Medicare Blog

how do i qualify to sell medicare supplement insurance

by Leatha Strosin Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

To sell Medicare Advantage plans, you'll have to complete the America's Health Insurance Plans
Health Insurance Plans
Launched in 1986, the health insurance industry has grown significantly mainly due to liberalization of economy and general awareness. According to the World Bank, by 2010, more than 25% of India's population had access to some form of health insurance.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Health_insurance_in_India
(AHIP) certification in addition to each carrier's compliance and product certifications
. These certifications exist to help protect seniors and reward agents who do things the right way.
Feb 22, 2022

Full Answer

How to get started in Medicare sales?

  • Visit the Social Security website.
  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 7AM to 7PM.
  • If you worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 (TTY users call 312-751-4701), Monday through Friday, 9AM to 3:30PM.

What companies sell Medicare supplements?

Top 10 Supplemental Medicare Insurance Companies in 2021

  • Mutual of Omaha – Best Overall
  • Aetna – High-Quality Nationwide Options
  • Cigna – Superior Customer Care
  • United American – Best Enrollment Experience
  • GPM – Superior Coverage Options
  • UnitedHealthcare – Wide Variety of Plan Options
  • Manhattan Life – Best Website Experience
  • Bankers Fidelity – Best Senior Expertise
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield – Best Mobile App

More items...

How to start selling Medicare?

How to start selling Medicare Insurance 3rd Step-. Take the AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) Medicare certification. Nearly all carriers now require that an agent take the AHIP certification every year prior to being able to sell Medicare plans. AHIP cost $175 but you can get it for a lower rate if you take it through an insurance company.

What license do you need to sell Medicare supplements?

People representing Medicare plans aren't allowed to:

  • Come to your home uninvited to sell or endorse anything.
  • Call you unless you’re already a member of the plan. ...
  • Require you to speak to a sales agent to get information about the plan.
  • Offer you cash (or gifts worth more than $15) to join their plan or give you free meals during a sales pitch for a Medicare health or drug plan.

More items...

image

How do you make money selling Medicare supplements?

Generally, insurance agents often earn two types of commissions when selling Medicare plans: A dollar amount per application (Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans) or a percentage of the premium sold (Medicare Supplements).

Is being a Medicare agent worth it?

Selling Medicare can be very lucrative, but just like any other self-starter type of job, the more effort you put in, the bigger the payoff. When it comes to making money selling Medicare, there are two main ways you can earn income which include commissions and residual income.

Can you make a lot of money selling Medicare?

Earning income potential is dependent on sales commissions, talent and location. On average, medicare sales agent jobs pay around ​$65,000​ annually, but top agents can earn six-figure incomes in just three years, suggests Redbird Network.

How do I get Medicare clients?

⍟ 14 Ways to Generate Medicare Supplement LeadsBuild & Maintain a Website. ... Social Media Presence. ... Video Marketing. ... Blogging, Writing Articles. ... Email. ... Online Events: Live webinars, podcasts. ... Direct Requests / Client Referrals. ... Lead Swapping Partnerships (Asking other professionals for referrals)More items...

How hard is it to sell Medicare?

No, it's not hard to sell Medicare Supplements. When you're first starting, it should be easy, because everyone on Medicare needs one. It's just an insurance product. You're not a member – you're a policyholder, and that means a lot to people.

How much do Medicare leads cost?

As mentioned previously, new Medicare Advantage pay $25 for each direct mail lead.

What is street level commission?

Street level commission is the base commission amount paid by the company you work for. This is normally expressed as "base commission" or "street level commission" on the rate sheet you receive from your insurance company or General Agent.

What is the commission on a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Renewal commissions increased from $287/member/year to $301/member/year, a 4.88% increase. Here's a chart comparing the Medicare maximum broker commissions for 2022 vs. 2023. (By comparison, Medicare Advantage commission increases ranged from 6.25% to 6.55% for 2022.)

What are three main ways in which Medicare sales occur?

There are three different types of Medicare products sold by agents and brokers: Medicare Supplement plans (Also called Medigap plans), Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D Rx plans.

How can I get free Medicare leads?

5 Ways to generate Free Medicare LeadsMake a script and practice it until it becomes natural.Ask consistently.Make your client feel needed.Ask leading questions, such as, “Do you know anyone at church…” or “Do you have any friends who are turning 65 this month…”

How do you get ACA leads?

Ask for Referrals Give your business cards to friends and family to distribute your contact information for you. Always ask for referrals from existing clients and the people you meet. Always follow up with referrals when you get them. Always ask for referrals from existing clients and the people you meet.

Can you advertise for Medicare?

Medicare private plans are allowed to conduct certain activities. For instance, companies can market their plan through direct mail, radio, television, and/or print advertisements. Agents can also visit your home if you invite them for a marketing appointment. Never feel pressured to join any plan.

How much does Medicare Part A cost?

Medicare Part A is earned, but it can also be bought for those who need it. In 2019, it cost up to $413 a month to buy Medicare Part A. Gaps in Medicare Part A can easily cost thousands of dollars. Included in Medicare Part A: home health services, hospice care, inpatient hospital care, nursing facility care and more.

How to determine if Medicare is my primary coverage?

To determine if Medicare can be your client’s primary coverage, it’s important for you to ask your client about their age. Also, ask if they are working or retired. If they are still working, ask how many employees the company employs. 6.

What is the difference between Medicare Part D and Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs and has a monthly premium. Like Medicare Part B, there is a penalty for late enrollment unless your client has an existing health insurance plan. Your client may have several Part D plans offered.

How much is the Medicare Part B deductible?

This penalty can be waived if your client has coverage with an employer. The Medicare Part B deductible was $183 in 2017. Your client will pay that much out-of-pocket before Medicare begins to cover services. After coverage beings, the client is responsible for 20% of doctor visits and other approved Medicare services.

What is Medicare Part B?

2. Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B covers some of the most essential types of medical expenses. A client begins the initial enrollment period 3 months before the month in which they turn 65 and ends 3 months after the birthday.

Why do you want to have your client insured during the open enrollment period?

You’ll want your client insured during the open enrollment period because this is the only time they don’t have to worry about pre-existing conditions. Underwriting is much simpler. It’s only if your client misses this open enrollment period that they will have to pass health questions. 12.

Can a 65 year old use Medicare?

If the client is 65 and older and is still working and on a group health plan with fewer than 20 employees, they are eligible for Medicare. Also, if your client is disabled, under the age of 65 and on an employer-funded health plan with fewer than 100 employees, he/she may use Medicare as the primary coverage.

Overview of Medicare Supplements (Medigap)

Medicare is the public health insurance program created in 1965 allowing retirees to have health insurance even after leaving their employer’s group plan. Anyone aged 65 and older, people diagnosed with ALS or ESRD, and people who’ve received SSDI benefits for at least 25 months are eligible to enroll in Medicare coverage.

Is Selling Medicare Lucrative?

Selling Medicare supplements is a great opportunity to serve the underserved senior population and to make money. The Medigap market is two-thirds bigger than the Medicare Advantage market, and the plans are best-suited for people who travel and are financially stable.

The Best Way to Sell Medicare Supplements

Just like with selling any health insurance, Medicare comes with rules and regulations. The first step to selling Medicare supplements is obtaining a license to sell Medicare in your state. The second step is to get AHIP certification. While you don’t need AHIP certification to sell Medigap plans, it’s a great idea to obtain certification.

Medicare Basics

In order to effectively sell Medicare supplements, you should understand how the plans tie into Medicare as a whole. Here’s a general breakdown of Medicare:

Medicare Supplements Leads for Agents

Use more than one approach to reach potential leads. Email and social media are effective ways to reach your audience if you use the right tactics. Direct mail is still a great way to raise awareness even with the senior population using smartphones now more than ever before.

Start Making Money Selling Medicare Supplements

At Senior Market Advisors, our mission is to serve the underserved. The baby boomer market is all-too-often overlooked, and we want to help seniors live their best lives. When you partner with Senior Market Advisors, not only do you get to make a difference, you get an experienced marketing team, a sales support team and a free CRM to track sales.

Start Earning 6-Figures

Connect with a dedicated specialist in your market to learn how you can become a TRUE Senior Market Advisor.

What to do when selling Medicare supplements?

When you sell Medicare supplements from home, you need to offer a variety of products to meet each beneficiary’s needs. This includes supplement products, prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage products, and ancillary products. Ensure the products you are offering benefit the client, not a push for your pocketbook.

How many clients does Medicare have?

Your income is only limited by the time you put into working. On average, a Medicare insurance agent in business for five (5) years has around 400-500 clients.

Do I Need a License?

As your mind rolls with questions about getting started, make sure you check with your state’s Department of Insurance to find out what their licensing requirements are. Some states issue you a license for health care. Other states have specific licenses for Medicare supplements.

What is Medicare Advantage?

One of the benefits is the sale of Medicare Advantage or a Medicare supplement that provides you with a residual income for years. This is a passive income you enjoy the benefit of from every sale. Working as an independent agent means the commissions pay directly to you.

How many Americans have Medicare Advantage?

Ambition to put forth the effort to make sales. About 1/3 of Americans obtain their Medicare through Medicare Advantage Plans. The other 2/3 of the eligible persons have original Medicare, and about 81% of those enroll in supplement coverage.

Can you refer Medicare insurance to a client?

If you personally deliver the Medicare insurance policy to your clients, you have the opportunity to go over again the benefits of the plan they purchased. This is also the perfect time to request a referral. By building a trusting relationship, you may be able to sell them additional products later.

Do insurance agents have to be vested?

Normally agents are vested from the first day, so you have true ownership of your business and policy renewals. Many insurance carriers provide vacation packages and exotic trips to their top-selling agents. The perks are great, and the more “extras” you offer clients, the more profit you make.

How much can you make Selling Medicare?

Selling Medicare is part of the financial services industry, which has a track record of generating more millionaires than any other industry.

Get Licensed to Sell Medicare

In order to sell Medicare, you must become a licensed life and health insurance agent in your state (or any state that you plan on selling in).

Partner with a Medicare FMO

A Field Marketing Organization (FMO) is the link between Medicare insurance carriers and independent Medicare sales agents.

Complete AHIP & Carrier Certifications

AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) is an industry-recognized certification test. If you want to sell Medicare Advantage products, then you must become AHIP certified for most carriers.

Prepare for Success

Now that you are licensed, contracted, and certified, it’s time to create your Medicare Business Plan. This includes setting your production goals, developing a lead generation and client retention strategy, and leveraging the support available through your Medicare FMO.

How Do I Get Licensed to Sell Medicare?

However, in order to sell Medicare, you need to first obtain your license by taking the following steps.

How to become a Medicare agent?

The first step to becoming a licensed Medicare agent is to complete a pre-licensing course. You can usually choose to take this course in a traditional classroom setting or online in a self-study format if you prefer. Choose your state of residence , select the “Life and Health” option , and then choose the exam prep package that best suits your needs. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion that is valid for one year from the date it was issued. You will need to pass your state licensing exam within this time.

What is Medicare quoting engine?

2. Medicare Quoting Tool / Online Quoting Engine - A Quoting Engine makes it easier for agents. to have access to accurate, up-to-date pricing and plan details for the nations top senior.

Do you need certification for Medicare Supplement?

Medicare supplement products however, do not require any additional certifications beyond your state’s licensing requirements.

Does Medicare pay for retirees?

Read 5 things you need to know about how retiree insurance works with Medicare. If you're retired, have Medicare and have group health plan coverage from a former employer, generally Medicare pays first. Your retiree coverage pays second.

Does Medicare Supplement Insurance cover health care?

Read about Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance), which helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9