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.
Why is selling Medicare so lucrative?
One of the reasons that selling Medicare is so lucrative is your ability to make ongoing, residual income. When you work a job earning $15 per hour, your paycheck is the same regardless of how much effort you put into it.
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.
Do you have a book of business selling Medicare supplement?
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. For a quick overview of what we'll cover today, view this slideshow:
Who is the largest Medicare Supplement provider?
UnitedHealthCareAARP/United Health Group has the largest number of Medicare Supplement customers in the country, covering 43 million people in all 50 states and most U.S. territories. AARP licenses its name to insurer UnitedHealthCare, which helps make these policies so popular.
Do all Medicare supplements pay the same?
Medicare Supplement insurance plans are sold by private insurance companies and can help you pay for out-of-pocket costs for services covered under Original Medicare. Different Medicare Supplement insurance plans pay for different amounts of those costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Are Medicare Supplement plans the same in every state?
Medigap plans are standardized across most states, meaning they offer the same benefits. The exceptions are Wisconsin, Minnesota and Massachusetts. Plans in those states may have options that differ from Medigap plans in other states.
Is it necessary to have supplemental insurance with Medicare?
For many low-income Medicare beneficiaries, there's no need for private supplemental coverage. Only 19% of Original Medicare beneficiaries have no supplemental coverage. Supplemental coverage can help prevent major expenses.
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage can become expensive if you're sick, due to uncovered copays. Additionally, a plan may offer only a limited network of doctors, which can interfere with a patient's choice. It's not easy to change to another plan. If you decide to switch to a Medigap policy, there often are lifetime penalties.
Is plan F better than plan G?
Is Medicare Plan G better than Plan F? Medicare Plan G is not better than Plan F because Medicare Plan G covers one less benefit than Plan F. It leaves you to pay the Part B deductible whereas Medigap Plan F covers that deductible.
What is the average cost of AARP Medicare supplement insurance?
1. AARP Medigap costs in states where age doesn't affect the pricePlan nameAverage monthly cost for AARP MedigapPlan A$158Plan B$242Plan C$288Plan F$2566 more rows•Jan 24, 2022
What is the most comprehensive Medicare supplement plan?
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available. It leaves you with 100% coverage after Medicare pays its portion. Medigap Plan F covers the Medicare Part A and Part B deductible and the Medicare Part B 20% coinsurance.
Can you change your Medicare supplement anytime during the year?
As a Medicare beneficiary, you can change supplements at any time. As a result, there's no guarantee an application will be accepted if switched outside the designated Open Enrollment Period. An application may be “medically underwritten”.
Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?
If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.
How much do most seniors pay for Medicare?
Most people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A (sometimes called "premium-free Part A"). If you buy Part A, you'll pay up to $499 each month in 2022. If you paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $499.
What is the difference between a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement?
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement are different types of Medicare coverage. You cannot have both at the same time. Medicare Advantage bundles Part A and B often with Part D and other types of coverage. Medicare Supplement is additional coverage you can buy if you have Original Medicare Part A and B.
How long do Medicare Supplements stay on the books?
These plans stay on the books for a very long time (8 years or more) and require very little servicing on your part.
How many baby boomers are celebrating their 65th birthday?
According to PEW Research, over 10,000 baby boomers are celebrating their 65th birthday every day, creating a bubble of opportunity for insurance agents like you. If you’d like to earn a six-figure residual income, look no further than selling Medicare Supplements with guided strategy from the Flex General Agency.
Why should all agents sell Medicare Supplements?
Perhaps the most important reason why all agents should sell Medicare Supplements is the readily available market. Unlike other forms of insurance, Medicare Supplements target an aging population who needs insurance. And what’s more, the potential pool of clientele is increasing on a daily basis.
How does Medicare Supplement work?
The way a Medicare Supplement policy works, according to Medicare.gov, is it "helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like: Copayments; Coinsurance; Deductibles," and these policies are sold by private companies. 3. Plus, Medicare Supplement policies give you options.
Is United American a Medicare Supplement?
United American has been a prominent Medicare Supplement insurance provider since Medicare began in 1966. Additionally, we’ve been a long-standing participant in the task forces working on Medicare Supplement insurance policy recommendations for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
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 the primary source of funding for Advantage Plans?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the principal source of funding for Advantage plans, paying insurance companies for each beneficiary's expected healthcare costs. Thus, the more people who enroll in Advantage plans, the more funds Medicare gives insurance companies offering these plans. In exchange, the Advantage plans, rather than Medicare, pay for enrollees' care. Critics have raised concerns that CMS steers enrollees to Advantage plans because of this.
Why are Advantage plans advertised?
Advantage plans are heavily advertised because of how they are funded. These plans' premiums are low or nonexistent because Medicare pays the carrier whenever someone enrolls. It benefits insurance companies to encourage enrollment in Advantage plans because of the money they receive from Medicare.
What is an Advantage Plan?
Advantage plans enable participants to receive multiple benefits from one plan, but all Advantage plans must also include the same coverage as Original Medicare (Parts A and B). When you have an Advantage plan and receive care, the insurance company pays instead of Medicare. Advantage plans are often HMOs or PPOs, ...
How much is Medicare premium for 2021?
Those who paid into Medicare taxes for fewer than 40 quarters must also pay a Part A premium. The monthly premium for 2021 is $259 for individuals who have contributed taxes between 30 and 40 quarters. It is $471 for those who have contributed for fewer than 30 quarters. People who have paid Medicare taxes for 40 or more quarters receive Part A premium-free.
How much is Part B premium?
Still, those on Advantage plans must continue to pay their Part B premium. The standard Part B premium is $148.50. Those with lower incomes can get help paying this premium, while higher-income earners are subject to premium adjustment.
What is Forbes Finance Council?
Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. Do I qualify?
Is Medicare Advantage a pervasive plan?
Advertisements for Medicare Advantage plans are pervasive during the Annual Enrollment Period. They can also make these plans seem tempting, with their myriad benefits and low premiums.
How many people have Medicare Supplement insurance?
In 2018, some 14.1 million Americans owned a Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) policy. That number represents an increase compared to the 9.7 million who owned a Medigap policy in 2010.
How many people are married on Medicare Supplement?
Most Americans who buy Medicare Supplement insurance are married and over half (58%) are women according to the most recent data.
Can Medicare Supplement Insurance negotiate a better rate?
Others are more regional in their offerings. For that reason, we strongly recommend consumers work with a knowledgeable Medicare Supplement agent who can help provide the most current information on available policies and share rates. Rates can vary significantly from one insurance company to another. But agents can’t negotiate or get you a better rate (it’s not like buying a car). For that reason, work with someone with knowledge and experience. That’s how to get the best options.
Why Medicare Supplement Sales?
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.
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 are the two main roads you can go down?
There are two main roads you can go down – Medicare with a supplement and a drug plan or Medicare Advantage.
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 long is Medicare open enrollment?
Your Medicare Supplement open enrollment period is a 6-month window starting on your Part B effective date.
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.
How much can you make Selling Medicare?
Selling Medicare is part of the financial services industry, which has a track record of generating more millionaires than any other industry.
Get Licensed to Sell Medicare
In order to sell Medicare, you must become a licensed life and health insurance agent in your state (or any state that you plan on selling in).
Partner with a Medicare FMO
A Field Marketing Organization (FMO) is the link between Medicare insurance carriers and independent Medicare sales agents.
Complete AHIP & Carrier Certifications
AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) is an industry-recognized certification test. If you want to sell Medicare Advantage products, then you must become AHIP certified for most carriers.
Prepare for Success
Now that you are licensed, contracted, and certified, it’s time to create your Medicare Business Plan. This includes setting your production goals, developing a lead generation and client retention strategy, and leveraging the support available through your Medicare FMO.
Can I Choose Any Doctor With Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage works with a limited network of healthcare providers, so double-check to make sure your doctor visit is covered.
How to see how a Medicare Advantage Plan cherry picks its patients?
To see how a Medicare Advantage Plan cherry-picks its patients, carefully review the copays in the summary of benefits for every plan you are considering. To give you an example of the types of copays you may find, here are some details of in-network services from a popular Humana Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida:
What is Medicare Supplement?
Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). To help pay for things that aren't covered by Medicare, you can opt to buy supplemental insurance known as Medigap (or Medicare Supplement Insurance). These policies are offered by private insurers and cover things that Medicare doesn't, such as copayments, deductibles, and healthcare when you travel abroad.
What is Medicare Advantage Plan?
A Medicare Advantage Plan is intended to be an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide Part A and Part B benefits, and sometimes Part D (prescriptions). Most plans cover benefits that Original Medicare doesn't offer, such as vision, hearing, ...
What should prospective Medicare Advantage customers research?
Prospective Medicare Advantage customers should research plans, copays, out-of-pocket costs, and eligible providers.
How many books has Lita Epstein written?
Lita Epstein has 18+ years of experience as an author and financial writer. She has also written over 40 books.
Why is it difficult to get urgent care?
One may have difficulty getting emergency or urgent care due to rationing.