On Tuesday, a new Medicare Supplement product will be released by an "A" rated (A.M. Best) company that has one of the most recognizable brands among Americans of all ages. This new product is filed for approval in 32 states and will eventually roll out to even more. As an exclusive distribution partner, we look forward to releasing details on this new product on Tuesday. In the meantime, have a great Labor Day weekend!
Weekly Recap
President Obama to Speak Out on the 9th: He will give a speech on health care reform to a joint session of Congress next Wednesday in an attempt to refocus the national conversation on healthcare. NPR listed several poll results that show opposition to his health reform goals has grown. Three of the polls cited show opposition is around 50% as of the last week of August. White House officials say this speech will provide a comprehensive explanation of the President’s health care plans which have been ambiguous thus far.
The Compromise: In an effort to make some progress on the healthcare issue, President Obama and Republican Senator Olympia Snow are in serious discussions regarding a new health care reform plan. At the center of the compromise is a public healthcare option “trip wire”. Under this plan, a public option would only be implemented if certain performance criteria are not met. Another major compromise would be establishing a law barring insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. This plan is intended to win over 1 or 2 Republican votes and most of the conservative democrats.
FTC Bans Commercial Robocalls: For those of you who use autodialers or robocalls to contact consumers, you will want to take a look at this page: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/tsr.shtm Violators of this new law will face penalties of up to $16,000 per call. After September 1, 2009, consumers who receive prerecorded telemarketing calls, but have not agreed to get them can file a complaint with the FTC who will then investigate.
Medicare Advantage/Part D Enrollment Begins Nov. 15: Medicare Advantage marketing has many requirements, so we encourage all our agents to get caught up on all the new rules to make sure the enrollment period is spent writing business and not putting out compliance fires. Contact your PSM marketer today for a list of resources where you can get the training you need.
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