adding medicare sales Archives

Medicare agent sales training

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 30 January, 2024 | 0

Medicare agent sales training

As the demand for Medicare coverage continues to grow, the role of Medicare agents becomes increasingly important. For that reason, Medicare agent sales training is crucial. Agents need to be prepared to provide guidance for beneficiaries to ensure they receive the health care coverage that fits their needs and budget.

There are various training programs available to equip agents with the necessary knowledge and skills. Agents need to take in a lot of information including; rules, contracting, benefits, quoting, certs and much more. We will discuss some of those things below.

Initial Training Programs

Newer Medicare agents require comprehensive initial training programs. These programs should provide a solid foundation of the Medicare system including eligibility, coverage options and enrollment periods as well as how they work together. We provide a weekly zoom training for all our newer agents that need the extra time to get up and running.

Product-Specific Training

Because there are so many coverage options for Medicare beneficiaries, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), agents need product-specific training. This training ensures that agents are well-versed in the details of each plan, allowing them to match individuals with the most suitable coverage. Each carrier provides it’s agents with product training opportunities. We also offer training when a new product that shows potential is introduced into an area or if agents show an interest in learning more about a specific product. Agents can either join one of our weekly zoom meetings or webinars or find information on our website or YouTube channel. You can find links to this information on our website, just click on the link below.

Click here to view our updated Events and information post

Annual Training and Updates

Given the dynamic nature of Medicare coverage options, agents must undergo annual training and updates. This ensures that agents stay current with any changes to Medicare regulations, coverage options, and compliance standards. Agents can get helpful tips on the annual AHIP training on our YouTube channel as well as updated CMS regulations for Medicare sales.

Technology Training

Because technology is always advancing, agents need updated tools and technology to remain competitive. That is why we provide both Sunfire and Connecture for quoting and enrollment to our agents at no cost. We offer one-on-one training and video instruction to agents who want it. These tools offer a built in CRM as well as the opportunity for agents to record their sales calls and remain compliant. Our technological resources enhance the agent’s ability to serve clients effectively.

Visit our YouTube channel and watch some free training videos on any of the above subjects you have questions about

Ethical and Compliance Training

Ethics and compliance are a big concern in the insurance industry. Agents undergo annual training on ethical sales practices and conduct, as well as updated regulatory requirements. This training ensures that agents operate with integrity and in accordance with industry standards. Our zoom meetings and webinars often focus on updated CMS regulations to ensure our agents maintain their compliance. All our informational webinars are recorded and put up on our YouTube channel.

If you want to join our team, click here for online contracting

Sales Skills Training

Many agents appreciate training programs that help focus on honing sales skills. This training teaches agents how to educate clients, address concerns, and facilitate informed decision-making. Some training programs we offer focus on different types of approaches and opportunities agents can use to generate sales. Because each agent is an individual, we offer calls or meetings to discuss different approaches agents can use to generate sales.

Networking and Business Development Training

Agents require training programs that go beyond the technical aspects of Medicare. They need guidance to building a successful business. This includes strategies for networking, lead generation, and business development to help agents establish and grow their client base. We provide agents with information and guidance on lead programs as well as how to host sales events and much more.

Learn how to generate Medicare referrals

The landscape of Medicare agent training is diverse, this reflects the multifaceted nature of the Medicare business. Whether it’s mastering the benefits of Medicare plans, staying compliant with regulations, or developing essential sales skills, ongoing training is a must for Medicare agents. This helps ensure they provide high-quality service to their clients.

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Medicare enrollment periods

By Ed Crowe | General Articles | 0 comment | 26 November, 2023 | 0

Medicare enrollment periods

In order for agents to sell Medicare plans, one of the first things they need to understand are the Medicare enrollment periods. There are many different enrollment periods available to beneficiaries. Each one depends on their personal circumstances.

If a beneficiary already receives Social Security benefits, they will automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare. In other words, they do not need to sing themselves up for Medicare Part A or Part B. Beneficiaries who do not qualify for automatic enrollment should enroll during the Initial enrollment period.

There are three enrollment periods available for Original Medicare

The first and most commonly used is the IEP or initial enrollment period.
Second is the AEP or annual enrollment period which can be used for a number of different reasons.
Third is the GEP or general election period that beneficiaries use to enroll in Original Medicare if they missed their IEP for some reason.

Medicare IEP (Initial Enrollment Period)

The Medicare IEP (Initial Enrollment Period) is a seven-month window available to beneficiaries to enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B. The IEP is based on either your 65th birthday or once a qualified beneficiary receives their 24th Social Security disability payment. This enrollment period starts 3 months before the qualifying event and continues through the month of the event. The IEP ends 3 months after the month of the qualifying event. If the beneficiary’s birthday falls on the first of the month, The IEP begins 4 months before the 65th birthday of the beneficiary and ends 2 months after the beneficiary’s birth month.

Coverage for beneficiaries who enroll in the months before their birthday begins the first day of their birth month. If they enroll either during or after their birth month, coverage begins the first day of the month after they enroll.

During the IEP, beneficiaries can choose to either enroll in both parts of Original Medicare or they may choose to delay enrollment in Part B if they have other credible coverage such as from their own or a spouse’s employment.

Medicare AEP (Annual Enrollment Period)

The AEP starts each year on October 15 and runs until December 7. AEP is an opportunity for anyone on Medicare to make changes to their Part C or Part D coverage. Please note: changes made during this enrollment period will go into effect January 1 of the following year.

Click here to learn more about the AEP

Medicare GEP (General Enrollment Period)

If a beneficiary neglects to enroll during their IEP and does not have other credible coverage, they may need to use the GEP to enroll in Medicare. The GEP starts January 1 and runs through March 31 each year. During the GEP, coverage begins the first day of the month after you enroll. Beneficiaries who enroll during the GEP may have to pay a late enrollment penalty depending how long they have gone without credible coverage.

Other Enrollment Periods

There are still more enrollment periods available. There are the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period as well as the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. Each if these enrollment periods apply to the specified type of coverage. Although some individuals qualify for one of the many SEPs (Special Enrollment Periods).

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period starts the day their Medicare Part B is effective and runs for 6 months. This enrollment period gives beneficiaries guaranteed issue right to enroll in any Medigap plan available to them. Several supplement carriers let beneficiaries apply for a plan up to 6 months before their Part B start date. The supplement will not start until the day Part B benefits are in place. If the beneficiary misses their Medicare supplement open enrollment period, they can apply for a Medicare supplement plan any time of year. Keep in mind, they may have to go through underwriting and can be denied coverage.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

When a beneficiary first enrolls in Medicare Part A and Part B during their IEP, they are eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. If they do not choose to enroll at that time, they have to wait until the AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) unless they have an SEP available to them.

There is a specific Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period available to those who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage change their coverage. This enrollment period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.

To learn more about the Medicare Advantage OEP, click here

Special Enrollment Periods for Medicare

The most difficult to understand enrollment period may be the Special Enrollment Period. This enrollment period can apply to several different circumstances and does not apply to all Medicare beneficiaries. SEPs may require the beneficiary to provide proof of eligibility.

The most common reason for enrolling during an SEP is loss of employer coverage due to the fact that many benficiares choose not to enroll in Medicare PArt B because they have employer coverage.