Now that you have wrapped up AEP, it’s time to circle back to your clients and set up appointments to review how their Medicare plan is working for them. It’s also the ideal time to dig a little deeper to identify what other needs they may have. It’s an opportunity to let your clients know the full scope of products you offer.

Almost immediately after Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees have the option to reconsider their plan selection during Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1 through March 31. For Medicare agents, OEP is more restrictive than AEP and should be addressed carefully. There are strict guidelines that dictate what you can and cannot do during this enrollment period. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.

AEP is behind us, but as an independent Medicare agent or agency leader, you know your work is never really done – you are always looking for ways to be more successful and grow your business. This means reviewing how the year went as well as planning for the year ahead. There are some specific steps you can take to accomplish both. It’s beneficial to analyze your business from two perspectives: front of the house and back of the house.

Did you hear a large sigh of relief echo across the country on December 8? That was the sound of Medicare insurance agents finally getting a chance to relax after the Medicare annual election period officially ended on December 7.

Retiring at 65 is no longer a given. In this time of increasing inflation and decreasing nest eggs, many people choose to work longer to add more money to their retirement accounts and delay Social Security to increase their eventual benefits. For others, work gives them a sense of fulfillment and purpose that they are not yet ready to give up.

The COVID-19 public health emergency may be ending soon. When this happens, many people are likely to lose their Medicaid coverage. For millions of dually eligible Medicare enrollees, this could mean new renewal requirements and may necessitate a plan switch.

Don’t risk letting an enrollment – and the commission – slip through the cracks. Consistent Medicare enrollment tracking is more important than ever.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has just released its Star Ratings for 2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. This information comes out every fall prior to Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment period when enrollees are making decisions about their coverage for the following year. Higher star ratings can benefit both the member and the insurance carrier.

Agents - Share This With Your Clients

The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) starts on October 15. For Medicare enrollees, this means several weeks of being bombarded with calls, mail, and commercials. You may be tempted to tune all of it out – but that could mean you miss out on your one-time opportunity to enroll in Medicare plan that will best meet your needs in the coming year.

Important Information: Share with your clients

Veterans who receive health care benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can also enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when they turn 65. The VA encourages veterans to consider enrolling in Medicare as soon as they are eligible to avoid paying late enrollment penalties.