More than 10,000 seniors age into Medicare each day. During the last enrollment period, 36% of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year, according to the American Journal of Managed Care.

By now, you may have seen retired football star Joe Nameth’s television commercials about Medicare. Even if you haven’t, it’s safe to assume that many of your clients have. Joe’s pitch is compelling – though arguably somewhat misleading – and many of your clients may be convinced. Unfortunately, the result could be bad for both you and your clients. It’s time to play offense.

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.

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.

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.

A new year brings new opportunity. Capture as much of that opportunity as possible by starting the year off right. Here are seven things you can do this January to prepare yourself for a great year in Medicare sales.

Individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid can enroll in a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, or D-SNP. D-SNPs are a special type of Medicare Advantage plan with limited enrollment.

D-SNP enrollment has changed a little in recent years. Here’s what insurance agents need to know about serving the D-SNP market.