage plan, they could be stuck paying a 20% co-pay for chemotherapy as well as radiation and that can add up fast.

First diagnosis cancer plans pay the beneficiary a tax free, lump sum if they are diagnosed with cancer. Clients can use the payment any way they need to.

The policies are guaranteed renewable as long as payments are current. There is a 10% household discount available to members of the same house who are over 18 when policies are issued together. Plans offer cash benefit amounts from $10,000 up to $25,000. Enrollees have the option to purchase an inflation protection rider that increase the benefit amount by 5% each year. It is easy to apply for coverage with only 3 questions and policies are available to anyone ages 18-79.

Short-Term Care Insurance

Short-term care insurance is an affordable way for clients to protect their assets in the event they need either care in a facility or extended home care. Plans cover both medical and non-medical care. These plans are indemnity based and not a reimbursement.

Learn why ancillary products are a great add on for Med Supp & MA sales

Wellabe offers 2 plans; Essential Care and Essential Care Plus as well as a limited benefit rider. Some of the plan highlights include:

Household improvements – $500 indemnity benefit that includes household modifications such as installing ramps, widening doorways or modifying a bathroom.

Care coordination – $500 indemnity benefit that pays when the enrollee needs help setting up a care plan.

Household discounts – 7% discount for one applicant who lives with someone over 40. A discount of 14% applies when two people over 40 are issued a policy. There are also other opportunities for discounts available.

Rider benefits include nursing facility rider, adult day care rider, inflation protection and a return of premium minus claims rider.

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Because agents need to present all options to their clients, they need to be able to answer the question; why choose a Medicare Supplement. This is especially true due to Medicare Advantage plan changes scheduled to take place in 2025. Some of these changes will include discontinuing some added benefits and higher co-pays for some services. For this reason as well as some we list below, clients may be more inclined to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan

Click here to watch a video on the MA plan changes for 2025

Reasons to choose a Medicare Supplement

Due to the fact that as people age their health care needs tend to grow, most individuals require more comprehensive healthcare coverage. For many people Medicare is the cornerstone of their healthcare plan. However, while Medicare offers substantial coverage, there are gaps that can leave individuals with unexpected medical expenses. This is where Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans, come into play. Here are some good reasons your clients might opt for a Medicare supplement plan.

Fill the Coverage Gaps

Medicare Parts A and B provide coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and approved medical services. However, they don’t cover everything. Because things like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays can quickly add up, Medicare supplement plans are designed to fill these gaps. They help cover expenses such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, thereby reducing out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries.

Freedom to choose healthcare providers

One of the best benefits of a Medicare supplement plan is the freedom to choose your healthcare providers. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that require enrollees to use only in-network providers or pay a higher price, Medicare Supplement plans allow enrollees to use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare assignment. In other words, they can use any healthcare provider they need without worrying about network restrictions.

Medical coverage while traveling abroad

Medicare supplement plans provide coverage for emergency medical expenses enrollees incur while traveling abroad. While Original Medicare typically does not cover healthcare services outside of the United States (with a few exceptions), certain Medicare Supplement plans provide coverage for emergency care during foreign travel. This is an important benefit for seniors who enjoy traveling or have family members living abroad.

Predictable costs

Because Medical expenses can be unpredictable, it can be a challenge to budget for healthcare costs, especially during retirement. With a Medicare supplement, enrollees know exactly what their monthly premium is, as well as any out-of-pocket costs for covered services. This predictability can provide peace of mind and financial stability, allowing you to focus on enjoying your retirement years.

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Guaranteed renewable

Medicare supplement plans are guaranteed renewable. This means the insurance company cannot cancel coverage as long as premiums are paid on time. This reassures that enrollees have continuous coverage, regardless of changes in health or medical history. Additionally, once enrolled in a Medicare supplement plan, beneficiaries have certain rights and protections, including the ability to switch plans without being subject to medical underwriting.

Find out about Medicare Supplement Guaranteed issue rights.

Enrolling in a Medicare supplement plan offers many benefits, including filling the coverage gaps left by Original Medicare, freedom to choose healthcare providers, emergency coverage for medical expenses while traveling abroad, predictable costs, and guaranteeing renewable coverage. By investing in a Medicare supplement plan, enrollees safeguard their health.

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Before agents can make a sale, they need to find potential clients. In order to do this in a compliant way, you must follow the permission to contact rules.

What is Permission to Contact

Before we discuss the rules that apply to permission to contact, we will explain what permission to contact or (PTC) is.

Because there are agents who have pressured Medicare beneficiaries into purchasing a plan that may not fit their needs, these guidelines were put in place. They protect beneficiaries from receiving unsolicited communications from agents trying to sell them healthcare products. When a Medicare agent wants to contact potential clients, they need to follow the CMS marketing and communications guidelines.

Click here to watch a video on the Medicare marketing rules

In order for an agent to be compliant and receive permission to contact, the potential client must initiate contact. The beneficiary must grant the agent permission before the agent contacts them. Agents should document the PTC. Please be aware, agents do not need a PTC to contact current Medicare clients.

When to get a PTC

Any time an agent plans to speak with a potential Medicare client, they need to obtain a PTC. This is very important if you will discuss Medicare Advantage or PDP plans. If you plan to discuss a Medicare Supplement plan, you will most likely need to discuss a PDP plan as well. Although CMS rules do not apply to Medicare Supplements, the TCPA guidelines do apply. That is why, it is important to get PTC whenever you plan to contact a potential client for any sales meeting.

Please note; you do not need a PTC to send out unsolicited emails to potential clients. All emails must contain an option to opt-out and the email must not contain information that would classify it as marketing material. That is anything with specific benefits or plan information that could sway a potential client towards a specific plan choice. All email communications must follow the CAN SPAM Act laws.

How to collect PTC

Now that you know you need a PTC, you need to know how to get it. Take a look at some guidelines below for what you can and cannot do.

Find out how RetireFlo can collect a PTC and SOA for you and so much more

Some things you can do:

1. Have plenty business cards with your contact information available at all events you attend. That way if anyone wants to contact you, they will be able to. Current clients may ask for your card to give to their friends or family if they need advice.
2. If you have a website, make sure there is a contact form on it so clients can request that you contact them.
3. When you send out emails, be sure to include your contact information as well as a contact form if they want more information or assistance.
4. Business reply cards are also a way to obtain PTC. If the prospect wants more information, they just fill out the card and send it back to you.

Some things you cannot do:

1. Agents are not permitted to go door-to-door looking for clients. If you do not have a scheduled appointment, you cannot go to someone’s home.
2. Do not initiate a direct message to a prospect through any social media platform.
3. Never cold call prospects to offer them either a Medicare Advantage or PDP plan.
4. Do not contact a friend or relative of a current client without their permission. Each individual needs to grant PTC.

After you have the PTC, it is good for up to 12 months. If you have not contacted the prospect within that time frame, you will need another PTC before attempting to contact them.

What’s the difference between a PTC and a Scope of Appointment

Although PTC and a Scope of Appointment serve a similar purpose, they are not the same. Both procedures are in place to protect Medicare beneficiaries from agents who use unfair sales practices. Once you have PTC, you can contact the prospect and at that point, you can collect a Scope of Appointment. The SOA is a form that specifies what healthcare products the beneficiary wants to discuss during their appointment with the agent. Learn the rules for SOAs.

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Final expense insurance, sometimes referred to as burial insurance or funeral insurance, provides peace of mind and financial assistance during a difficult time. But what does final expense cover? We will try and answer that question.

What is Final Expense Insurance

Final expense insurance is a type of life insurance policy that covers the costs associated with a person’s funeral, burial, or cremation. It may also provide coverage for outstanding medical bills or other debts. Unlike traditional life insurance policies, which have larger payouts and longer terms, final expense insurance provides lower benefit amounts designed to cover specific end-of-life expenses.

Learn why you should offer ancillary products – watch a YouTube video

What it Covers

Funeral Expenses

The most common use of final expense insurance is to cover the costs of a funeral or memorial service. Expenses for these services may include the casket or urn, embalming, transportation of the body, viewing or visitation services, and funeral home service fees.

Burial or Cremation Costs

There are also expenses for burial or cremation, including cemetery plots, cremation fees, headstone or marker costs, as well as fees associated with the interment or scattering of ashes.

Outstanding Debts

In addition to funeral and burial expenses, beneficiaries may also use final expense insurance to pay off outstanding debts or bills owed by the deceased. This may include medical bills, credit card debt, or other financial obligations.

Legal and Administrative Fees

This insurance coverage can also help cover costs associated with legal and administrative tasks that take place after a loved one’s death. These fees may include probate fees or estate settlement costs.

Flexible Use of Funds

Unlike other types of insurance policies that have strict guidelines on how beneficiaries use the funds, final expense insurance gives beneficiaries the flexibility to choose how they use the money. This allows them to use the funds where they need to most during a difficult time.

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Why buy Final Expense Insurance

Financial Protection

Final expense insurance provides loved ones with financial protection during a difficult time. This helps alleviate the burden of funeral and burial expenses. By having a final expense insurance policy, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that their end-of-life expenses are covered, sparing their loved ones from the financial burden.

Easy to Qualify

Final expense insurance policies are usually easier to qualify for than traditional life insurance policies. This makes them accessible to individuals who may not qualify for other life products due to age or health conditions.

Fixed Premiums

Many final expense insurance policies offer fixed premiums, this means the cost of the policy stays the same over time. This makes it easier for clients to budget for.

Final expense insurance gives clients an opportunity to purchase coverage for the specific expenses associated with a person’s passing. This coverage provides financial protection and peace of mind to both the policyholder and their loved ones. By understanding what final expense insurance covers and its benefits, individuals can make informed decisions to ensure their end-of-life wishes are met and their loved ones are taken care of financially.

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In most instances, medical expenses are unexpected. That is why Aetna ancillary products are a great way to help beneficiaries cover out-of-pocket costs and avoid the financial stress of a large expense. Because Medicare beneficiaries have individual needs, Aetna gives agents a way to provide personalized coverage options that fit their healthcare needs and budget. Aetna’s ancillary products are available in 45 states. Plan options include dental, vision & hearing, life products as well as cancer, heart attack or stroke, hospital, home and skilled nursing care.

Please note; the information in this post provides a brief product description and is for use by licensed healthcare agents. For product availability or details, contact our office.

Existing Crowe agents who want to add Aetna Ancillary products to their contract; click here.

If you are anew agent and want to join our team; click here for online contract

Dental, Vision & Hearing

There are 2 different plan options in Aetna’s Protection Series. There is the Dental, Vision & Hearing or Dental, Vision & Hearing Plus plans. Either plan option is available to individuals ages 18-89 who are located in plan’s service area. Plan benefits start at $1,000 and goes up as high as $5,000 (where applicable). Both plans provide in and out of network coverage and include a $100 per policy deductible. Benefits are paid to the insured unless assigned to the provider.

Final Expense whole life

Aetna offers a two different final expense whole life options. They have plans through Accendo Insurance Company as well as Continental Life Insurance. Issue ages range from 40-89, depending on the policy choice. Face amounts for each policy range from $2,000 to $50,000. The maximum amount of each policy depends on several factors including the age of the applicant. Riders are available on some plans.

Cancer Heart Attack or Stroke

The issue ages for Cancer, Heart Attack or Stroke policies is ranges from 18-89 with benefit amounts of $5,000 up to $75,000. Insured may opt for several plan choices including; cancer, cancer with recurrence benefit, heart attack or heart attack with recurrence benefit. The enrollee can choose different plan types and benefit amounts. The lump sum benefit is paid directly to either the insured or a designated beneficiary.

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Hospital Indemnity

Hospital indemnity Flex is the plan Aetna offers as part of it’s Protection Series. Issue ages for this coverage ranges from 18-89. The benefits of this coverage include up to: $4,000 hospital admission, $1,000 per day hospital stay. Optional benefits include; $500 day skilled nursing facility care, $3,000 outpatient surgical benefit, $600 emergency room visit or ambulance service as well as $250 outpatient rehab and much more. These benefits pay directly to the insured unless assigned to a provider.

Recovery Care

The issue ages for Recovery Care plans is between 50-89. Plans pay indemnity benefits up to $400 daily for either a hospital or nursing facility. This includes assisted living facilities. A rider of $1,200 weekly is available. Benefits pay either directly to the insured or can be assigned to a provider.

Home Care

Home Care Plus coverage is available to anyone ages 50-89. Plans offer benefit amounts up to $1,500 weekly or a daily benefit of up to $400. Optional benefits include; lump sum cancer, hospital emergency room or ambulance service. This plan pays benefits directly to the insured or may be assigned to a provider.

Please note; agents should check product availability in a specific area before proceeding with any sales quotes.

If you are a client and need assistance choosing a plan, please contact our office either by email teal@croweandassociates.com or by phone 203-796-5403.

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