Medicare Blog

how to get certified to sell medicare supplements

by Lucious Anderson Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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 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 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.

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How to get certified to sell Medicare?

  • Promoting consumer choice and market competition
  • Simplifying the health care experience for individuals and families
  • Supporting constructive partnerships with all levels of government
  • Partnering with health care providers on the journey from volume to value
  • Addressing the burden of chronic disease and social factors that impact health

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How do I get licensed to sell Medicare?

  • Becoming a Six-Figure Senior Market Advisor
  • Agent writes 5-7 Medicare plans weekly
  • Get certified to sell Humana Medicare plans

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Can I sell Medicare supplement plans?

To sell Medicare Advantage plans, you'll have to complete the America's Health Insurance Plans (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.

What is the commission for Medicare Supplements?

Medicare Supplement Commissions The average Medicare Supplement commission rate is 22% with a 12-month advance. The average yearly premium for Medicare Supplement plans is $1,600, which has a renewal rate of $29.33/month. Agents can earn renewal commissions for at least six years.

How do you make money selling Medicare?

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 selling Medicare easy?

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.

Do Medicare agents get residuals?

As an insurance agent, you need a residual income base to create a career with long-term sustainability. Medicare can be that residual income. You can build a 6 figure income by steadily selling Medicare for as little as 3-4 years.

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.

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 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 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.

Is it worth it to sell Medicare?

When you consider that approximately 10,000 people will turn 65 every day for the next 13 years, one thing becomes clear: it's definitely worth your time to sell to the senior market. If you're a health insurance agent who's not selling Medicare products, you should consider doing so.

Can you sell Medicare door to door?

Medicare does not send "representatives" to solicit your business. Unsolicited sales calls are prohibited: Federal regulations prohibit unsolicited telephone calls, door-to-door visits, emails and other forms of sales without your permission.

Is Medicare easier to sell than life insurance?

But those without such coverage usually delivers lower benefits. Because the product is simple, your selling process becomes quicker, unlike traditional life insurance policies that may need more than an hour's worth of explanation.

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.

Why do people get into the Medicare supplement market?

In sum, there are three great reasons to get into the Medicare Supplement market: There are lots of prospects. Medicare is standardized. There's a built-in need for a secondary insurance with Medicare. Back to top.

How much does Medicare cover?

Medicare Supplements are standardized. No networks. Medicare covers about 80% , and the supplement covers about 20%. Here are the two plans I'd recommend for you, and here's how they work.

What is the Medicare Part B deductible for 2021?

When you have a Plan G, everything is covered except the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $203 in 2021. There are no other costs – it’s 100% coverage from there.

Does Medicare Supplements include prescription drug insurance?

Medicare Supplements helps with doctor and hospital costs only – it does not include prescription drug insurance. CMS puts out a publication each year called the Medicare & You Handbook. In the 2019 version, you can refer to pages 69-72 while explaining Medicare Supplements to clients and prospects.

Is Medicare the primary insurance?

Medicare is always going to be the primary insurance. As a general rule of thumb, Medicare is roughly 80% coverage, and the supplement is roughly 20% coverage. Every insurance company has to provide the exact same benefits for each plan.

How long does it take to get certified to sell health insurance?

That process typically takes a few days.

How to become a top Medicare agent?

The key to really becoming a great top Medicare agent is by committing to ongoing Medicare agent training. A great way to do this is connect with your FMO (assuming it’s an FMO that offers Medicare) and asking what their Medicare agent training programs look like.

How much does AHIP certification cost?

The annual AHIP certification exam comes with fee of $175 each year. However, Redbird offers a $50 discount to all agents. Brandon’s Suggestion: Sign up for AHIP using the discount link below and it will automatically apply the $50 savings during the checkout process.

When does AHIP certification start?

AHIP certification usually begins in late June or early July for the following Medicare plan year. For example, if you take your certification exam in late June or July 2020, you are likely being certified to sell the 2021 product to eligible seniors during the 2021 annual enrollment period.

Who regulates Medicare plans?

It is important to understand that selling certain Medicare products requires special certification as determined by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS regulates Medicare plans, the insurance companies, agents, and agencies who sell them.

What are the areas of study for a health insurance license?

Here are some of the important areas of study you will find in the health insurance license process: Deductibles. Co-insurance.

What is the Ahip certification?

AHIP recently published the guidelines for its 2020 certification program, which includes two courses: Medicare. This class covers the basics of Medicare eligibility and benefits; the different types of Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans; eligibility and coverage; nondiscrimination training; and marketing ...

How many Medicare beneficiaries are there in 2018?

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), in 2018, some 20.4 million Medicare beneficiaries (34 percent) were members of Medicare Advantage plans—which are plans offered by private insurers that receive compensation from the Medicare program. KFF data also suggests that program enrollment figures have nearly doubled over the last decade.

How much does it cost to get a AHIP certification?

To get certified by AHIP, you need to complete the two courses above. Once that’s done, you need to complete a certification exam, which typically costs $175. Many insurers, however, offer a $50 discount if you sign up to take the exam through their company-branded portal. The certification exam is a timed test.

What is the purpose of Ahip?

To fulfill its mission, AHIP seeks to build partnerships between governments and private organizations to deliver a more valuable and cost-effective health insurance experience. According to AHIP’s website, the group will achieve its objectives by: Advancing consumer choice and encouraging more competition in the market.

What is the job of a health insurance broker?

As a health insurance broker or agent, your job is to sell health insurance to as many people as possible. To do that, you target all kinds of people—young millennials, small-business owners, HR administrators at larger organizations, self-employed individuals, and even seniors. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), in 2018, ...

Why Sell Medicare Advantage Plans?

Typically, insurance carriers offer higher commissions for MA plans than Medicare Supplements or Part D plans.

How to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans

Before you can start selling Medicare Advantage plans, you must receive the proper training, licensing, and certifications. Check with your state’s department of insurance to learn about state-specific requirements. After you’re licensed, the next step is marketing your services.

When Can I Sell Medicare Advantage?

Many Medicare-eligibles have restrictions on when they can enroll in new plans. You need to know the specifics of each enrollment period and how they apply to your clients.

Selling Medicare Advantage Over the Phone

You may have heard that you can sell Medicare Supplements over the phone, but you want to know how to sell Medicare Advantage plans over the phone.

How Much Can I Make Selling Medicare Advantage Plans?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) sets maximum compensation amounts that carriers can pay agents for sales. Click here to read more about agent compensation.

Important Terms to Know When Selling Medicare Advantage Plans

You want to answer clients’ questions with confidence, so it’s important to know the terms they’ll ask about. Here are some common terms beneficiaries will ask about:

Start Selling Medicare Advantage Insurance Today

Selling Medicare Advantage plans can be a lucrative career. At Senior Market Advisors, we give our agents tools for success such as extensive training so you can answer questions with confidence.

What to bring to Medicare exam?

What to Bring to the exam: Becoming a licensed Medicare Agent. An original copy of the Certificate of Completion from a completed pre-licensing course of study. A current, signed form of identification.

How to become a Medicare agent?

1. Becoming a licensed Medicare Agent – Complete a pre-licensing course. Courses tend to be similar in price and content. Depending on your own specific learning/studying style, you can choose to take the course in a traditional classroom, online or via self-study.

Does Crowe and Associates offer E&O insurance?

Most companies will require that you have an active Errors and Omissions (liability insurance) Policy. As a matter of fact, Crowe and Associates offers its contracted agents E&O insurance at a very competitive rate. Click here to learn more about E&O insurance through Crowe and Associates.

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