Medicare Blog

how to become an expert in medicare and make money

by Jerel Pacocha Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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You can make a difference and a good living by selling Medicare Advantage plans. To get started, you'll need to learn about the different coverage options and rules for eligibility. You'll also need to get licensed, connect with carriers, and complete some training.

Full Answer

Do I need a referral to see a specialist with Medicare?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a specialist with Medicare. However, the exact answer depends on which type of Medicare plan you have, Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare prioritizes flexibility and freedom to choose whatever providers and services you need.

What is the job description of a Medicare specialist?

Contact Center Remote Customer Service Specialist

  • Reporting to the Manager of Customer Service.
  • Strong culture of valuing and appreciating their employees.
  • Lots of fun events and ways to build relationships…

How do I pick an unbiased, helpful Medicare adviser?

What to Expect When You Meet with a Medicare Advisor

  • Give you business cards to pass on to your friends and family
  • Provide you with an enrollment form
  • Provide you with plan materials
  • Talk to you about plan options you agreed to discuss
  • Tell you how to get more information on a plan

How to become a Medicare specialist?

Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Specializing in Medicare Consulting Download Article

  1. Find work in an insurance consulting firm. Before you specialize in Medicare consulting, you'll want to gain experience working in a consulting firm.
  2. Enroll in informational courses about Medicare. To become a Medicare consultant, you'll need to be aware of any changes made.
  3. Build an emphasis in Medicare consulting. ...

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Can you make good 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 become Medicare expert?

How to Become a Medicare Specialist. Entry-level Medicare specialist jobs require a high school diploma and provide on the job training. Higher level roles as require a bachelor's degree in a field such as healthcare administration and experience in the field.

Is selling Medicare insurance 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.

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 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...

What is CMS training?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed two web-based training (WBT) courses. The courses are: Part C Organization Determinations, Appeals, and Grievances, and. Part D Coverage Determinations, Appeals, and Grievances.

What are the 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.

What is an FMO in Medicare?

FMO stands for field marketing organization, which is very similar to an independent marketing organization (IMO). FMOs provide independent agents with perks and resources and help them get contracted with carriers to sell plans.

What license do I need to sell Medicare insurance in Florida?

The 2-15 agents license allows an agent to sell all forms of Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Medicare Supplement, HMO, Home Health Care, Managed Care and Long Term Care policies in Florida.

How much do Medicare leads cost?

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

Can you sell Medicare door to door?

MA/PD PLANS May not market to beneficiaries door to door, including leaving materials at a beneficiary's doorstep. May call a beneficiary they enrolled in a plan to discuss plan business, as well as discuss the availability of other plan options/types within the same parent organization.

Who is Medicare through?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that runs Medicare. The program is funded in part by Social Security and Medicare taxes you pay on your income, in part through premiums that people with Medicare pay, and in part by the federal budget.

What does Medicare Part A cover?

Original Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers 80% of costs after deductibles and coinsurance. While that 20% of out-of-pocket expenses seems small overall – it can add up quickly in dollars. This is what a Medicare Supplement plan would cover. For most, Medicare Part A is earned, but it can be expensive for those who need to purchase coverage. Medicare Supplement plans cover the gaps left over after Original Medicare so that your client has fewer unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

What is the deductible for Medicare Part B 2021?

Medicare Part B covers most essential medical expenses for clients. Medicare Part B has a premium that is approximately $134-430 monthly, and the deductible for 2021 is $203. This means they will pay that much in expenses before receiving coverage. Then, they will pay 20% of any costs. With a Medicare Supplement plan, this would be covered.

Reputation matters

When you come across a professional you trust, it’s a natural fit to recommend that person to friends and family. It could be the tax professional who has given effective advice throughout the years. Or maybe it’s the physician you trust without hesitation because she’s given exceptional, personal guidance.

Establish Yourself

It takes patience, persistence, and extraordinary performance to establish yourself as the leading expert in your field. And the public has to know you’re there and how to reach you. Marketing yourself is a crucial part of establishing your reputation as an expert. Craft the perception that it’s not about you (and it shouldn’t be).

How to gain a thorough understanding of Medicare?

To gain a thorough understanding of the Medicare system, volunteer alongside those who use it. Medicare is mainly utilized by the elderly and people with certain disabilities. Spending time around and serving Medicare users will give you a very personal knowledge, which you can then use to advise clients.

What does a Medicare consultant need?

A Medicare consultant will need a thorough and up-to-date understanding of Medicare's policies and how they will apply to potential clients. Working with the clients Medicare serves, gaining experience as a Medicare specialist, and building your reputation as a healthcare consultant are all milestones along the way.

How to become a healthcare consultant?

1. Complete your high school education. Most healthcare consulting jobs require a high school diploma, so finishing your secondary education is essential. If you don't have a high school diploma, obtain a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

Why do employers prefer certified applicants?

Employers will greatly prefer a certified applicant over others. Certification legitimizes your job skills and marks you as a knowledgeable, experienced applicant. As of date, two major healthcare consultant certifications are available.

Is Selling Medicare Lucrative?

In short, yes. The average Medicare Advantage policy pays around $262 a year in commission if the purchase replaces an existing plan. However, you can get approximately double that — $525 — if you write up a new Medicare Advantage plan for someone who hasn't had one before.

Medicare Licenses and Training

Medicare Advantage is a great line to sell, whether you're a newcomer to selling insurance or an experienced insurance professional looking to diversify your portfolio. But no matter how much experience you have, you need proper Medicare insurance sales agent training to complete the certification process.

How to Choose Medicare Carriers and Plans to Sell

Most new agents want to rush in and offer every Medicare Advantage plan from day one. It's an understandable ambition, but it can quickly become overwhelming.

Ordering Medicare Enrollment Kits from Carriers

Each carrier has its own Medicare enrollment kit, which includes handouts that policyholders need when they're considering signing up. Different carriers include various materials in their kits, but most contain:

Help Protect Yourself with E&O Insurance

As a Medicare insurance sales agent, your role is to help your clients prepare for the unexpected and help protect themselves from financial risks. You might have the best intentions, but sometimes things don't work out as planned.

Start Working Toward a Rewarding Career Selling Medicare

All of these certifications, training requirements, and legal protections can make selling Medicare insurance feel overwhelming at first. But don't let them deter you from reaching your end goal — a rewarding and lucrative career.

How many hours does a Medicare agent work?

You can hold presentations, offering your services and experience. A Medicare insurance agent works a forty-hour workweek. You will spend many of your days with clients. You will keep them updated on their current policies and sell them new ones.

How does Medicare work?

The Medicare insurance agent works with people on the services they need in Medicare. You can become an insurance agent and promote the health of thousands of people. You just need to know how to get started. Here is a quick guide on how to become a Medicare insurance agent.

What does a Medicare agent do?

They need to respect the brands of insurance companies, building off of them to sell products to clients. As an insurance agent, you can be independent. You can work with different insurance companies, enrolling people in plans with any of them.

What is Medicare insurance agent?

You have a few options. A Medicare insurance agent helps people consider and evaluate different Medicare plans. They guide people toward choosing the one that is best for them. A Medicare insurance agent needs to be familiar with the ins-and-outs of every Medicare plan.

Why is Medicare the most popular government program?

Medicare is one of the most popular government programs in the country because it provides for basic medical needs. More than 60 million Americans receive health insurance through Medicare. But not all Medicare programs are alike. Some offer different services than others. The Medicare insurance agent works with people on ...

What is pre licensing?

Pre-licensing courses help transition you into the insurance marketplace. They also train and prepare you for the exam. Depending on your state, you may be required to complete classroom training. You may have to self-study for a minimum number of hours.

Can independent insurance agents work with different insurance companies?

Independent agents have terrific flexibility, but they have to train themselves on their own with some guidance. Independent Agents reach out to potential clients on their own, without support from insurance companies.

What to know before becoming a Medicare agent?

Speaking of budgeting and income, before you become a Medicare agent, it’s important to calculate your income and expenses. There are no guarantees with commission jobs — insurance agent included. You’ll need a flexible budget with room for dips in your income. But that doesn’t mean you can’t estimate your income and expenses to set reasonable ...

What is Medicare training 101?

Medicare Training 101. Becoming an Independent Medicare agent is different than other insurance agents since you’re not representing a specific carrier. Your job description, training, and best practices are unique to the Medicare program. Here are a few things to consider before signing up for Medicare training. 1.

What is Medicare agent?

Becoming a Medicare agent is a lucrative and rewarding experience. You’re not just providing people with medical insurance and peace of mind but also trusted advice and guidance. Your prospects rely on you to give them detailed information and your professional opinion.

What are the basics of health insurance?

You’ll undergo fundamental training that teaches you the basics of health insurance plans and how they work. Some of the most important topics covered include: 1 Deductibles 2 Claims 3 Networks (HMO, PPO, etc.) 4 Co-insurance 5 Compliance and ethics 6 Healthcare laws

Can anyone sell Medicare products?

Not just anyone can sell Medicare-related products. The Center for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) requires agents to obtain special certifications. CMS oversees all insurance companies, agents, and agencies that sell their products.

Who is eligible for Medicare if they are 65?

Individuals who are above the age of 67+ and could save money looking at newer plans. Individuals who recently turned (or are turning) 65 and are now eligible for Medicare benefits. Individuals under the age of 65 who are disabled and eligible for Medicare benefits.

Do you need to complete Medicare agent training?

Chances are, you want to be the best Medicare agent possible. Not only for yourself, but for your clients. To do so, it’s strongly recommended that you complete Medicare Agent training. One of the main reasons is that these training programs don’t just teach you the ins and outs of the Medicare program.

How many hours does it take to become an expert?

Here are six specific things you can do to build your expertise: Practice, Practice, Practice: Malcolm Gladwell, the author of Outliers suggests that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at any one task. While that seems like a huge number, lets break it down. If you work a 40-hour week, and you spend every moment ...

Why are experts important?

Well, lets look at some of the key benefits: Experts are more likely to be listened to and regarded well for their skill. Experts know their skillset and business better than most people. Instead of working to create a peer network, they are drawn into one.

Why do people trust experts?

People trust experts and are more likely to believe your opinion when you know more. People want to work for experts and are motivated to learn from them. Most media rely on input or commentary from experts. Experts seem to find each other and trade information and expertise. Experts have a greater likelihood to make more money in their career.

How to get up your professional game?

If you want to “up” your professional game, you need to surround yourself with people who elevate you. Expertise is contagious. By spending time with people who are themselves experts in your field, you will naturally “catch” some of their wisdom. Talk to them.

How to share your knowledge?

A few ways you can share your knowledge is to train others. Try and speak at a small event or industry conference in your local city. Remember, it’s not about you.

How long does it take to get 10,000 hours?

If you work a 40-hour week, and you spend every moment at work practicing that specific task at which you want to gain expertise, and you work a 50 weeks per year, it only takes about 5 years to hit the 10,000-hour mark.

Do experts stop learning?

Experts never stop learning. As a matter of fact, most people once they become an expert, will commit to learning more. You see, once you are an expert and begin to enjoy the benefits of being an expert, you will want to stay an expert.

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