Medicare Blog

how do i sell medicare supplemental insurance

by Linnea Koch Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Below are the big takeaways of learning how to sell Medicare Supplement insurance:

  • Always carry a copy of the 2021 Medicare and You Handbook on your appointments.
  • Medicare Supplement plans are standardized from carrier-to-carrier, the only difference is price.
  • CMS refers to Medicare supplements as Medigap policies and agents refer to them as Med Supps. ...

More items...

Full Answer

How to get started in Medicare sales?

Nov 09, 2020 · Getting Medicare Supplement Leads. Finally, if you want to sell Medicare Supplements, you obviously need some prospects to sell them to. Here are the most popular ways to get Medicare Supplement leads: Sell to your existing book (looking at insurance agents in different fields or financial planners/advisors) Cold-calling; Door knocking

What companies sell Medicare supplements?

May 30, 2019 · 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.

How to start selling Medicare?

Residual Income - When you sell a Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan you will receive residual income from that sale for years to come, creating a passive income from each sale. Own Your Business – As an independent agent commissions are paid directly to you and generally vested from day one, so you truly own your book of business and the renewals that …

What license do you need to sell Medicare supplements?

The American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance was originally established to run the industry’s conference. We sold that in 2022 and now our sole focus is creating consumer awareness and supporting insurance agents who sell Medicare insurance solutions (both Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage). Get Medicare Insurance Leads

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How do you make money selling Medicare supplements?

There are really three paths you can take to have a lucrative Medicare business:One sale at a time.Build a field force to sell underneath you.Add Medicare to your current offering (i.e: financial advisors or P&C agencies)Dec 21, 2020

Is selling Medicare supplements a good career?

Medicare agents have significant earning potential and a promising future of stable career growth – but it's not just about the money. Medicare agents also get to help others while taking control of their own careers. For the right person, Medicare sales can be a very rewarding and lucrative career.Jul 1, 2020

What is the commission on a Medicare supplement policy?

A recent report indicates that first-year commissions for enrollments in Medigap are approximately 20 percent of annual premiums, but they can vary based on the state or plan type. The commission for subsequent years (i.e., the renewal commission) is set at 10 percent of the premium.Oct 12, 2021

Can you sell Medicare door to door?

All insurance agents selling Medicare plans must be licensed in the state where they're making the sale. Below are examples of illegal marketing practices and Medicare fraud. According to Medicare.gov, a licensed insurance agent cannot: Visit you at home without your permission.Jul 9, 2021

Is there money in selling Medicare?

Myth #3: There's no money in selling Medicare. The real value of Medicare sales comes in the renewal income. Typically, after you help your client enroll in a plan, you will receive an initial payment for the first year of the policy.

Is it easy 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.May 26, 2020

Who is the best Medicare provider?

Best Medicare Advantage Providers RatingsProviderForbes Health RatingsCoverage areaBlue Cross Blue Shield5.0Offers plans in 48 statesCigna4.5Offers plans in 26 states and Washington, D.C.United Healthcare4.0Offers plans in all 50 statesAetna3.5Offers plans in 44 states1 more row•Feb 25, 2022

What is an FMO?

FMO — Field Marketing Organizations A field marketing organization (FMO) is basically the same as an independent marketing organization (IMO). FMOs are typically top-level organizations that are licensed to sell health insurance products in most, if not all, states.

Can you cold call for Medicare?

CMS has strict guidelines around contacting Medicare beneficiaries. In general, you can't market through unsolicited direct contact. (Often referred to as cold calling and includes going door-to-door.) Referred beneficiaries must contact you or the plan directly.Jun 16, 2021

Can a Medicare agent call you?

– A Medicare health or drug plan can call you if you're already a member of the plan. The agent who helped you join can also call you. – A customer service representative from 1-800-MEDICARE can call you if you've called and left a message or a representative said that someone would call you back.

Can an agent solicit Medicare Advantage prospects through email?

Brokers Can Now Initiate Unsolicited Contact Through Email. Sections 30.6 and 40.2 allow brokers to initiate contact via email, conventional mail, and print media. This includes communication and marketing for sales and retention.Oct 19, 2018

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.

How are leads created?

Leads are normally created from receiving input from people actively expressing interest in getting information about Medicare product options and costs. Companies that specialize in lead generation have put forth a lot of effort to collect the contact information they offer for sale.

How many baby boomers are turning 65?

If you are looking for information on how to become a licensed Medicare insurance agent, this article is meant for you. With 11,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day for at least another decade, it’s apparent that the Medicare market will continue its tremendous growth for the foreseeable future. According to the Census Bureau, by 2030, all ...

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.

Why is it important to work with an FMO?

A good FMO will work consistently to get the best contracts with top companies, and offer them to agents and agencies of all sizes. They should be a pillar of support, helping you maximize your efforts, and allow you to focus on supercharging your business.

How many people will be 65 by 2035?

By 2035 78 million Americans will be at least age 65. This avalanche of seniors into Medicare has created a groundswell opportunity, and many agents are capitalizing on it. " Medicare sales offer a great first year commission and annual residuals, creating a huge income potential by providing ongoing compensation for years after the sale. ". ...

Why is technology important in sales?

These tools, among others, should be considered a standard part of your sales toolbox to help accelerate your sales process. Technology can help speed up the process, but at the same time presents a new set of sales challenges since you don't always meet face to face with your customer.

Do you need certification for Medicare Supplement?

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

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.

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.

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.

Does Medicare cover 20% of Medicare Supplements?

The 20% gap in Medicare Part A is covered and so is the 20% gap in Medicare B. Medicare supplements also cover health & wellness benefits which Medicare doesn’t cover at all. A client must have Medicare Part A and Part B to enroll in a supplement plan.

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.

Is selling Medicare a good job?

Selling Medicare is a great line of work for individuals who are professional, outgoing, and self-motivated. It can also be a very lucrative line of work if you’re willing to work as hard as you can and set ambitious goals for yourself.

How much does it cost to take AHIP?

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.

How much insurance does an agent need?

Most companies now require that an agent has at least 1 million per claim and 1 million aggregate of E and O coverage in order to be contracted. Annual prices for the coverage range greatly from one company to the next with the cheapest being around $500 and the more expensive running over $1,000.

What does it mean when you assign commissions to the FMO?

When you assign your commissions to the FMO, this means the carrier will pay the FMO, who will then pay you . Agents signing an Assignment of Commissions contract must be careful, because depending on their contract, their upline could keep their renewals should they choose to leave.

How does Medicare Advantage work?

Agents selling Medicare Advantage and Part D plans get a flat dollar amount of money per application. This comes to them in the form of initial commissions and renewal commissions. Carriers pay out initial commissions when an agent makes a new sale or when the beneficiary enrolls in a new, “unlike” plan (different type). Each year and beyond, carriers pay out renewal commissions to the agent if the beneficiary remains enrolled in the plan or enrolls in a new, “like” plan (same type).

Do insurance carriers have to pay Medicare Advantage commissions?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) set the maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D annually; however, insurance carriers aren’t required to pay these amounts. What you earn for Medicare Advantage and PDP sales could be less, depending on the carrier and your contract with them.

Do carriers pay agents?

It’s important for agents to know that carriers pay agents and FMOs separately. Your relationship with an FMO is comparable to your clients’ relationship with you.

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