WHAT'S WAPPENING?

Navigating Medicare coverage options is about to become easier. If you’ve even had trouble using the Medicare Plan Finder, there’s good news. The Medicare Coverage Tools initiative promises to improve the tool, making comparing options and enrolling in a plan easier than ever.  

Trying to figure out coverage for a specific service? Medicare has a new app that might help. The What’s Covered app makes it easy to access information on Medicare coverage for specific medical items and services.

As you are well aware, some big changes have come this year in the release of the new Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidance.  In prior years, we experienced Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP )  from January 1- February 14^th – Medicare has introduced a new enrollment period for 2019 beyond the Annual Enrollment Period ( AEP ) called Open Enrollment Period ( OEP ). The Open Enrollment Period begins January 1 and ends March 1, 2019 – This replaces the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment period.

The annual election period for Medicare is over. This can be a relief for agents who finally have time to breathe, but it can also be a source of anxiety. For many agents, AEP is the most productive time of the year by far. In fact, the rest of the year can be downright slow. The  scarcity of work – and of commissions – can be scary.

As AEP winds down, we want to be sure you're ready for the new Open Enrollment Period (OEP) beginning on January 1. Below, you'll find everything you need to know to succeed.

Get details, as well as licensing and CE reminders below.

Broker comp rates are in for 2019. CMS recently released a memorandum on contract year 2019 agent and broker compensation rate adjustments, submissions and training and testing requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

Medicaid patients in Arizona have scored a victory against balance billing. The Arizona Court of Appeals has made an import ruling in a case involving the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment system (AHCCCS) and tort liens from Banner Health Network and several other hospitals. Per the ruling, hospitals will not be able to enforce tort liens against patients after AHCCCS payment has already been accepted.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, signed into law on February 9, did more than end the brief government shutdown. Included in the bill were several key health provisions. Here’s a look at what these changes mean for Medicare.

Do your clients need a little extra help? Medicare provides low-income subsidies, also called Extra Help, to qualifying individuals. This is important information for insurance agents as well as beneficiaries. Keep your clients satisfied by ensuring that they receive all the help they’re entitled to and tap into the low-income audience if you haven’t already. Here’s what you need to know.