“I’m a Medicare agent.” Of all the rules on “Medicare speak,” this is probably the one that agents recognize the most. An agent who sells Medicare products cannot promote their services in such a way so as to make potential (or current) clients think they’re recommended or endorsed by Medicare itself or the government.
Full Answer
Do you get Medicare calls that claim to be from Medicare?
Long story short, if the calls you’re receiving claim to be from Medicare, it’s a spam call. You can report a fraudulent call from someone claiming they worked for Medicare by going to the FTC Complaint Assistant. You can help protect yourself from fraudulent activities by never offering credit card or personal information to anyone.
How do I stop Medicare from calling me?
How to Stop Medicare Phone Calls First, you’ll want to be sure to add your telephone number to the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call List. To register, call from the phone which you want on the Do Not Call list. The phone number is 1-888-382-1222.
Do I need an agent or broker to buy Medicare?
Although there is no requirement to work with an agent or broker, you may choose to do so for the following reasons. Medicare can be complex. There are numerous plans, plan combinations, benefits, rules, and exceptions — all of which can be confusing. Buying health insurance is a huge investment, so you want to find a plan that meets your needs.
Does social security or Medicare call to get information?
When enrolling in Medicare, you should be aware that neither Social Security nor Medicare calls you to get information. Should any issue arise in which Medicare or Social Security needs any information from you, they’ll ALWAYS send you a letter to notify you.
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 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.
What are CMS permission to call guidelines?
What Does it Cover? Specifically, the Medicare Permission to Contact (PTC) rule outlines when it is okay to contact a current or potential Medicare beneficiary, the specific products they are giving you permission to contact them for, how you can approach them, and when you can contact them.
Is selling Medicare lucrative?
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.
Can I switch Medicare agents?
Absolutely. You are never bound to an agency or agent. If you enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can change your plans and agencies during two enrollment periods: Annual Open Enrollment (or Annual Election Period): October 15 to December 7.
What changes are coming to Medicare in 2022?
Changes to Medicare in 2022 include a historic rise in premiums, as well as expanded access to mental health services through telehealth and more affordable options for insulin through prescription drug plans. The average cost of Medicare Advantage plans dropped while access to plans grew.
Are agents permitted to call former members who have voluntarily disenrolled or current members in the process of disenrolling to market plans or products?
Calls to former clients who have disenrolled or to current members who are in the process of voluntarily disenrolling to market plans or products. Clients who are voluntarily disenrolling from a plan should not be contacted for sales purposes or be asked to consent in any format to further sales contacts.
What is the permission to contact form?
The Medicare Permission to contact form (goes by acronym PTC) is different than a scope of appointment. A PTC form allows you to contact the prospect via phone or in person. Cold calling prospects for Medicare Advantage and Medicare part D plans is a violation of CMS rules.
Can an agent solicit Medicare Advantage prospects through email?
The only caveat: If you are initiating contact via email, you're required to include an opt-out opportunity. Direct unsolicited contact, such as text and direct messaging over social media, falls into the same category as unsolicited phone calls and door-to-door solicitation. This means it is not permitted.
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...
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.
Identify your target audience
You can identify your target market once you know what insurance line you are interested in. When it comes to Medicare, your main target area will most likely be anyone who is turning 65, or is already 65 or older.
Create educational content
Make your website a hub of information. People searching for information about Medicare tend to have many questions about each of the parts and how they work. Write some blogs and pages of frequently asked questions to provide potential customers with the information they are looking for.
Reach out!
Don’t be scared to call prospective clients in your target market. The more leads you get, the more likely you will be to help a client find a Medicare plan that suits their needs. But, you can’t be hesitant to contact them first. Many times, that one phone call from you is all they need to get the ball rolling.
Set follow-up appointments
Make follow-up appointments with each of your clients. This will help them to put a face with the name and get to know and trust you. Trust is one of the most important components of every sales transaction. This will help you to get higher quality referrals, which can draw in more clients.
Highlight testimonials
Testimonials are a key indicator for potential clients that you are someone they can put their trust in. This demographic in particular wants to know that the person selling them a policy has helped other kind people in the hopes that they will experience service of a similarly high caliber.
Get out into the community
Market where you know your demographic will frequent. Sponsor local sports games, support charity events, volunteer at fundraisers, and more to put your face out there and earn respect in the community.
What does it mean to work with an independent Medicare insurance agent?
Working with an independent Medicare insurance agent means you get to choose policy options from different companies. Independent agents and brokers are more likely to give unbiased plan recommendations and advice. But they may not have in-depth knowledge of these plans.
What can a Medicare broker do?
A Medicare agent or broker can help you narrow down your options and pick the best one. To do this, they’ll learn about your health goals and budget. They’ll present you with options to meet your goals within your budget. They can help you enroll in the plan you choose.
What is the benefit of working with an independent Medicare broker?
One of the benefits of working with an independent Medicare broker or agent is that they represent many health insurance companies. They can present you with plan options from different carriers, increasing your chances of finding the right fit.
How complex is Medicare?
Medicare can be complex. There are numerous plans, plan combinations, benefits, rules, and exceptions — all of which can be confusing. Buying health insurance is a huge investment, so you want to find a plan that meets your needs. An ethical and knowledgeable agent or broker can help you get the best value for your money. Agents or brokers who sell health insurance products related to Medicare have to pass a test on their knowledge of Medicare every year. 3
What is independent insurance?
Independent. An independent agent can partner with and sell policies for different insurance companies. The agent can choose the specific policies they want to sell from a multitude of providers.
Can captive agents sell Medicare?
Agents who represent a particular health insurer can only sell you plans from that insurer. These captive agents are typically experts on all the options their company offers. But you won’t learn about plans from other Medicare insurance companies.
What is marketing appointment?
From CMS guidelines: Marketing appointments are individual appointments designed to steer or, attempt to steer, potential enrollees toward a plan or limited number of plans. All individual appointments between an agent and a beneficiary are considered marketing/sales appointments regardless of the content discussed.
Is cold calling allowed in MA?
Virtually all ‘cold calling’ or unsolicited marketing of MA and PD products is prohibited. This includes unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages or knocking on your door. Direct mail is allowed because you can then contact the company or representative. Door hangers, leaflets and flyers are prohibited.
Does Medicare cover all drugs?
If your doctor accepts Medicare, she accepts this plan. There are no limits on services. We cover all drugs and have no formulary restrictions. If you don’t like this plan, you can stop paying your premium and return to original Medicare anytime. It is better to choose a different company if you are sick.
Do all Medicare representatives have to take yearly training?
All representatives must take yearly training and pass tests to confirm their knowledge of the do’s and don’ts of selling MA and PDP products. All of the rules help promote a stress free environment for the Medicare beneficiary to make the right decision for his or her situation. Medicare Options.
What to do if you think Medicare is calling you?
If you think the call is from Medicare, hang up and call them back at the national number. Then, if it was one of them, they can help you. However, if Medicare isn’t attempting to reach you, then you avoid a spammer trying to steal your information. Telemarketing calls attempt to commit fraud and theft.
How to report a fraudulent call to Medicare?
How to Report a Medicare Call. You can report a fraudulent call from someone claiming they worked for Medicare by going to the FTC Complaint Assistant. You can help protect yourself from fraudulent activities by never offering credit card or personal information to anyone.
How to protect yourself from robocalls?
If this is your case, you might consider downloading an application to your cell phone that can help safeguard you from robocalls. When a robocall strikes your phone, be sure to never speak to them. By responding, you’re telling the spammers that your phone number is active. Immediately file a complaint with the FTC.
How long after you register for Do Not Call list can you get spam calls?
Also, register both your cell phone and home phone to put an end to the calls. If you find you’re still getting spam calls 31 days after you register with the Do Not Call list, file a complaint. If you have a smartphone, you can install a call blocker.
Do not call Medicare?
If you’re getting too many spam phone calls, you might want to get on the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call list. Medicare beneficiaries are likely to receive phone calls once they become eligible for Medicare.
Is a robocall the same as a doctor's appointment?
Not all robocalls are the same. Often, doctors’ offices will use a robocall to remind you of a doctor’s appointment. Keep this in mind when listening to a robocall. Not all robocalls are harmful, but about 40% of them are spam, and that’s why making reports is essential.
Can you get information from Medicare if you have Social Security?
When enrolling in Medicare, you should be aware that neither Social Security nor Medicare calls you to get information. Should any issue arise in which Medicare or Social Security needs any information from you, they’ll ALWAYS send you a letter to notify you. If you’re getting too many spam phone calls, you might want to get on ...
What to expect when you call in for Medicare Supplement?
Once you call in, you will speak with a qualified licensed insurance agent who can answer your questions about Medicare Supplement Insurance. These questions may include how a policy works with Medicare, what benefits it includes and what doctors you can visit. A licensed insurance agent is more than a salesperson.
What is a licensed insurance agent?
A licensed insurance agent is more than a salesperson. They are trained and licensed in certain states to sell Medicare Supplement Insurance. This means that the agent knows how the particular Medicare Supplement Insurance plan works and is licensed to sell a policy to you.
How to contact TZ insurance?
If you are ready to get started with a licensed insurance agent, please call 1-800-966-9487 or fill out the form on this page. This is an advertisement. TZ Insurance Solutions LLC is a licensed insurance agency.
What is the number to call for Medicare?
These are the times when you should call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) instead of Medicare: to verify your Medicare eligibility, to report a death, to request a replacement Medicare card,
What to do before dialing Medicare?
Before you dial, be prepared with a list of the topics you want to talk about and questions you need answered. Make sure to have your Medicare number – and if you are inquiring about a claim or appeal, it’s helpful to have your most recent Medicare Summary Notice available.
How much is Medicare Part A deductible?
Currently, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1,408 per benefit period in 2020, and Part B is $198 per year.
Does Medicare have email?
Currently, Medicare does not offer an email option for general information and questions. To request information in an accessible format (Braille, large print, data/audio files, relay services and TTY communications) call 1-877-486-2048 or email Medicare at [email protected].
Do you have to give verbal authorization to Medicare?
If you would like someone else to speak on your behalf or represent you in an appeal, you will need to give a verbal authorization to the Medicare agent. When you reach the menu, you will be greeted by a “Yes” or “No” question asking whether you are calling about a processed or denied claim.
Can you call Medicare?
Beneficiaries can call for Medicare information or to enroll in a plan or make an appeal. Callers can choose from a handful of menu options. Beneficiaries can also mail or fax Medicare or request information in an accessible format. Medicare.gov’s online resources are extensive and searchable by state or territory.
How do Medicare phone scams work?
Across the country, seniors may receive calls from scam operators who claim to represent Medicare or a different insurance provider. They usually claim that the senior’s Medicare card has expired, prompting the release of personal information like name, address, Medicare number, or Social Security number.
Should I give my Medicare number over the phone?
Because many Medicare recipients have received new Medicare cards since 2018, scam calls encouraging the “activation” of these cards are on the rise. You do not need to activate a Medicare card, update your information, or pay any kind of fee to use your new card once you receive it.
What can a scammer do with my Medicare number?
To help prevent against identity theft, Medicare has issued new cards to recipients that have your Medicare number instead of your Social Security number on the back.
Conclusion
It can be a scary world out there, but the best offense is a great defense. That’s why it’s so important to stay up to date on all things Medicare — you never know when it could save you big!
Can an agent promote Medicare?
Of all the rules on “Medicare speak,” this is probably the one that agents recognize the most. An agent who sells Medicare products cannot promote their services in such a way, so as to make potential (or current) clients think they’re recommended or endorsed by Medicare itself or the government.
Can you cross sell life insurance during a Medicare appointment?
Otherwise, you’re not allowed to cross-sell other, non-Medicare types of plans, like dental, vision, hearing, and hospital indemnity plans, during a Medicare appointment. You definitely cannot cross-sell life insurance, annuities, and other products not listed on the Scope of Appointment during a Medicare sales appointment.
Can Medicare cover all of its members needs?
No plan can cover all of its members’ needs. As an agent, you probably learned that early on. Don’t mislead your clients into thinking a single Medicare plan is the magic answer to better health and finances.
Can Medicare agents say anything during sales appointments?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have some strict rules on what agents can and cannot say during Medicare sales appointments, but pulling them out of the dense Medicare Advantage & Part D Communication Requirements can be tough and time-consuming. Here are some examples to help simplify things!
Can you use "unsubstantiated absolute" in Medicare?
CMS states that plans, Part D sponsors, and agents cannot use “unsubstantiated absolute and/or qualified superlatives or pejoratives” in the Medicare Advantage & Part D Communication Requirements. This includes phrases like “one of the best” and “among the highest ranking.”.
Does Medicare Advantage have a copay?
While certain Medicare plans (e.g., $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans) may not have a premium or copays, that doesn’t mean they’re free. Using the word “free” in association with Medicare plans is majorly misleading as these plans can still have copays, coinsurance, and deductibles above $0, as well as specific network requirements and service areas for any $0 benefits.