Medicare Blog

what license do you need to sell medicare supplements

by Dr. Javier Nader DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The 2-15 agents license allows an agent to sell all forms of Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Medicare Supplement

Medigap

Medigap refers to various private health insurance plans sold to supplement Medicare in the United States. Medigap insurance provides coverage for many of the co-pays and some of the co-insurance related to Medicare-covered hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health care, ambulance, durable medical equipment, and doctor charges. Medigap's name is derived from the notion that it exists to …

, HMO, Home Health Care, Managed Care and Long Term Care policies in Florida. Licensed agents may also sell Fixed Annuities.

Getting Licensed
Learning how to sell Medicare is simple, but it takes work to maintain your residual income every year. The first thing you'll need to do is obtain a health insurance license in the state you currently live in (known as your resident state health insurance producer license).
Feb 10, 2021

Full Answer

How to get certified to sell Medicare?

How Do I Get Licensed to Sell Medicare? | MCC Brokerage. Step 1: Pre-Licensing. The first step to becoming a licensed Medicare agent is to complete a pre-licensing course. You can usually choose to take this ... Step 2: The State Licensing Exam. Step 3: …

How do I get licensed to sell Medicare?

May 30, 2019 · 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 …

Which insurance companies sell the most Medicare supplements?

In most cases you only need a health insurance license, although in North Carolina for example, there is a specific license to sell Medicare products. It’s best to check with your state Department of Insurance for licensing requirements specific to your state to make sure.

How to start selling Medicare supplement insurance?

Nov 09, 2020 · Here are the main points you want to cover when giving your presentation: There are two main roads you can go down – Medicare with a supplement and a drug plan or Medicare Advantage. Medicare Supplements are standardized. No networks. Medicare covers about 80%, and the supplement covers about 20%.

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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

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.Feb 22, 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.Oct 17, 2019

Is Medicare hard to sell?

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

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 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.Jul 1, 2020

What is IMO and FMO?

At the most basic level, a Field Marketing Organization (FMO) or an Insurance Marketing Organization (IMO) is a company that offers insurance products and services to insurance agents or agencies. Most FMO's will normally offer services above and beyond insurance products, but the services offered will vary by company.

What is an IMO?

IMO is also shorthand for “in my opinion.” What that means is that IMO can simply mean someone is offering their perspective or opinion. However, although IMO is an acronym or abbreviation, it's also considered a slang word that isn't widely used in professional writing.

What is a GA in insurance?

What Does General Agent (GA) Mean? General agents are insurance agents who sell insurance products to other insurance agents or brokers.Jun 15, 2017

What does a Medicare sales agent do?

As a Medicare agent, you review your clients' health care plan and help them evaluate their needs against the services and coverage they are eligible to receive. You make recommendations about obtaining supplemental insurance and help people understand their options for prescription drug, vision, and dental policies.

Can you sell Medicare door to door?

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. If you're a member, the agent who helped you join can call you. Require you to speak to a sales agent to get information about the plan.

Can you sell life insurance and Medicare at the same time?

Under CMS guidelines, brokers are not permitted to cross-sell nonhealth-related products during a Medicare Advantage or Part D sale. So, anything that is not a health-related product, such as life insurance policies or annuities, cannot be cross-sold during a Medicare sale.Jun 25, 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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

What is the difference between a Plan G and a Plan F?

There's a little bit of a premium savings when you sign up for a Plan G versus a Plan F. Plan G has a small deductible (Medicare Part B deductible) while Plan F does not.

How many seniors turn 65 every day?

There are a ton of prospects in the Medicare market. Ten thousand seniors turn 65 every single day – that's a lot of prospects that need Medicare Supplements. When we look at a person that is going onto Medicare, it's pretty confusing and overwhelming. Seniors get a ton of Medicare-related mail.

What to do if you've made it this far?

If you've made it this far, hats off to you . There's a lot of information you need to take in when you're learning about Medicare, but once you've got it down pat, you're off to the races.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What to do when selling Medicare supplements?

When you sell Medicare supplements from home, you need to offer a variety of products to meet each beneficiary’s needs. This includes supplement products, prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage products, and ancillary products. Ensure the products you are offering benefit the client, not a push for your pocketbook.

How many clients does Medicare have?

Your income is only limited by the time you put into working. On average, a Medicare insurance agent in business for five (5) years has around 400-500 clients.

How to remain independent with Medicare?

To remain independent, you will likely need to obtain your insurance company contracts through a Medicare Insurance FMO. An FMO will work to obtain the best contracts for you to sell clients. Their support in finding you the best product to offer frees your time to meet clients and close sales.

What is Medicare Advantage?

One of the benefits is the sale of Medicare Advantage or a Medicare supplement that provides you with a residual income for years. This is a passive income you enjoy the benefit of from every sale. Working as an independent agent means the commissions pay directly to you.

How many people will be on Medicare in 2060?

Projections are that by 2060 there will be 98 million people in that age range. The estimation is 21.1 million over age 85 in 2030. What this means when it comes to Medicare insurance sales is that one in every seven people, the equivalent of 15.2% of the population, meets Medicare age qualifications.

What is the difference between captive and independent agents?

If you plan to hang out a shingle and run your own business, independent is the way to go. A captive agent works for a company or agency. They must sell only the products that the company offers, limiting your options.

How many Americans have Medicare Advantage?

Ambition to put forth the effort to make sales. About 1/3 of Americans obtain their Medicare through Medicare Advantage Plans. The other 2/3 of the eligible persons have original Medicare, and about 81% of those enroll in supplement coverage.

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.

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.

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.

Can a 65 year old use Medicare?

If the client is 65 and older and is still working and on a group health plan with fewer than 20 employees, they are eligible for Medicare. Also, if your client is disabled, under the age of 65 and on an employer-funded health plan with fewer than 100 employees, he/she may use Medicare as the primary coverage.

What are the benefits of Medicare?

Here’s a short list on what will be covered: 1 The basics of Medicare fee-for-service eligibility and benefits 2 The different types of Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans 3 Eligibility and coverage 4 Nondiscrimination training 5 Marketing and enrollment under the Medicare Advantage and Part D program requirements

What is AHIP certification?

AHIP (stands for America’s Health Insurance Plans) certification is accepted by all and required by most carriers if you want to legally sell Medicare Advantage (MA) or Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) for the current certification year. Be aware that while most carriers will require AHIP certification, it will only serve as a pre-requisite ...

What happens if you don't pass the AHIP test?

If you don’t pass on the 3rd attempt, you would not be able to sell their products for that year, even if you did go on to pass the AHIP test. There are a number of self-study courses available to help prepare you for the test.

Is reporting FWA bad?

Reporting FWA; loopholes and obligations. Regulations change in the Medicare space from year to year. As such, it is not a bad idea to take the training each year and ensure that you are up to date on all the changes.

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