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.

Medicare is changing. According to Morningstar, the Inflation Reduction Act is responsible for the most significant changes to Medicare in nearly two decades. The massive piece of legislation contains many provisions that will affect Medicare in the years to come.

This article is Part 4 of a 4-part interview series with our very-own Steven Smith. Part 1 focuses on retention strategies. Part 2 focuses on planning. Part 3 is about how to run a consistent, successful meeting and Part 4 delves into compliance.

This article is Part 3 of a 4-part interview series with our very-own Steven Smith. Part 1 focuses on retention strategies. Part 2 focuses on planning. Part 3 is about how to run a consistent, successful meeting and Part 4 delves into compliance.

This article is Part 2 of a 4-part interview series with our very-own Steven Smith. Part 1 focuses on retention strategies. Part 2 focuses on planning. Part 3 is about how to run a consistent, successful meeting and Part 4 delves into compliance.

This article is Part 1 of a 4-part interview series with our very-own Steven Smith. Part 1 focuses on retention strategies. Part 2 focuses on planning. Part 3 is about how to run a consistent, successful meeting and Part 4 delves into compliance.

Every year, Medicare enrollees receive the Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) prior to AEP. Agents should make sure that both they and their clients are ready. Change can be scary. Health insurance matters can be overwhelming. When you put the two together, it can be a stressful time for your clients. By letting them know what to expect, you can proactively alleviate potential concerns.

CMS has new marketing rules and guidelines that will impact how you work as an agent. One of the new rules, effective October 1, 2022, requires all sales calls with beneficiaries to be recorded in their entirety. This applies to all third-party marketing organizations including independent agents and brokers.