AEP ends on December 7. Before then, you have a lot of work to do. Getting applications in on time is essential for you and your clients. Don’t give up, and don’t slow down. Plan your final push before the window of opportunity closes.

Topics: aep, Medicare AEP final push

There is some good news to share as you meet with Medicare clients this AEP. In addition to having a wide range of plans to show them, there are some new ways to help them save money and manage their benefits. Here’s a closer look at three great MAPD enhancements for 2021.

Topics: MAPD, MAPD enhancements

Medicare has announced the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) resource limits for 2021. Also called Extra Help, this program provides financial assistance with Medicare prescription drug costs. 

Topics: Medicare Low Income Subsidy (LIS) Resource Limits, LIS Resource Limits, LIS, Low Income Subsidy

Western Asset Protection expects to accelerate growth with Integrity’s innovative technology and continue legacy of service-focused agency

Topics: western asset protection news, Company expansion

Western Asset Protection is pleased to announce that the time has come for Mel and Mary Rose, Owners, to retire after many years building and supporting the growth of Western Asset Protection. Mel and Mary consider Western Asset Protection employees, agents and agency partners to be a part of their extended family and have made every effort to leave the company in caring, capable hands.   This, in turn, led to negotiations with financial suitors and landed with a company very well regarded in the Medicare industry. We are thrilled to announce that as of October 29, 2020, Western Asset Protection has partnered with  Integrity Marketing Group , the nation’s leading independent distributor of life and health insurance products focused on serving the Senior Market.   Founded in 2006, Integrity develops and distributes life and health insurance products with insurance carrier partners, marketing these products through its distribution network, which includes other large insurance agencies located throughout the country with more than 275,000 independent agents. Integrity serves over 1.5 million clients with over 1,500 employees. In 2020, Integrity expects to help insurance carriers place $3 billion in new premiums.   What does this mean to our agents?   On a day-to-day basis, it’s business as usual. And now we will have additional resources and capabilities to continue driving value for you and other independent agents nationwide.   What does this mean for Western Asset Protection employees?   Our entire staff is now a part of the Integrity family! Our head office remains in Phoenix, Arizona and Paul Rose, Western Asset Protection’s CEO, and the Leadership Team will continue to lead our dedicated and talented team.   Our story continues…   Mel and Mary Rose set out 24 years ago to make life for agents easier. Along the way, we’ve helped to solve some big problem for agents through fanatical support, industry leading tools and resources, and world-class training.   Helping agents and agencies thrive in today’s complex digital world continues to be at the heart of our mission. WAP continues to create industry disrupting online tools and training opportunities:   Launching an upgraded agent portal this AEP to help agents organize information more efficiently. Providing the Medicare Enrollment Express platform to allow agents to compare, scope, quote and enroll customers digitally. Offering exceptional customer service from our high energy team of licensed professionals Providing ongoing training to educate agents on products, sales tools and other professional development opportunities. Creating the WAPCon rollout conference, a centralized 3-day conference, to attend carrier rollouts all in one place   Joining forces with a company that is as passionate about the success of the individual agent as we are is what takes us into the next chapter in our story. Stay tuned to see where our growth and innovation takes us all from here.   Special thanks to our agents, agencies and carrier partners for their support and partnership over the years. We look forward to continuing our relationship with you through our relentless dedication to helping agents and agencies grow.

Topics: company news, Integrity news, western asset protection news

Big changes will impact costs for Medicare enrollees with diabetes next year. Roughly 1,635 Medicare plans will be participating in the Senior Savings Program. Starting January 1, 2021, beneficiaries who enroll in one of these plans will have a maximum copay of $35 for a 30-day supply of insulin.

Topics: Medicare Senior Savings Program

People receiving Social Security will get a small raise next year. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2021 has been announced, and it will be 1.3%.

Topics: social security, COLA

AEP has begun! The actions you take – or fail to take – this week will help determine how successful you are this AEP. Below are 12 steps to keep in mind.

Topics: 12 steps to a better AEP

With so much happening on Capitol Hill, you might have missed some developments that could impact Medicare. Here’s a quick recap of recent events to get you caught up.

Topics: Medicare update