Medicare Blog

how to become an independent medicare broker

by Dan Gottlieb Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Take these specific steps to become a Medicare agent:

  1. Obtain Your Health Insurance License
  2. Complete America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) certification
  3. Get Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
  4. Contract with multiple carriers
  5. Complete Annual Carrier Medicare Certifications
  6. Meet Continuing Education Requirements

Steps to Becoming a Medicare Insurance Agent
  1. Get your health insurance license.
  2. Complete AHIP Certification.
  3. Get errors and omissions insurance (E&O insurance)
  4. Contract with a Medicare Field Marketing Organization (FMO)
  5. Get contracted and appointed with multiple Medicare companies.
  6. Complete your annual certifications.
Feb 10, 2021

Full Answer

How do I choose a Medicare broker?

The biggest difference to consider when choosing a Medicare broker is what they offer and how many companies they work with. A broker that only works with a few companies might not be able to find the best deal for you.

Do companies pay independent agents/brokers to sell their Medicare plans?

Below is a link to a file containing the amounts that companies pay independent agents/brokers to sell their Medicare drug and health plans. Companies that contract with Medicare to provide health care coverage or prescription drugs typically use agents/brokers to sell their Medicare plans to Medicare beneficiaries.

How to become a Medicare insurance agent?

Here is a quick guide on how to become a Medicare insurance agent. You are not required to get a Bachelor’s degree in order to be an insurance agent. But many companies prefer that their employees get educated.

How can an independent Medicare agent help you enroll?

To help you through the process of learning and enrolling, engaging the services of an independent local Medicare insurance agent can provide great benefits. At no cost, they provide knowledge and experience to help you navigate through your initial enrollment process and transition to Medicare.

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Is being a Medicare agent worth it?

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.

Can you make a lot of money selling Medicare?

Is Selling Medicare Lucrative? In short, yes. The average Medicare Advantage policy pays around $287 a year in commission if the purchase replaces an existing plan. However, you can get approximately double that — $573— if you write up a new Medicare Advantage plan for someone who hasn't had one before.

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.

How can I get free Medicare leads?

5 Ways to generate Free Medicare LeadsAsk for Referrals. Referrals or word of mouth may be the oldest, best, and least expensive ways for insurance agents to generate Medicare leads and grow your business. ... Form Community Partnerships. ... Create a Digital Presence. ... Host and Network with Seniors at Events. ... Personal Contact.

How do I find Medicare prospects?

There are many options for generating leads that will give you an edge over the competition:Determine your product. ... Identify your segment or target audience. ... Create an educational website. ... Hire telemarketing personnel. ... Set appointments. ... Completing Medicare Advantage Telesales Enrollments.More items...•

How do you market Medicare products?

Medicare Advantage Marketing to current patientsTargeted mail and emails for patients 65+Reminders for current patients during open enrollment.Informational blogs and social media posts.Posters in your office.Referring patients to an informational page on your website with a lead capture.More items...

Here are just a few of the things you'll get when you partner with us

Gain access to free and discounted education services and receive all the coaching you need to become certified and stay compliant.

What You Can Expect from Us

At Trusted American Insurance Agency, we know you are the kind of person who wants to feel successful in their insurance career. In order to be successful, you need valuable Medicare training. The problem is you’re not sure if you can trust our organization, which makes you feel hesitant to partner with us.

Learn more about how to start selling Medicare plans quickly

Every day, 11,000 baby boomers turn 65 years old. In 2019, 22 million people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and that number is only going to grow. By 2035, there will be almost 80 million people aged 65+.

How to Start Selling Medicare Products

If you’re ready to become a successful independent insurance agent and build a strong residual income, you DO NOT have to do it alone.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions from others just like you

AGA is a Medicare Agency that represents most major Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement products in the market. Our mission is to take administrative duties off your desk and help you focus more on what you do best, selling.

Learn more about how to start selling Medicare plans quickly

Remove all barriers. You are the most important resource to those you choose to help. We can’t wait to help you be successful in selling Medicare products!

Free New Agent Resources

We’ve created an assortment of new agent resources, free for you to download! These free tools are designed specifically for insurance agents. Boost your Medicare sales and make marketing easier and more effective. Take a look and download what you need.

Why engage your Medicare insurance agent?

Engaging their services will help in reducing the typical concerns of enrollment eligibility, supplemental options and avoiding penalties. If you are unsure about your Medicare responsibilities and options, take the time to learn more about the role a local Medicare insurance agent plays.

What can a licensed Medicare agent do?

Regardless of whether you’re approaching initial enrollment or are a current beneficiary, a licensed Medicare insurance agent can assist in providing knowledge, education and services and the ability to make changes if needed.

Does Medicare change year to year?

Since plan options will vary by region, and even county or zip code, a local Medicare insurance agent near you is best equipped to know the plan options available to you. Plans can also change from year to year, and it’s important to have a reputable, trusted Medicare agent who can offer resources and support with reevaluating your options.

Can Medicare agents review medical records?

Note that for your privacy and protection, Medicare agents are not permit ted to review your medical records, ask for personal information, meet without your permission or talk about plan options you had not previously agreed to discuss.

Does Medicare agent commission affect premiums?

It is important to note that the agent’s commission does not impact your Medicare plan premium rates or coverage. You pay the same amount for a given policy with an agent’s help or without it. However, a Medicare agent can help enhance your understanding of Medicare, assist you with exploring your options and help support your search ...

Is Medicare agent free?

Local Medicare Agents Services Are Free. It’s not too good to be true: independent local Medicare agents’ services are completely free. Most independent Medicare insurance agents work on commission, and that commission comes from the providers and insurance companies – not you.

How to become an independent agent?

Become an independent agent through an agency model. Agency models are crafted to aide your independent agency with appropriate support and responsibilities. You will be able to concentrate on selling insurance while the agency provides all the operational assistance that your agency needs. Insurance Agency Models.

What is independent insurance?

Independent insurance agents sell one or more types of insurance, such as life, health, and property & casualty. Unlike captive agents , independent agents are not locked into specific products or carriers, which grants them flexibility. The pay isn’t bad either. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 the median annual wage ...

Why do independent insurance agents use FMOs?

The prime focus of these FMOs is to make way for agent prosperity.

How much does an independent insurance agent make in 2020?

The pay isn’t bad either. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 the median annual wage for an independent insurance agent in the U.S. was $52,180. The commission allows successful agents to achieve high earnings. The commission they earn from renewed policies allows them to make passive income.

What is franchise insurance?

A franchise will allow you to own an insurance business, and how much you grow your book is entirely up to you. They will provide you with all the operational assistance you need, along with access to insurance carriers. Although there will be a large number of fees owed to the franchisor, your agency will be associated with an established brand ...

What is the role of an insurance agent?

As an insurance agent, you will be playing a crucial role when it comes to buying insurance. Customers usually have little to no idea of what insurance they should purchase, and look for expert advice. Agent advice becomes even more important to clients when it is coming from an independent agent who offers more choices.

Is baking easy for insurance agents?

Insurance Agent: A Cheat Sheet. Any experienced baker will tell you that baking is not as easy as the recipe makes it out to be. A new baker will need to observe their seniors, take notes, and practice hard. If you’re an aspiring independent insurance agent that wants to know how to start an independent insurance agency, ...

When You Need Help, We Are Here

If you have questions about our plans or need information to better serve your clients; a local, dedicated RedShirt is just a phone call or click away.

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If you have questions about our plans or need information to better serve your clients; a local, dedicated RedShirt is just a phone call or click away.

What is independent insurance?

Independent Insurance Agent. An independent insurance agent, on the other hand, works with more than one insurance company. The independent agent provides the client with multiple insurance quotes regardless of the insurance company. This way, they can discuss and agree on the best price and coverage.

What are the advantages of being an independent insurance agent?

A career as an independent agent is rewarding in the following ways: They have greater product offerings and happier customers. The customers are free to choose from the multiple choices provided to them.

What do insurance agents need to know?

Insurance agents should be disciplined and able to work well with minimal supervision. They must know a range of financial services and sales. An agent must keep abreast of news about government benefits strategies, tax laws, and any other new regulations that will affect the insurance profession.

Why is independent insurance important?

It is a popular career choice because of the flexibility and freedom to curate your client base. The requirements put in place to regulate insurance agents vary from state to state. However, fulfilling all ...

How to be successful as an insurance salesperson?

As an insurance salesperson, you need to always think of new ways to attract, engage, and retain customers. Building relationships and staying top of mind will be crucial to your success as an insurance agent. Consistency will be key to your career.

How does an insurance company support an agent?

The insurance company supports the agent by providing training and marketing channels. In return, the company makes the agent sign a non-compete and a contract to market their products exclusively. The contacts are effective for the specified time.

What does it mean to be appointed by an insurance company?

To be appointed is to get authorized by an insurance company to sell the insurance products on their behalf. Apply and submit your application to insurance companies you are interested in working with. You will then be granted the appointment and binding authority.

What happens to a broker if they don't comply with Medicare?

Agents/brokers are subject to rigorous oversight by their contracted health or drug plans and face the risk of loss of licensure with their State and termination with their contracted health or drug plans if they don't comply with strict rules related to selling to and enrolling Medicare beneficiar ies in Medicare plans.

What is agent broker compensation?

Below is a link to a file containing the amounts that companies pay independent agents/brokers to sell their Medicare drug and health plans. Companies that contract with Medicare to provide health care coverage or prescription drugs typically use agents/brokers to sell their Medicare plans to Medicare beneficiaries.

When do brokers receive initial payment?

Generally, agents/brokers receive an initial payment in the first year of the policy (or when there is an “unlike plan type” enrollment change) and half as much for years two (2) and beyond if the member remains enrolled in the plan or make a “like plan type” enrollment change.

Do brokers have to be licensed in the state they do business in?

Agents/brokers must be licensed in the State in which they do business, annually complete training and pass a test on their knowledge of Medicare and health and prescription drug plans, and follow all Medicare marketing rules.

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