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Home 2025 March
Why Offer Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Why Offer Hospital Indemnity Insurance

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 31 March, 2025 | 0

As a licensed insurance agent, the goal is to help clients get the best coverage for their healthcare needs. In doing this, they are protected against financial loss. One product that can provide significant value to clients is hospital indemnity insurance. This coverage is an excellent addition to many health plans, particularly for individuals on Medicare Advantage plans or high-deductible health plans. In the post below, we answer the question; why offer hosptial indemnity insurance.

Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Hospital indemnity insurance is supplemental insurance that provides cash benefits to policyholders when they are hospitalized due to an illness or injury. Unlike traditional health insurance, which pays service providers, hospital indemnity insurance provides a lump sum or dialy benefit amount to the policyholder. Policyholders can decide how they use the money.

Benefits for clients

  1. Fills coverage gaps: Many health insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, have copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses that can add up quickly. Hospital indemnity insurance helps cover these costs, reducing financial strain.
  2. Flexibility in use: Beneficiaries can use the cash benefits from a hospital indemnity policy any way they like. They can pay medical bills, household expenses, or travel costs associated with treatment.
  3. Affordable premiums: Compared to major medical insurance, hospital indemnity plans are relatively affordable, making them accessible to many clients.
  4. No network restrictions: Policyholders receive payment for a stay in any hospital, without worrying about network limitations.
  5. Customizable plans: Many hospital indemnity policies let clients choose coverage amounts and additional riders. This can include; skilled nursing facility coverage or outpatient services.

Why and how to sell ancillary products – watch a quick YouTube video

Why agents should offer hospital indemnity insurance

  1. Enhanced client protection: Offering hospital indemnity insurance demonstrates that you are proactive in helping clients manage potential healthcare costs that may not be covered by their primary insurance.
  2. Increase client retention: When clients see the value in additional coverage, they are more likely to trust and stay with an agent who prioritizes their financial well-being. It is also helps build good client relations when all their coverage is provided by one agent.
  3. Expand sales opportunities: Adding hospital indemnity insurance to your portfolio increases cross-selling opportunities, allowing you to provide more comprehensive solutions while expanding your revenue.
  4. Stand out amoung competitors: Many agents focus solely on traditional health plans. Offering supplemental policies sets you apart and positions you as a more knowledgeable, full-service advisor.
  5. Help seniors with Medicare Advantage Plans: Many Medicare Advantage plans have large hospital copay amounts. A hospital indemnity plan tailored to these costs provides clients with peace of mind.

Ready to add these products to your portfolio – click here for online contracting

How to introduce Hospital Indemnity Insurance to clients

Educate clients on coverage gaps: Explain how their existing health plan leaves them with a large out-of- pocket payment in the event of a hospital stay.

Provide real-life scenarios: If possible, use examples of how hospital indemnity insurance has helped individuals manage medical expenses.

Offer a needs-based approach: Assess each client’s unique situation and recommend hospital indemnity insurance as part of a holistic healthcare strategy.

Explain affordability: Break down the cost versus benefit so clients see the value of a small monthly premium compared to potential hospital expenses.

Some tips to maintain your book of business

Hospital indemnity insurance is a great way to protect clients against unexpected healthcare costs. As an agent, offering this coverage not only enhances your client’s financial security but also strengthens your reputation as a trusted advisor. Adding hospital indemnity insurance to your product offerings helps you provide a more complete approach to healthcare planning while expanding your business opportunities.

How to avoid client complaints

How to Avoid Client Complaints

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 28 March, 2025 | 0

As a Medicare insurance agent, maintaining a strong reputation and ensuring client satisfaction is essential for success. While providing the best possible service, agents must also be proactive in preventing client complaints that could damage their credibility, lead to compliance issues, or impact their business. We will explain how to avoid client complaints and build better client relationships.

Explain plan details and costs clearly

Many complaints arise from misunderstandings about plan coverage, costs, or network restrictions. To avoid this, agents should take the time to explain plan details, including premiums, deductible and co-pays. Do not forget to include out-of-pocket plan limits.

Remember to emphasize any network restrictions as well as provider availablity. This is extremely important for Medicare Advantage plans. It is helpful to provide a summary of benfits so clients can review them before enrolling in a plan.

Ensure clients enroll in the correct plan

Sometimes complaints occur if the client feels they were enrolled in a plan that does not fit their needs. The best ways to avoid this are; conduct a thourough needs assessment. Be sure you consider all medications, docotors and expected healthcare useage. Comparing mulitple plans and explaining the pros and cons of each helps the client make an informed decision.

Learn about rapid disenrollments

Be transparent coverage changes

Because Medicare plans can change every year, clients may be unhappy if they experience unexpected costs or coverage changes. To prevent this; be sure you procactively inform them of any modifications to their current plan, Remind them to take a look at their annual notice of change (ANOC). Offer an annual review during AEP to ensure thye are still in the best plan for their coverage needs.

Follow CMS compliance guidelines

The CMS has strict marketing and sales guidelines. Agents must avoid misleading or high-pressure sales tactics, use only approved marketing materials and be sure to obtain consent before discussing any pans. It is also important to never make unverified claims about coverage, benefits or plan costs.

Provide ongoing support

Clients appreciate agents who are accessible and responsive. To maintain trust; return calls and emails promptly. Offer assistance after enrollment, such as claims questions and benefit explanations. It is always a good idea to follow up to make sure clietns are happy and understand hw to use their plan benefits.

Handle issues and complaints professionally

Even with the best practices, complaints may still come up. When they do; be sure you listen attentively to the client’s concerns without interruption. It is important to acknowledge their frustration and provide a solution oriented repsonse. If it is necessary, escalate issues to the appropriate carrier rep or Medicare support services.

Document interactions

Keeping records of client communications, plan discussions, and enrollments helps protect agents and clients in case of disputes. Maintain notes from meetings, make note of any special concerns. Keep written enrollment confiramtions and copies of signed documents, authorizations especially the SOA.

Stay updated on Medicare rules and plans

Medicare regulations, plan offerings, and compliance rules change regularly. Stay informed by attending carrier training and webinars. Complete all annual certifications including AHIP. Join industry groups and network with other agents to stay updated on all industry and CMS rules.

If you are ready to join the team at Crowe; click here for online contract

Medicare agents play an important role helping clients navigate complex healthcare decisions. By being transparent, compliant, and client-focused, agents can minimize complaints, enhance client satisfaction, and build a strong reputation in the industry. Providing top-notch service not only leads to long-term client relationships but also increases referrals and business growth.

GTL Ancillary Product Sales

GTL Ancillary Product Sales

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 27 March, 2025 | 0

Licensed health agents who are looking to expand their revenue, may want to consider GTL ancillary product sales. GTL ancillary products provide agents with several affordable coverage options that are available in many states.

Because Medicare does not cover everything, ancillary products can fill many of the gaps in coverage. These products help set your apart from other agents and provide coverage for all of your cleint’s needs in one place. This builds stronger client relations and creates greater customer loyalty.

Watch a quick YouTube video on the value of ancillary product sales.

Some products GTL offers

Please note: This list is not all inclusive; GTL has other products available that are not listed here including life insurance products.

Hospital Indemnity

GTL offers Advantage Plus Elite hospital Indemnity Insurance . This plan provides financial assitance with expenses associated with a hospital stay; co-pays, deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses not covered by health insurance. We all know medical costs can add up quickly possibly leaving benficiaries with financial hardships. Hospital indemnity plans allow beneficiaries to use the cash benefit any way they like.

If a beneficiary is confined to hospital or recieve any type of care that is covered under the plan, they receive a cash benefit. The Advantage Plus Elite plan pays a per day benefit depending on the plan selected. Plans cover a period from 1 up to 15 days. Benefit periods reset once the beneficiary is out of the hospital for 60 days. Some plan options provide a 1-day benefit period with a $2,500 daily benefit amount. Daily benefit amounts depend on the state the benficiary resides in.

Click here for Crowe online contract and add GTL to your products.

Cancer

Precision Care Cancer Insurance helps policyholders diagnosed with cancer access advanced treatments that may not be covered by insurance. Precision Care lets policyholders access TGen’s world class Cancer Physicians as well as their cutting-edge genomic sequencing services. It also provides cash to pay for services and specialized cancer treatments.

Learn more about Precision Care, just go to: outsmartmycancer.com.

If the beneficiary is diagnosed with cancer, TGen (the Transitional Genomics Research Institute) an affiliate of City of Hope nonprofit medical research institute receives a biopsy of the tumor, and the DNA is sequenced in TGen’s lab. Once this is done, doctors use the findings to suggest treatments that have been used to target similar mutations.

For more information about TGen, visit www.tgen.org.

Cancer Heart Attack & Stroke

Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke Insurance provides beneficiaries a lump-sum benefit paid directly to them even if they have other health coverage that will pay for their treatment. The benefit amount can go as high as $50,000 for any of the covered diagnoses. The benefit amounts vary by the coverage chosen.

Short-Term Care

Recover Cash is short-term care insurance that provides coverage for several different types of care. Coverage includes; assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or the enrollee’s home. Recover Cash provides a way to pay out-of-pocket expenses and avoid gaps in health insurance coverage. An additional benefit of this coverage is access to TCARE’s Family Caregiver Concierge Services. This service provides support to caregivers and helps to avoid burnout. This policy gives beneficiaries a direct cash benfit touse any way they like.

Watch a video explaining some of the GTL ancillary products

Critical Illness

Critical Provider Plus critical illness insurance helps lessen financial hardships that come with a critical illness or accident. Coverage options range from $10,000 up to $100,000. These plans pay up to two times for two separate critical illnesses. GTL issues Critical Illness policies for ages 18 to 64. Lifetime maximum benefit amounts are between $25,000 and $250,000.

Please note; product availability varies by state. Click the link below to see what’s available in your area;

GTL Supplemental Health Products- click here and see what’s available

Click here for GTL products by state.

Medicare C-SNP Market Growth

Medicare C-SNP Market Growth

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 25 March, 2025 | 0

The Medicare Advantage market has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with Medicare C-SNP market growth one of the fastest-growing segments. C-SNPs cater to individuals with specific chronic illnesses, offering tailored benefits and care coordination. As healthcare costs rise and the over 65 population grows, C-SNPs are becoming the plan of choice for both beneficiaries and insurers.

What Are C-SNPs

Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (MA SNPs) provide targeted care and services to specific beneficiaries. Within this category, C-SNPs focus on beneficiaries with qualifying chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic lung disorders. C-SNPs offer enhanced care management, specialized provider networks, and condition-specific benefits. These plans go beyond what traditional Medicare or standard MA plans provide.

Growth of the C-SNP market

Several factors are fueling the growth of the C-SNP market:

Chronic disease prevalence – Due to the aging U.S. population, the number of individuals with chronic conditions is rising. According to the CDC, six in ten adults have at least one chronic disease. This has increased the demand for tailored healthcare solutions.

Regulatory support – CMS continues to promote C-SNP expansion, offering increased flexibility in plan design and benefits to better meet the needs of chronically ill beneficiaries.

Increased insurer participation – As health plans recognize the financial and clinical benefits of offering C-SNPs, more insurers are entering the market. This leads to greater competition and plan innovation.

Improved care coordination – C-SNPs focus on the management or chronic conditions and care coordination, which aligns with the healthcare industry’s push towards value-based care.

Enhanced supplemental benefits – Many C-SNPs offer non-medical benefits, such as meal delivery, transportation, and in-home support services. This makes them attractive to eligible beneficiaries.

    Challenges of C-SNPs

    Regulatory issues – C-SNPs must meet stringent CMS requirements, including annual Model of Care (MOC) approvals and strict care coordination standards.

    Enrollment requirements – Because C-SNPs require beneficiaries to have a qualifying chronic condition, plan enrollment may be more complicated than traditional MA plans.

    Provider networks – Ensuring access to specialists and chronic disease management programs may be difficult in rural or underserved areas.

    Watch a quick YouTube video on changes to DSNP & LIS members

    The Future of C-SNPs

    The future of the C-SNP market seems promising, with continued growth in personalized healthcare solutions and care coordination. As CMS allows flexibility in benefit design and insurers look for growth strategies, C-SNPs have an opportunity to become an even bigger part of the Medicare Advantage market.

    Even with some challenges ahead, the potential for improved patient outcomes and cost efficiency make C-SNPs an important part of Medicare’s future.

    CMS Withdrawals DST SEP Change

    CMS Withdrawals DST SEP Change

    By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 25 March, 2025 | 0

    In a memo dated March 20, 2025, CMS withdrawals DST SEP change. CMS announced the withdrawal of the changes to the enrollment process that were set to take place on April 1,2025. In other words, there will be no changes to the DST SEP policy that is currently in place.

    Why this is good news

    The reversal of this decision is great news for both agents and their clients. Because it takes the burden off of already stressed clients who have had to deal with a weather related or other FEMA declared area emergency.  This means, the current SEP will not change. Beneficiaries do not have to self-enroll using 1-800-Medicare to use this SEP.

    As per the CMS memo of March 20, 2025, insurance carriers will accept enrollment applications submitted by licensed agents. This helps Medicare beneficiaries avoid both stress and confusion. It also allows agents to ensure the process is completed correctly and in a timely manor.

    Medicare DST SEP

    The DST SEP is an enrollment election period for qualified Medicare beneficiaries . CMS provides this SEP to those who miss a valid election period due to weather-related emergencies or FEMA declared disasters.

    Only areas where state or local government officials declare an emergency or disaster can use this SEP. This SEP starts the date the incident occurs and continues for two months after it starts or the extension period begins. It can be in place for up to a year after the incident.   

    Please note: Beneficiaries can either enroll in or disenroll from a Medicare plan using the DST SEP. New coverage goes into effect the first day of the month following the submission of the application.

    Eligibility for the DST SEP

    To qualify for this SEP, the beneficiary must live in the area the disaster occurred in. In addition, they must have missed a valid election period (AEP, IEP or OEP, or an SEP) because of the emergency.

    In some cases, individuals use the SEP if they require help from a family member or caregiver who is impacted by a disaster. This can prevent them receiving the assistance they need during an enrollment period.

    Watch a quick YouTube video on the changes to DSNP SEPs

    A couple more reasons to use the DST SEP: When a disaster causes the inability to access Medicare plan information or submit an application. Another example is; when a disaster impacts a healthcare facility or provider. This can hinder the beneficiary’s access to information necessary to make an informed enrollment decision.  

    Do you need a SCOPE – click here

    Agents ready to get contracted with the Crowe team – click here

    Compliant Medicare phone sales

    Compliant Medicare Phone Sales

    By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 24 March, 2025 | 0

    CMS has strick regulations in place for anyone offering Medicare plans over the phone. Agents who do not adhere to the rules could face strict penalties. Penalties can include; loss of contracts, monetary fines and damage to your professional reputation. To ensure compliance and build trust with potential enrollees, here are some tips for conducting compliant Medicare phone sales.

    Obtain permission to contact

    CMS rules strictly regulate how and when agents can contact potential enrollees. If you are calling about Medicare Advantage or PDP plans, to remain compliant; be sure to have documented permission to contact before making outbound calls. Do not cold call or use leads that did not provide consent for the call. Follow all CMS guidelines regarding unsolicited communications, this includes text messages and voicemails.

    Comply with Do-Not-Call (DNC) regulations

    Agents must respect consumer preferences regarding contact. To comply; make sure you use phone leads that are cross checked with the National Do-Not-Call Registry. Even when you do this, keep in mind the FTC updates the list constantly and you face a fine if you contact someone who is on that list.

    Use approved scripts and disclosures

    When discussing Medicare plans, agents must adhere to CMS-approved scripts and include required disclaimers.

    Agents must clearly state that they do not represent or work for Medicare, but rather the specific carriers and plans they are contracted with. There are standard disclaimers that must be read to prospects. This includes: “We do not offer every plan avialable in your area”. It is always important to provide acurate plan information and do not mislead or pressure the consumer.

    Watch a quick YouTube video on updates to the one-to-one consent rule

    Avoid prohibited sales tactics

    Medicare has strict guidelines against high-pressure sales tactics. Agents should not mislead beneficiaries into thinking they must enroll in a plan immediately (high pressure sales). They must not make unsupported claims about plan benefits or when comparing plans. Always allow the prospect to ask any questions they have and be sure they understand what is said.

    Follow call recording and documentation rules

    CMS requires that all Medicare Advantage and Part D sales calls be recorded in their entirety. In order to be complaint; calls must start with a disclosure that the conversation is being recorded, the prospect must give permission for this.

    Agents must keep call recordings for a period of no less than 10 years as required by CMS and the carrier. It is important to document all client sales interactions; this protects both the agent and the client. A SOA is an important part of this process.

    The SOA (Scope of Appointment)

    When conducting a Medicare sales call, agents must adhere to the agreed-upon topics. Do not discuss additional products that are not included in the SOA. If the client wants to talk about other products, you must collect a new SOA that covers them. In order to be compliant, agents should keep the SOA for a period of 10 years.

    Learn more about SOAs

    Provide clear and accurate information

    Misinformation or omitting critical details can lead to compliance violations. Make sure you know what the beneficiary is looking for. Discuss current coverage, doctors, medications and their needs and budget.

    To maintain integrity, explain benefits, costs and network limitations clearly. Ensure enrollees understand the differences between the plan types (Medicare Advantage, Supplements & PDPs).

    Ensure post-enrollment compliance

    Your responsibility does not end after enrollment. To ensure your client is happy with their choice, make followup calls and discuss any questions or concerns they have. Make sure they understand their new plan benfits and how to use them. This helps keep clients happy and also helps avoid rapid disnerollments and chargebacks.

    If you are ready to join the team at Crowe; click here for online contracting

    Staying compliant in Medicare phone sales is crucial to protecting consumers and maintaining your credibility as an agent. By following CMS regulations, using approved scripts, and respecting consumer rights, agents can foster trust and ensure ethical sales practices. Always refer to the latest CMS guidelines or seek guidance from a your upline.

    Levels of Medicare DSNPs

    Levels of Medicare DSNPs

    By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 21 March, 2025 | 0

    Due to the recent changes in DSNP SEPs, many agents are asking questions about the different levels of Medicare DSNPs. Medicare Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed specifically for individuals who qualify. These plans offer specialized benefits tailored to meet the unique healthcare needs of dual-eligible individuals. However, not all D-SNPs are the same, and understanding the different types can help beneficiaries make informed decisions about their coverage.

    We provide an overview of the DSNP models below:

    CO-D-SNPs (Coordination Only D-SNPs)

    CO D-SNPs meet the minimum CMS requirements for D-SNPs. All plans meet state requirements and hold a contract with state Medicaid agencies in the states they operate in. These plans also coordinate the delivery of Medicare and Medicaid services to their members. Because these plans do not qualify as HIDE or FIDE, beneficiaries cannot use the DSNP SEP to enroll in one of these plans. However, they can enroll in these plans during another valid election period.

    Learn more about the DSNP SEP

    AIP D-SNPs (Applicable Intergrated Plans) – Coordination Only EAE

    AIP D-SNP is a fully integrated DSNP with exclusively aligned enrollment or a highly integrated DSNP plan with exclusively aligned enrollment and cover certain Medicaid benefits. To qualify as a AIP DSNP, plans must be either FIDE or HIDE SNP with EAE or a CO D-SNP with EAC that covers primary and acute care. It must also cover Medicare cost sharing and at least one of these home health services; medical supplies, equipment appliances or nursing facility services.

    AIP D-SNPs must implement unified plan level appeals as well as grievance procedures.

    Click here for full definition of DSNPs

    HIDE SNPs (Highly Intergrated D-SNPs)

    The HIDE SNPs provide Medicaid benefits to members either through the plan or an affiliated Medicaid managed care plan. Coverage includes LTSS (long term services and support), behavioral health care or both. Plans have a contract for Medicaid coverage with the state Medicaid agency. This may be accessed through the DSNP, the DSNP’s parent organization or another organization owned by the DSPs parent company. This contract must cover the entire service area.

    FIDE SNPs (Fully Integrated D-SNPs)

    These plans provide Medicare and Medicaid benefits under one entity that holds a Medicare advantage contract and a contract with the state Medicaid agency. FIDE SNPs must cover both Medicaid primary and acute care as well as LTSS, This includes at least 180 days each year of nursing facility coverage.

    What is EAE

    EAE is exclusively aligned enrollment which happens when states require DSNP enrollment be limited to only those who are fully dual eligible. Individuals must also receive coverage of Medicaid benefits through the DSNP or a Medicaid managed care plan owned by the same parent company as the DSNP. When a plan is exclusively aligned, it facilitates coverage integration ensuring better care for enrollees.

    Why we need alignment

    Alignment provides assurance that Medicare and Medicaid work together to provide comprehensive, coordinated coverage for dual eligible individuals. This provides members with a well organized system of care that improves health outcomes.

    Watch a quick YouTube video on the new DSNP enrollment

    How it works with D-SNPs

    Aligned FIDE SNPs – these plans align Medicare and Medicaid under 1 carrier as 1 entity. Members access benefits with only 1 ID card. This helps members avoid confusion and ensures members easily get all the benefits they need.

    Aligned HIDE SNPs – HIDE plans align Medicare and Medicaid under 1 carrier using 2 separate entities, possibly requiring members to use 2 different ID cards. In some cases, this may be confusing for members.

    Unaligned HIDE SNPs – Unaligned plans operate as 2 separate managed care plans. The Medicare plan is managed by the Insurance Carrier while the Medicaid coverage is managed by the state Medicaid organization. This can result in at least 2 ID cards and in some cases, more.

    Find out about other SEPs for Medicare enrollment

    Choosing the Right D-SNP Plan

    When selecting a D-SNP, it is crucial to consider the level of Medicaid eligibility, the extent of additional benefits, and the coordination of services. Since plan availability varies by state, beneficiaries should use licensed Medicare agents to review their options carefully to find a plan that best meets their needs.

    For more information on Medicare D-SNP options in your state, consult Medicare.gov or your local Medicaid office.

    Alternatives to LTC Insurance

    Alternatives to LTC Insurance

    By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 21 March, 2025 | 0

    Long-term care (LTC) insurance provides a solution for covering the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care. However, due to rising premiums and strict underwriting, many individuals are seeking alternative insurance products to ensure they have financial protection for future care needs. Below, we explore some of the most viable alternatives to LTC insurance.

    Hybrid Long-Term Care Insurance Policies

    Hybrid policies combine LTC benefits with life insurance or annuities. These policies provide a death benefit if the beneficiary does not fully use the LTC benefits. This makes them a good option for those concerned about losing money on unused coverage.

    Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Riders: These policies allow policyholders to use part of their death benefit to cover long-term care expenses.

    Annuities with Long-Term Care Benefits: Some annuities offer enhanced payouts if funds are used for qualified long-term care expenses.

    Short-Term Care Insurance

    Short-term care (STC) insurance provides coverage for a limited time period. In most cases, up to one year. These policies are more affordable and have less strict underwriting than traditional LTC insurance. This makes them a good option for those who can’t afford a LTC policy. They are also an option for individuals who may not qualify for LTC coverage.

    Critical Illness Insurance

    Critical illness insurance pays out a lump sum upon the diagnosis of specific serious medical conditions. Policies cover conditions such as cancer, stroke, or heart attack. While critical illness insurance does not cover all long-term care costs, it can provide financial relief to help with medical expenses or caregiving services.

    Learn more about critical illness insurance from Physicians Mutual

    Life Insurance with Accelerated Death Benefits (ADB)

    Some life insurance policies include an ADB rider. This rider allows policyholders to access a portion of their death benefit early if they develop a chronic or terminal illness. The ADB provides financial support for long-term care expenses without the need for a separate LTC policy.

    Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

    HSAs allow individuals with high-deductible health plans to save money tax-free for medical expenses, including certain long-term care services. These funds can be a valuable resource to help cover the cost for care.

    Please note: Although individuals can’t contribute to an HSA once they’re enrolled in Medicare, beneficiaries can still use funds already in an HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses.

    Reverse Mortgages

    A reverse mortgage enables homeowners aged 62 and older to convert home equity into cash, which they can use for long-term care expenses. While this option provides cash for expenses, it reduces home equity and can impact heirs’ inheritance.

    Medicaid

    For those who meet income and asset requirements, Medicaid provides comprehensive long-term care coverage, including nursing home care and home-based services. State-specific programs may also offer additional resources for long-term care support.

    Choosing the best alternative

    The best alternative to traditional LTC insurance depends on an individual’s financial situation, health, and long-term care needs. Consulting with a financial advisor or insurance professional can help individuals evaluate their options and develop a plan to ensure their coverage needs are met.

    Agents who want to offer any of these products, click here for online Crowe contracting

    Although traditional LTC insurance is a viable option for some, alternative insurance products provide flexibility and affordability. By exploring various coverage options and financial tools, individuals can secure financial protection and peace of mind for their long-term care needs.

    Why Enroll in Plan N

    Why Enroll In Plan N

    By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 21 March, 2025 | 0

    Choosing the right Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is an important decision for individuals managing healthcare costs. In this post, we will answer the question; why enroll in a Plan N.

    Medicare Supplement Plan N can be a great plan option due to its balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage. Individuals considering their Medicare Supplement options may find the Plan N is the perfect fit for their healthcare needs.

    Lower monthly premiums

    One of the biggest advantages of Plan N is its cost-effectiveness. Although Plan N provides many of the same benefits as other Medigap plans, its premiums are generally lower than Plan G. This makes it a good option for individuals who want solid coverage without paying a high premium for benefits they may not use too often.

    Comprehensive coverage

    Plan N covers many out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not, including:

    • Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
    • Medicare Part B coinsurance (except for small copays)once the annual Part B deductible is paid
    • First three pints of blood
    • Part A hospice care coinsurance
    • Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care coinsurance
    • Limited foreign travel emergency coverage (80% up to plan limits)

    Out-of-Pocket costs

    Plan N offers lower premiums in exchange for reasonable cost-sharing amounts. This includes:

    • Up to a $20 copay for doctors visits
    • Up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits (this copay is waived if the enrollee is admitted)

    These low out of pocket amounts costs are predictable and manageable.

    Please note: Unlike Plan G, Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges. Although, this is usually not an issue for beneficiaries who visit doctors that accept Medicare assignment, as they agree to charge only the Medicare-approved amount.

    Plan N is a great choice for individuals who:

    • Want the freedom to use any provider that accepts Medicare assignment
    • Want to save on monthly premiums and still have great coverage
    • Do not mind paying a nominal copay for medical services

    Freedom to choose any provider that accepts Medicare assignment

    Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, which have network restrictions, Medigap Plan N allows beneficiaries to see any doctor who accepts Medicare assignment. This is beneficial for individuals who seek care in more than 1 state and want greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. This is especially helpful if the individual uses several providers to treat medical conditions or illnesses.

    Medicare agents; subscribe to our YouTube channel for free informational and training videos

    Protection from high hospital costs

    Hospital stays can be expensive, but Plan N covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs beyond Medicare’s limits. This ensures that beneficiaries do not face excessive out-of-pocket costs for extended hospital stays allowing beneficiaries to focus on recovery.

    Alternative to more expensive Medigap plans

    For those who want comprehensive coverage without the higher Plan G premiums, Plan N provides a good balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage.

    Why enroll in Plan N

    Medicare Plan N is a good choice for:

    • Individuals who want lower monthly premiums
    • Those who are comfortable with small copays for doctor and ER visits
    • Beneficiaries who may use more than one Medicare-approved provider
    • People looking for nationwide coverage without restrictive networks

    Medicare Supplement Plan N is a great choice for those who want a balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage. With lower premiums, predictable cost-sharing, and strong hospital coverage, it offers a practical solution for many Medicare beneficiaries. Beneficiaries should consult with a licensed Medicare agent before enrolling in any Medicare Plan to ensure the plan aligns with healthcare and financial needs.

    Best Plan Pro Quoting Tool

    Best Plan Pro Quoting Tool

    By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 20 March, 2025 | 0

    The Best Plan Pro quoting tool provides both final expense and simplified issue life quotes. With this tool, agents can provide clients with a quick and accurate quote within minutes. Find otu how easy it is to quote, underwrite and enroll.   All from your own computer!

    Quoting

    Best Plan Pro gives agents the flexability to show all carriers availabel or only carriers they are appointed with or narrow it down to a select few.

    Once you enter the client’s health information; birthdate, sex, height, weight, medications, health conditions and smoker status, the system will show only plans they qualify for. This saves time and aggrevation for agents and clients alike.

    Run quotes for multiple face value amounts to compare prices and coverage. Additonally, you can run quoes based soley on a specific monthly budget amount. 

    Click here to watch a Best PlanPro demo

    Additionally; all client information and quotes are saved in the systems buildt in CRM.

    Underwriting

    Best Plan Pro offers a state of the art underwriting tool, offering more than just general health groupings:  best, non-tobacco, etc.  This system uses health conditions and prescription information to provide an accurate quote. 

    Agents no longer need to waste time trying to figure out which carrier will offer a level policy based on a health conditions.  Sales Plan Pro instantly runs the health conditions and medications against all carriers to find the ones that offer level vs. graded/modified vs. GI.

    Enrollment

    Once the cleint decides on the plan type that best fits their needs, agents can easily enroll them from their computer. This system automatically takes you to the carirers site so you can proceed with an online enrollment.

    How to get this fantastic software

    Although the normal price for this software is $60 a month, agents whoare cotnracted with either Crowe or Pinnacle are eligible to recieve a deep disocunt of $19.95 per month. Addtionally; agents who write 5 or more cases get this tool at no cost!

    To get the discount code, either email lifesales@pfsinsurnace.com or stephanie@croweandassocites or call 203-796-5403. You must be either a Crowe or Pinnacle agent to recieve this discount!

    If you are ready to join the team at Crowe; click here for online contract. 

    See what else Crowe and Associates has to offer our agents.

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    We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800 MEDICARE to get information on all options.

    Not affiliated with the U. S. government or federal Medicare program. This website is designed to provide general information on Insurance products, including Annuities. It is not, however, intended to provide specific legal or tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or to promote, market, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Please note that [Agency Name], its affiliated companies, and their representatives and employees do not give legal or tax advice. Encourage your clients to consult their tax advisor or attorney.

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    Crowe & AssociatesCrowe & Associates

    Online Enrollment- Enroll prospects online without the need for a face to face appointment. Access to all major carriers with the ability to compare plan benefits and prescription drug costs. Link to recorded webinar https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/2899290519088332033

    All agents receive a personalized enrollment website. Prospects can use the site to compare plans, check doctors, run drug comparisons and enroll in plans. Agents are credited for all enrollments. Click Here

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