Can you really make money selling Medicare supplements?
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.
Is there more to senior insurance sales than Medicare supplements?
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. The thing is, there's a lot more to senior insurance sales than Medicare Supplements. And there's a lot more to Medicare Supplement sales than this article.
How do agents get paid for selling Medicare plans?
Agents selling Medicare Advantage and Part D plans get a flat dollar amount of money per application. This comes to them in the form of initial commissions and renewal commissions. Carriers pay out initial commissions when an agent makes a new sale or when the beneficiary enrolls in a new, “unlike” plan (different type).
Are you primed for Medicare supplement sales?
If you already have a book of business, you're primed for Medicare Supplement sales. People already want and need supplemental insurance, and they're going to go somewhere to get it – they might as well get it from you.
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.
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.
How do you make money selling Medicare supplements?
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).
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.
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.
Are Medicare brokers unbiased?
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 is street level commission?
Street level commission is the base commission amount paid by the company you work for. This is normally expressed as "base commission" or "street level commission" on the rate sheet you receive from your insurance company or General Agent.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Agents Earnings After 5 Years
Those selling Medicare for five or more years saw significant commission income increases. Nearly half (46.2%) now reported six figure commission earnings from Medicare insurance sales. Almost one in five (18.2%) reported annual commission income of over $200,000.
Access Full Survey Results
The American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI) advocates for the importance of educated planning. AAMSI supports insurance professionals who market Medicare insurance solutions. Access the findings of the Medicare insurance agent earnings study at https://www.medicaresupp.org/how-much-do-medicare-agents-make/.
Lead Resources for Medicare Agents
Read testimonials from agents who are listed on the Association’s directory of local Medicare agents. Click link to read agent testimonials.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How Much Does An Insurance Agent Make on Medicare Sales?
Commissions with An FMO vs. Without An FMO
- Carriers pay agents for the business they write, even if those commissions go through an FMO first (scroll down for a note about assigned commissions). It’s important for agents to know that carriers pay agents and FMOs separately. Your relationship with an FMO is comparable to your clients’ relationship with you. You don’t pay anything to the FMO, just like your clients don’t pay a…
A Note About ‘Assigned Commissions’
- Oftentimes, an agent working with an FMO will receive commissions directly from the carrier. In select cases, an FMO may want agents to “assign” them their commissions(e.g., if they provide the agent with leads, advances, etc.). In others, the carrier may require agents to assign their commissions to their FMO (e.g., the carrier only pays direct contracts). When you assign your co…