For a long time, the assumption has been that seniors are slow adopters or steer clear of new tech. Despite some individuals who broke the stereotype, that was probably largely true in the past – but is it true anymore?

Insurance agents have two major career paths. They can work as captive agents tied to one specific insurance carrier. Or they can work as independent agents, selling plans from a variety of different carriers.

Seniors need more Medicare information. Earlier this year, Managed Healthcare Executive reported on poll results that showed nearly one in three Medicare enrollees feel they don’t have enough information on Medicare Advantage options, and more than half are not familiar with Star Ratings for plans.

As the Arizona reopening benchmarks develop, Western Asset Protection is taking all the safety precautions and steps to prepare for a return to the recently remodeled, new WAP office. We are assessing the situation and will continue to follow the state guidelines as well as take precautions to keep our employees, agents, agencies and partners safe. 

Medicare beneficiaries are frequently the target of fraudulent schemes. You can help your clients avoid falling victim to one of these scams by doing two things. First, educate them on how these schemes work. Second, encourage them to register for the National Do Not Call List.

The COVID-19 vaccine is here – but not everyone can get it just yet. The supply is limited, and this means that some people will have to wait a while before they can be vaccinated. The CDC has issued guidelines for prioritizing access, but states are in charge of distribution, so where you live will have an impact on when you can get the vaccine.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1- March 31. It is important to remember the rules of this Special Election period – Agents/Plans cannot market OEP and Member Eligibility.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace is opening back up for a new Special Enrollment Period. CMS recently announced the decision, which was made in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

You have to go through a few hoops to become a credentialed insurance professional focused on Medicare. On top of your initial state licensing requirements, you need to complete annual testing and re-certifications for each insurance company you work with – every year. You might be tempted to reduce your workload by only contracting with one or two respected Medicare insurance providers – but that would be a mistake. Here’s how successful Medicare agents open doors with a multi-carrier portfolio.

Before the next AEP starts, you'll send out retention letters – but by then it might be too late. Your clients are another agent's prospects, so you need to make your retention a year-round priority. We hope the ideas below inspire you to level up your retention campaign in 2021.