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.

Most seniors are on a fixed income and now more than ever, they are facing budgetary constraints due to increases in the cost of living. Many find that as their healthcare and health insurance costs increase, their retirement funds are not keeping pace with inflation.

Everything is getting more expensive. For Medicare enrollees, many of whom are on a fixed budget, price hikes can be a major financial burden. Amid surging inflation rates, it’s likely that many seniors will be especially cost-conscious this AEP. Now, more than ever, agents must be ready to help them navigate economic challenges.

Many seniors are worried about rising costs and the impact it is having on their retirement budget. As inflation pushes prices higher for basics such as food, gas and housing, are you concerned how you will afford the healthcare coverage you need on your fixed income? Here are some ways you can maximize your coverage and control your costs.

A prescription drug plan doesn’t do you much good if you can’t afford your copays. Unfortunately, this is the situation in which many seniors find themselves. Some of your Medicare clients may be having trouble paying for their prescription medicines. By helping them find strategies to cover costs, you can also help them find value in their coverage.

Set yourself up for AEP success. The steps you take now – or the steps that you fail to take – will have a direct impact on your ability to help Medicare enrollees this fall. With this four-step plan, you can be ready to go.

School may be out for most people, but for Medicare insurance sales agents, the arrival of summer means it’s time to start studying for the annual AHIP certification. You might not be eager to hit the books when you’d rather be hitting the beaches, but here’s the thing – AHIP certification isn’t just some red tape to get through. It’s a chance for you to brush up on your Medicare knowledge so you can better serve your clients.

Medicare Advantage enrollees can save nearly $2,000 a year, according to a study from the Better Medicare Alliance. Compared to people enrolled in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage enrollees have a 35% lower cost burden. This should come as great news to financially strapped seniors, but some enrollees may not see these savings, especially if confusion over networks lead to higher out of pocket costs. To help enrollees get the most value from their plan, it’s important to clear up common Medicare Advantage network misunderstandings.