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How to sell Medicare plans over the phone

It is not difficult to learn how to sell Medicare plans over the phone.  We will provide the blueprint in the article below.   If you do not have experience in Medicare sales, there are some steps to take prior to starting.

You will need a health insurance license to sell Medicare plans

Click here to see the steps to get a health insurance license

Starters guide for Medicare Contracting

After you have an insurance license, there are steps to take for contracting and certifications.  Use the link for step by step instructions.   Medicare contracting and certifications guide

How to sell Medicare plans over the phone- The set up

There are a number of ways to sell Medicare plans over the phone.   The most obvious option is to get set up as a call center/telesales agency.  While this set up can ultimately work very well, there are some obstacles to doing it which are time and cost.  Call scripts will need approval by the carriers. All calls will need to be recorded as well. The other negative is the cost to start the call center.  Those with funding and time to invest should call us to discuss the call center option further at 203-796-5403 or email Edward@croweandassociates.com.    For most people we will suggest a different approach.

Selling by phone in conjunction with online enrollment

A quicker and less expensive way to start is selling over the phone and processing enrollment online. The online enrollment function is available at no cost through our online enrollment portal Connect4Medicare  (C4M)  C4M provides agents with their own approved enrollment website and consumer facing URL.  Agents and prospects can quote and compare plans, run drug comparisons, search doctors and enroll prospects online without a face to face meeting.  The agent can enroll the prospect or the prospect can self enroll through the link sent to them by the agent. You can text or email the enrollment links.  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CONNECT4MEDICARE   Under this set up, agents can talk to prospects over the phone and then email or text them the link to complete the enrollment.

How to sell Medicare plans over the phone: Generating lead volume

You will need to generate prospects to try to close so figuring out the method to use is important.  There are a number of ways to do this but we will focus on two of them here.

Telemarket leads:  There are companies that will generate leads by phone at a set price per lead.  The calls are recorded and the information is sent to the agent to close the sale.  We have worked with a vendor to offer one of the best prices for teleleads.  With call back leads at $10.00 and live transfers at $16.00 a large amount of volume can be generated at a low cost.  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Online leads:  Online leads are also a good way to generate prospect volume at a low cost.  You can get online leads for $8 to $15 each depending on the lead aggregator/lead company.  Shared and exclusive leads are available but we suggest using shared leads due to the high price point of exclusive leads.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT USING ONLINE LEADS

We offer a free lead program to help off set your lead costs- Learn more about the Crowe and Associates Free Medicare Lead Program

How to sell Medicare plans over the phone: Other important things to know

Having the correct set up for phone sales is important but organization is also key. As a result, it will be important to have a good CRM. Connect4Medicare is a basic CRM but we suggest having your own in order to stay organized.  It will be important to keep all prospects in your database, schedule return calls and keep notes on each call.   In addition, you need to have a scheduled routine every day.  How many leads will you work? What time will you be contacting new prospects vs. calling existing prospects you are working with?   Other things to consider are: How much money will you have in your daily lead budget?  Do you have access to all competitive plans in the area/states you are working?   Thought and preparation is needed in order to be successful when starting any type of phone sales.

WORK WITH ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP FMOs.  CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED.

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Medicare donut hole 2020

Most Medicare drug plans have a coverage gap or “donut hole”.  If you reach the Medicare donut hole 2020, it means that you have a temporary limit on what your drug plan will cover for your prescriptions.

Some people do not enter the coverage gap/donut hole.  The only time you enter the gap is when both yourself and your drug plan reach the annual spending amount. The Medicare donut hole 2020 amount is $4,020.  This amount applies to only covered drugs in.  This amount may change each year.

Keep in mind; if you are on Medicare and get Extra Help paying for Part D, you will not enter the coverage gap/donut hole.

Want to learn about the Donut hole in 2022; Click this link.

There are 3 levels of coverage with Medicare Part D:

1.  You are in the initial coverage stage before you reach the coverage gap.  Last year, in 2019, the initial coverage limit was $3,820.  The initial coverage limit has been raised up to $4,020 for 2020.
2. The second level is when you reach the coverage gap/donut hole. You will be on this level once your Medicare approved prescription drug plan expenses reach the initial coverage limit. Medicare has changed the percentage you pay for your medications during the coverage gap. In 2019, Medicare members had to pay 25% for brand-name prescriptions and 37% for generic medications. The percentage members have to pay for Medicare prescription drug plans in 2020 will be 25% for both brand-name as well as generic prescriptions.
3. The third level is called the catastrophic coverage level.  You reach this level only if you have reached the annual out-of-pocket threshold.  This amount is calculated by using all the money you paid for prescriptions for the year, including what you pay during the coverage gap.  If you reach this level, Medicare will cover at least 95% of the cost for your medications for the rest of the year.  The out-of-pocket threshold for Part D in 2020 is $6,350.

Important information if you use brand-name prescription drugs:

Once you reach the coverage gap/donut hole in 2020, you will not have to pay more than 25% of the cost for brand-name prescription drugs that are covered by your plan. You will be entitled to this discounted rate if you either buy your prescriptions at a pharmacy or order them through the mail. Certain plans offer you even lower costs when you reach the coverage gap. The discount will come off the agreed price your plan has set with the pharmacy for that specific drug.

Although you pay no more than 25% of the price for brand-name drugs, almost the full price of the drug will count towards your out-of-pocket expenses.  This will help you get out of the coverage gap. In other words, both what you and what the manufacturer pays (95% of the cost of the drug) counts toward your out-out-pocket spending.

If you need help choosing a Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement of Prescription drug plan, feel free to use our Medicare quoting tool below:

Click here to use our free Medicare quoting tool 

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Medicare number lookup

If you cannot locate your new Medicare card, there is a way for you to order a new Medicare card.  You can easily find the information you need by using the Medicare number lookup provided in your social security account.  CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE

The first step is to create your own personal my Social Security account:

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Aetna OTC catalog 2020

If you are a member of certain Aetna Medicare plans, you are eligible to receive an OTC benefit.  You can find out more by looking at the Aetna OTC catalog 2020.

To view an updated post for Aetna OTC; click here

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A  COPY OF THE AETNA  2020 OTC CATALOG

There are 2 ways to order:

The easiest way to order is Online:  Just go to cvs.com/otchs/myorder.  You can use this way 24/7, therefore it is very convenient.

If you are not comfortable with the computer, you can order by phone.  Call 1-833-331-1573 (TTY:711).  Phone ordering is available Monday-Friday from 9AM until 8PM ET.

Things to remember about our OTC program in CT:

1. The OTC benefit is $50 per quarter.  This is a total benefit value of $200 per year.
2. Members must use the catalog to order their items; they can either call the toll free number or order online
3. You can either use the whole $50 benefit at once or you can split it into two separate orders during the quarter.
4. Any unused benefit balance will not roll over to the next quarter.
5. Members cannot use The CVS extra care card to purchase OTC items.
6. OTC items cannot be purchased in the store at the discounted rate.
7. You receive free shipping on all orders.
8. In most cases, your Items will arrive within 10 business days.

Do you need help finding the right Medicare plan for yourself; please contact us.  We can be reached either by phone  at (203)796-5403 or email at teal@croweandassociates.com.

CLICK HERE TO USE OUR COMPARISON SITE AND FIND THE BEST PLAN OPTION FOR YOU.

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Humana OTC catalog 2020

The Humana OTC catalog 2020 is a nice benefit for those who are members in participating Medicare plans.  If you have the same plan as last year; please make sure you check your 2020 summary of benefits to make sure your benefit amount has not changed.  You can find this information by signing into your  MyHumana account and clicking on Documents and Forms under member support.

THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED- CLICK HERE

There are a few ways to order your OTC products:

1.  Order your OTC products online.  Just sign in to HumanaPharmacy.com.  Next,  select your “Over-the-Counter (OTC) items from the “Shop OTC & Supplies” tab at the top of the page and place your order form there.
2.  Use the free mobile app.  Order your OTC products whenever it is convenient for you by using the Humana Pharmacy mobile app right from your mobile device.
3. You can also order through the mail.  Just fill out the OTC Health and Wellness Product order form and mail the order form to:
   Humana Pharmacy
   PO Box 1197
   Cincinnati, OH 45201-1197
4. There is also a fax available if you do not wish to mail your order.  Fill out the OTC Health and Wellness product order form and fax the order form to Humana Pharmacy at: 1-800-379-7617
5. If you have any questions,  you can call Humana Pharmacy at 1-855-211-8370 (TTY: 711).  Customer care representatives are there to help you Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.  until  11 p.m., as well as Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. EST.

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2022 HUMANA OTC CATALOG

Please note: If you order multiple products, You may receive your products in more than 1 shipment.  This will depend on what items you order.  The order form in this catalog is for 2020 ONLY.  Do not submit your first order until after January 1st.

Additionally, if your order exceeds your plan’s allowance, you need to include either a check, money order or credit card information to cover the remaining balance due.

If your balance exceeds your benefit amount will have sales tax applied.  If you do not submit the full payment, some items in your order will be cancelled in order to bring your order total equal to your benefit allowance.
Please provide your payment information every time your order exceeds your benefit allowance amount.
Be aware that; any unused allowance does not roll over.  Therefore, if you do not use our benefit during the benefit period, you will loose the benefit for that period.

• For beneficiaries who have a monthly allowance; you must submit your OTC order by the 20th of each month.
• Beneficiaries who have a quarterly allowance must submit orders by the last week of your benefit allowance quarter.  The last month of each quarter are:  March, June. September and Decembe

CLICK HERE TO USE OUR FREE MEDICARE QUOTE SITE AND FIND OUT WHICH PLAN IS BEST FOR YOU.

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Cigna OTC catalog 2020

The Cigna OTC catalog 2020 is a great benefit to have for those in a participating Cigna Medicare plan.  Each plan has a different OTC allowance.  To find out how much your benefit is; check the evidence of coverage that you received with your new card.

There are 3 different ways to order your items:
1.  First, you can call 1-866-851-1579 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 11 p.m. EST.
2.  Second,  you can fill out an order form that you received with your new member materials and mail it in.
3.  Third, you could visit Cigna’s website at www.CignaHealthSpringOTC.com. and place your order from there.

Once you set up your personal log-in profile, you can view your unused benefit balance.  This plan allows you to roll over unused funds during the same calendar year.  This way you can order your more expensive items by saving your benefit from previous quarters.  You will also be able to view your order history.
If you are away from home and need to place an order, you can do so easily by calling Cigna at 1-866-851-1579 (TTY 711) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. EST. They will ship your order to a temporary mailing address for you as long as it is in the continental U.S..

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CIGNA’S 2022 OTC CATALOG

Cigna’s OTC FAQ’s

What types of products are avaialble with the OTC benefit?
There are many covered items included in the catalog.  Cigna offers items such as;  non-prescription pain relievers, vitamins, band aids and cold & flu medicine as well as compression socks ad many other items.

What is my quarterly benefit amount?

This amount varies depending on which plan you are a member of.  You will find this amount in your evidence of coverage for your current plan.

When can I use my quarterly allowance?

The benefit allowance will go into your account at the start of each quarter.  In other words, January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.  The funds are available to spend as soon as it is in your account.  You have the option to save the allowances and use them to order higher priced items from the catalog as long as you use the full annual benefit amount before the calendar year ends. There is also the option to order items once a month if you need an item.

Who is eligible to receive items with the use of my OTC benefit?

The only person who is eligible to receive the benefit from your Cigna plan is you.  Cigna does not allow it’s members to purchase items for the use of friends or family.

Please keep in mind; the total cost of your order must be equal to or less than your available otc account balance.   There is no delivery charge for your order.  Please allow 5-7 business days for home delivery.

If you would like help choosing the best Medicare plan for yourself. please contact us.  We can be reached either by phone  at (203)796-5403 or email at teal@croweandassociates.com.

CLICK HERE TO USE OUR COMPARISON SITE AND FIND THE BEST PLAN OPTION FOR YOU.

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ConnectiCare Medicare OTC catalog 2020

ConnectiCare plans offer members many great benefits including the ConnectiCare Medicare OTC catalog 2020.

This blog has been updated – Click here for more infomation.

ConnectCare will send eligible DSNP members their OTC card in the mail.  Once you receive, you can use it at any in-network retail store or pharmacy.  The participating pharmacies include; CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart.  If you would like to check to see if your pharmacy participates, you can either visit otcnetwork.com or call 1-888-682-2400.  You will also be able to check your monthly card balance if you go to the website or call the number listed.

Eligible members can use their over-the-counter (OTC) card for either approved non-prescription health items or OTC medications.  This provides members with a benefit of up to $50 per month. There is an annual benefit maximum of $600 on eligible items.

TO DOWNLOAD/VIEW THE CONNECTICARE OTC PRODUCT FLYER, CLICK HERE

Please note:  If you do not use your entire monthly benefit, additional amounts do not roll over to the following month.

There are many items eligible for this benefit including:

Adult pain medication

Allergy medication

Antacids

Cold/Flu medicine

Dental care including denture care items (toothpaste)

Ear and Eye drops/wash

laxatives

Shampoo

You can also purchase vitamins and minerals as part of the OTC benefit.

To view a complete list of approved items eligible for purchase with your OTC card;  please check the plan documents you receive with your new card

Click here to go to our free Medicare plan comparison site

If you need help choosing the correct Medicare plan, please contact us either at (203)796-5403 or by email at teal@croweandassocites.com.  For more information about what we offer our clients, visit our website; croweandassociates.com.

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Wellcare OTC catalog 2020

If you are a current member of a Wellcare plan, you will definitely want to have a copy of the Wellcare OTC catalog 2020.  Wellcare offers it’s clients convenient self-service tools you can use to order OTC items 24/7. The OTC program gives you an easy way to get health items such as; bandages, (non-prescription) pain relievers, vitamins and even toothpaste.

INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED; CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NEW PAGE.

There are 2 ways to order OTC items from Wellcare:

1. You can order on line from the Wellcare website www.wellcare.com/medicare.
2. Order using the Interactive Voice Response system (IVR).  Just call the number that is on the back of your ID card.

Click here to download the 2020 Wellcare OTC Catalog

Look through the catalog, then place your order either online or over the phone and Wellcare will ship your items to you at no cost.

To order online, go to www.wellcare.com/medicare and log in.  If you have not yet created an account, you can sign up by following the instructions on the website.  Once you have an on line account you can use it to:  Order OTC items.  Request member materials.  Pay your bill.   Make a PCP change. You can even look up costs for things such as; co-pays for PCP, specialists or hospital visits.

You can also order over the phone using the number on the back of your ID card.   This number is also listed by state at the back of the catalog.  The IVR (interactive voice response system) can also help you with things such as:  enrollment status, current PCP assignment, making premium payments as well as placing OTC orders.

Wellcare also offers it’s members the convenience of a free mobile app to download.  The app is called:  MyWellCare.  The app offers you a way to view a  list of wellness services or find doctors or urgent care facilities.

Each plan offers it’s members different OTC benefit amounts.

To find out the amount of your benefit, you can either look at your Evidence of Coverage page or your plans Summary of Benefits.  Both can be found in the welcome packet you received with your new card. offers different OTC benefit amounts.

Keep in mind:

Your OTC benefit and items are intended for only your use.  Do not forget to take advantage of this benefit.
The Catalog may have changes each year so be sure to take a look at the new catalog when you get it so you will have an up-to-date list of available options.

If you would like to do a Medicare plan comparison; click here to use our free quote link.

to learn more about what Crowe and Associates offers; visit our website.

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United Healthcare OTC catalog 2020

If you are fortunate enough to be a member of a United Healthcare Medicare plan, you may have access to the benefits offered by the United Healthcare OTC catalog 2020.

INFORMATION ON THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED.  CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE UPDATED PAGE.

CLICK HERE TO DOWN LOAD THE 2020 UNITED HEALTHCARE OTC CATALOG.

Some United Healthcare Medicare plans include the Health Products Benefit (OTC allowance).  If you would like to know your specific benefit amount; call the member service number on the back of your member ID card.  You can also refer to the member welcome kit you should have received when you got your new card.

Each quarter you can order approved health products from the catalog, but you must follow these guidelines:

1.  The products are solely for the use of plan member..
2.  Only products from the catalog are covered.
3.  Your order total must be at least $30 or more.
4.  Shipping and handling is included at no extra cost.
5.  You may not redeem any unused credit for cash.

United Healthcare OTC catalog 2020:

Orders will be delivered in 4–5 business days in the continental U.S.

Please note: If you do not use your quarterly benefit, it will not be carried forward.  Each United healthcare Medicare plan offers it’s member a specific benefit amount.  You should contact your provider to verify what your quarterly OTC benefit amount is.

How to order OTC items

There are a few different ways you can use your benefit credits:
1.  Create an online account by going to www.HealthProductsBenefit.com and place your orders there.

2.  You can call 1-800-933-2914, TTY 711.  Customer service representatives are available Monday – Friday from 7a.m. until 7p.m. (Central time) and on Saturdays from 7a.m. until 4p.m. (Central time)

3.  Use a mail order form and send your order through the postal service. You should receive a mail order form and envelope with your welcome kit.

Additional information:  FirstLine Medical is a DBA of OptumRx and is the supplier of all the products available in the catalog.

If you would like help choosing the best Medicare plan for your needs; please contact us.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at teal@croweandassocaites.com.

Please visit our website for more information at croweandassociates.com.

If you would like to compare health plans; visit our free quote site by clicking here.

What is the difference between a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement Plan? Click here for information.

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Anthem OTC catalog 2020

If you are a member of an Anthem Medicare plan, you may have the benefit of the Anthem OTC catalog 2020.  There is a link provided below to access the catalog

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION

TO DOWNLOAD THE ANTHEM 2020 OTC CATALOG, CLICK HERE

Use your catalog of OTC items to save money using the monthly allowance.  The catalog allows you to choose from a variety of over the counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins and other health related items at Walmart.  It’s very easy and simple to use.

There are 3 ways to use your OTC benefits.  Feel free to use the one that works best for you.

1. Buy in-store for convenient and easy access to the things you need. Shopping locations are available at locations in your area.

2. An online order may be your preference.  You can shop for the items you need online or use the available mobile app to order and pick up in the store. Delivery is also an option. Look at the instructions that came with your OTC card for more details.  You can find the Anthem Healthy benefits app either on Google play or Apple.

3. Call for delivery
Look up the product in this catalog and call 1-866-413-2582 (TTY: 711) for delivery to your home.  If you cannot find the item you need, call customer service at the number listed on your id card.

More about your OTC card benefit:

When do I get my OTC Benefit Card?
After you enroll in a plan, the card is automatically mailed to you.  If you need a replacement card,  contact the OTC customer service line at 1-866-413-2582 (TTY:711).

Every month you have a dollar amount to spend on non-prescription OTC items and health products. There are many different items included in this program.   Some examples are: antacids, cough drops and first aid items,  as well as vitamins.

Some rules apply to how to use this benefit:

You may use the benefit only for approved items.

This benefit is for use by the member only.

If the amount of your purchase is more than your benefit allows; you will need to pay the difference.

You can call the customer service number on the back of your ID card, if you have any questions.

If you do not find the item you are looking for; go to the Anthem website at www.HealthyBenefitsPlus.com/AnthemBCBSOTC to view a list of all the available items.

In addition:

The only plan members who had a decrease in their OTC benefit are the Some HMO $0 members  ($59/quarter in 2019 to $30/quarter in 2020).

All other plans had an increase in the OTC benefit amount.

Looking to quote or compare Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare supplements plans?

Use the link below to quote, compare, check doctors and run drug comparisons. CLICK TO COMPARE PLANS.

Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions about your health plan or need assistance with healthcare products.  You can reach us either at (203)796-5403 or by email at teal@croweandassociates.com.

Click here to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans VS Medicare Supplement Plans.

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Aetna Medicare OTC catalog 2020

The Aetna Medicare OTC catalog 2020 can be found online:

The quickest and easiest way to place your OTC order is to go online to CVS.com/otchs/myorder.

THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED – CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NEW PAGE.

This method of ordering allows you to place an order 24/7.  way to order 24/7 is to visit
You can also order by phone.  Just call 1-833-331-1573 (TTY:711).  There are representatives available Monday – Friday 9:00 am until 8:00 pm (ET).

You can download the 2020 catalog by using the the link below:

CLICK HERE TO DOWN LOAD THE 2020 AETNA OTC CATALOG.

What is an OTC Catalog?

Many of the Aetna Medicare advantage plans have an OTC benefit.  This benefit provides each member a monthly fixed amount of money to use to order common OTC items available at your local pharmacy.  This benefit includes items such as; first aid supplies, vitamins, eye drops and cough drops as well as many other most other items.  The monthly benefit with most plans does not roll over month to month.  In other words, it is a use it or lose it system.

Please note:

During the first and last week of the month, Aetna usually has a high volume of calls. Therefore, it is easier to get through for OTC orders in the middle of the month. OTC orders can be placed at any time during the month.  Call to place an order Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM EST.  If you do not get your order within 7 to 10 business days after ordering, you can call the following number  1-833-331-1573 (TTY:711).  This number should also be used for those that would like to place an order.

Quote Medicare plans

If you want to quote and compare all companies Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement plans, you can do so using the link. You can also run plan comparisons, check doctors and drugs and run drug cost comparisons from plan to plan.  Our link does not require any type of commitment to use and you will not get any phone calls from sales people if you use it.     

CLICK HERE TO QUOTE AND COMPARE PLANS

If you have questions about healthcare plans, please contact us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or email at edward@croweandassociates.com.

Learn more about the services that Crowe and Associates offers.

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