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Medicare Blog | Medicare News | Medicare Information
2023 AHIP Medicare Training Now Available
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Thu, Jun 30, 2022 @ 08:54 AM
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CMS Announces New Cancer Care Model for Medicare Plans
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Wed, Jun 29, 2022 @ 03:15 PM
Medicare-enrolled physician group practices may apply through Sept. 30 to participate in a voluntary oncology care model beginning next July for five years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced today. Under the Enhanced Oncology Model, participating practices will take on financial and performance accountability for episodes of care surrounding systemic chemotherapy administration to Medicare patients with common cancer types. “We believe the Enhancing Oncology Model will incentivize participating oncology practices — including those in rural and underserved areas — to improve the provision of high quality, coordinated care that addresses patients’ social needs and improves patient and caregiver support,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. ![]() |
Tags: CMS, cancer insurance
Video: Referral Fees, Marketing Gifts and Inducements
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Wed, Jun 29, 2022 @ 10:40 AM
Check out the video here There is an exception to this rule which states that marketing representatives may provide gifts, prizes, or promotional items to beneficiaries for marketing purposes as long as:
Check out the video here It’s important to note that agents are not permitted to provide anything of value (e.g., gift card, flowers) to a consumer/member in exchange for a referral (i.e. contact information including name and telephone number/email). The key difference is the purpose of the gift. If it’s given in exchange for a referral, it’s not allowed. ![]() |
Tags: CMS, Compliance
Mutual of Omaha: New Med Supp Rates Coming to Texas
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Jun 28, 2022 @ 02:27 PM
Linked below: Outline of Coverage, application, updated plan availability map and jumpstart cash for apps program.
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How to Record a Call With Google Voice
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Mon, Jun 27, 2022 @ 01:16 PM
This article explains how to record a call with Google Voice, how to retrieve recorded calls from Google's servers, and privacy concerns.What to Know
How to Record a Call With Google VoiceYou can record your calls on your computer, smartphone, or any portable device. Google Voice can ring several phones upon receiving a call, so the option is open on all devices. Since the recording mechanism is server-based, there isn't anything more you need in terms of hardware or software. Google doesn't enable call recording by default to prevent people who use touchscreen devices from accidentally recording a call without realizing it. (Yes, it's that simple). For this reason, you need to enable call recording before you can use it.
Accessing Your Recorded FileAccess any recorded call by logging in to your account. Select the Recorded menu item to display a list of your recorded calls. Each call is identified with a timestamp and the duration of the recording. Play it right there or choose to email it to someone, download it to your computer or device, or embed it within a page. The menu button in the upper-right corner lists all these options. Call Recording and PrivacyWhile all this is easy and convenient, it poses a serious privacy problem. When you call someone on their Google Voice number, they can record your conversation without you knowing it. The recording is stored on Google's server and can be spread to other places. The risk is enough to make some callers apprehensive about making calls to Google Voice numbers. If you're concerned, make sure you can trust the people you're calling or be mindful of what you say. You may also want to look up a number to know whether you're ringing a Google Voice account. This isn't easy because many people port their numbers. If you're considering recording a phone call, inform the other party of this before the call and get their consent. In many countries and some U.S. states, it's illegal to record private conversations without the prior consent of all parties concerned. Source: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-record-call-with-google-voice-3426756
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Tags: Voice Signature
2023 Medicare Advantage Certification Dates
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Fri, Jun 24, 2022 @ 10:27 AM
To keep things simple, we have organized the 2023 certification instructions and requirements for the carriers offered through Precision Senior Marketing.As more information becomes available we will continue to update this page and provide additional details. For carrier specific certification instructions, simply click on the name of the carrier and you will be taken to a new page with the specific details.
Dates are proposed and subject to change
We recommend getting a head start and being prepared as early as possible for the upcoming enrollment season starting October 15th. Most of our carriers will accept AHIP to cover the core training requirements. You can reach the 2023 AHIP training module by visiting the following link - AHIP Training. Best of luck this enrollment window and we look forward to offering you the products, training and resources to make your business a success. Helpful Resources: ![]() |
Tags: certification, 2023
GTL: Advantage Plus® Elite Hospital Indemnity
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Mon, Jun 20, 2022 @ 03:45 PM
Introducing Advantage Plus® Elite - The original and most comprehensive Hospital Indemnity Insurance policy in the industry.
Download the Benefit Needs Estimator
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Tags: Hospital Indemnity, GTL
2023 AHIP Medicare Training Details
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Wed, Jun 15, 2022 @ 04:17 PM
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Nassau Medicare Supplement Portal Updates
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Wed, Jun 15, 2022 @ 02:04 PM
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Tags: Nassau
PSM Agent Programs and Marketing Resources
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Jun 14, 2022 @ 02:14 PM
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Tags: Incentives, Agent Programs, Benefits
Subscribe to our Social Media Channels
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Jun 14, 2022 @ 11:02 AM
Take a minute to visit our social media channels and give us a follow!
In addition, we have also put together a useful guides page you can check out.
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Tags: social media
Aetna Supplemental: A winning combination to add to your senior product portfolio
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Jun 14, 2022 @ 09:59 AM
Medicare Supplement insurance can help your customers manage and budget their health care expenses with predictability and stability.
Final Expense insurance can allow your customers to make choices, plans, and decisions on what is appropriate to help relieve their families from the strain of the financial aftermath of a death.
For agent use only. Not for public distribution.
CGFMP03462 aetnaseniorproducts.com ©2021 Aetna Inc. 082021. The Aetna Senior Supplemental Insurance** family of companies has an unwavering commitment to providing the best personal service possible, quick claims payment, and quality products with solid financial backing.
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Tags: Final Expense, Aetna Medicare Supplement, Aetna Supplemental
Check out our YouTube video here and visit our Agent Rewards Page for more details.
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Tags: Incentives, Rewards Program
Introducing American Home Life Medicare Supplement and Final Expense
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Jun 14, 2022 @ 09:46 AM
Together Is Always Better With the bundled solution from American Home Life (AHL), producers and customers alike can enjoy a product with more benefits and less complexity to holistically address the needs of clients — the way insurance was meant to be.
Finding The Best Plan For Your Client Whether your client needs Final Expense or Medicare Supplement, American Home Life has exactly what they need. Our Patriot Series Final Expense product is available to provide flexible coverage to meet your client's unique needs and our Medicare Supplement product offers Plans A, F, G, and N with varying amounts of coverage. Patriot Series Final Expense The Patriot Series Final Expense offers 4 plans to best meet your clients needs. Three level plans and one modified plan are all available with flexible coverage options. Medicare Supplement The American Home Life Insurance Company also offers Medicare Supplement plans. Plan A provides basic benefits, while Plan F offers more comprehensive coverage. With more tools for agents, and benefits for customers, this offer is almost two good two be true. ![]() |
2023 Medicare Advantage / PDP Agent Commissions (FMV)
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Jun 14, 2022 @ 09:45 AM
2023 Medicare Advantage / PDP Agent Commissions have increased! And it's another increase from the year prior. That makes 8 years in a row.
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Tags: Medicare Advantage News, PDP, commissions, 2023
Aetna Supplemental: Add a Protection Series℠ product to your portfolio
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Jun 14, 2022 @ 09:40 AM
This type of insurance is sometimes overlooked until what was once routine maintenance, becomes an urgent issue. Preventive care can lead to early detection of other diseases and health problems such as cancer and diabetes.
For agent use only. Not for public distribution.
CGFDH07333 aetnaseniorproducts.com ©2022 Aetna Inc. 022822 Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood, Tennessee (CLI), a member of the Aetna family of companies, has an unwavering commitment to providing the best personal service possible, quick claims payment, and quality products with solid financial backing. CLI has a financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.** ![]() ![]() |
Tags: dental hearing and vision insurance, Aetna Supplemental
Aetna Supplemental: Customize these ready-made advertising materials
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Jun 14, 2022 @ 09:23 AM
Customize these ready-made advertising materials Aetna Supplemental has ready-made flyers, tri-folds, and ads with customizable fields for you to add your contact information. Just fill in the fillable fields as indicated on each pdf (or you can leave blank) and then print. They also have images that you can include in emails or other advertisements. NOTE: Before using any of these pieces, please read the descriptions carefully. The “agent only” pieces are for agent use only and cannot be used for public/consumer distribution. Only those pieces that are labeled for consumer use can be used for consumer distribution and marketing.
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Tags: Aetna Supplemental, Marketing, Flyer, Print
GTL: New Product Alert | Home Life Secure: Where Final Expense and Short Term Care Meet
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Thu, Jun 09, 2022 @ 09:37 AM
Home Life Secure - a new and innovative Whole Life Insurance product!
Couple those benefits with planning and care guidance support for your clients should they need care in their home or in a facility, and you can add another unique, niche product to your portfolio—now available on GTL’s Agent Portal and e-App!
Current State Availability
![]() Not contracted with GTL? Request details here
FOR AGENT USE ONLY - Cannot be distributed to the public or used in any consumer solicitation. Home Life Secure insurance, is issued on Policy Form Series ICC22-22GBWLP, and Rider Form Series ICC22-R22ADB-TI and ICC22-R22ADBCHRNCILL by Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company (GTL), Glenview, IL. This product's availability, its features, riders and terms under which coverage may be continued in-force or discontinued vary by state. Certain exclusions and limitations apply. For cost and complete details of coverage, please contact us or your agent. GTL and their licensed agents are not connected with or endorsed by the US Government or the Federal Medicare Program. *Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company and HCG Secure are separate legal entities and have sole financial responsibility for their own products. GTL provides life insurance coverage and does not provide nor is affiliated with the non-insurance benefits provided by HCG Secure or any of its affiliates. Benefits offered through HCG Secure are available with select GTL insurance offerings. Terms and availability of service are subject to change without notice. ![]() |
Tags: Final Expense, Whole Life, GTL
The Importance of Finding a Mentor
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Mon, Jun 06, 2022 @ 09:23 AM
The Importance of Finding a Mentor
According to Investopedia and The Insurance Journal, roughly 92% of Licensed Insurance agents quit their first twelve months after obtaining their insurance license.
The Small Business Association (SBA), states that 90% of startups across all industries ultimately fail. On the other hand, more than 70% of startups who had mentoring in business have managed to survive past five years.
While the reasons a startup business might fail varies across a larger spectrum, the overwhelming reason why most insurance agents fail during their first year is due to poor mentorship, or the lack of a mentor altogether.
The insurance industry is unique in that, while it provides some agents with a job, and some agents with an opportunity to work for themselves, it also provides agents with an opportunity to build a business.
A business, that if built properly, can provide income for generations. However, most agents do not make it this far, and of those that do, most still don’t fully capitalize on the opportunity that sits in front of them.
I have found that more often than not, it’s a lack of mentorship to point them in the right direction to cultivate that opportunity.
The opportunity to build an insurance business is something that attracts aspiring entrepreneurs, marketers, sales people and team builders to the industry with the hopes of generating a lucrative career.
And while the insurance industry on the surface might seem simple, the truth is that building an insurance practice, a real business, will require a myriad of skills that you may or may not be equipped with from the get go.
You might be an excellent sales person, but not good at marketing your business. You might be an excellent marketer but weak at sales.
You might be great at sales and marketing but truly don’t understand the insurance language. You could be strong in all of these skills, but unknowledgeable on how to scale a business. All of these can be resolved through solid mentorship.
In this article, we will examine why mentorship is important, what to look for in a mentor, how to find the right mentor and how to be a good mentor.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is simply someone who acts as an advisor to someone with less experience.
The term came from the Greek story - The Odyssey by Homer.
Mentor was the name of the man that Odysseus left his estate and his son with when he skipped town to participate in the Trojan War. That’s a whole lot of trust, right there.
This is the concept the business industry borrowed when they adopted the term. Sometimes, people confuse a consultant for a mentor. But, there is a difference.
A consultant is being paid to perform a certain scope of work for you. That type of relationship doesn’t necessarily qualify as mentorship. They are a similar role, but a mentor makes a much bigger commitment to you than a consultant would.
If you select a mentor you are agreeing to a relationship. Sure, it may be about business, but it’s bigger than that.
Typically, individuals seek mentors who work in their same industry or field. The mentor helps you grow and develop as a professional, often offering guidance based on their more advanced knowledge or experience.
After all, experience is the greatest teacher. And a strong mentor is someone that has been down the path you are traveling, and is uniquely qualified to help you do the same.
Why is Mentorship Important?
When it comes to insurance there is no shortage of information out there from product knowledge, to industry news, to sales and marketing courses and, of course, the various internet experts and armchair quarterbacks.
And while this nuts and bolts information can be free-flowing and easy to locate, what it often lacks is the wisdom and guidance an experienced mentor can provide you. Someone who has already been down the road you’re headed.
I remember sitting in a pre-licensing class getting prepared to take my insurance license exam as the instructor told us, “I am going to teach you how to pass the exam. Everything else you need to know, you’ll learn from the company that hired you.” In shorter words, your mentor will carry you from here. Assuming you have one.
While many agents come into the insurance industry working a job at an agency that trains them, many agents come into the industry with the desire to be an independent agent and business owner.
Unfortunately, most are not tied into a mentor, or they’re not tied into the right mentor. Hence, more than 90% of them quit during those first twelve months.
They quit because, as they navigated their path alone, they invariably took wrong turns leading them to frustration and possible failure.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. You can learn a lot from bad decisions. But it takes time and money to make those mistakes, and there are only so many mistakes you can make before becoming frustrated, or broke.
A mentor can guide you around the expensive obstacles so you can learn from their mistakes. This guidance is priceless!
Starting a business can be like navigating a minefield. A mentor is willing to be your guide through that minefield, showing you the obstacles, and pointing out possible mistakes before they happen.
According to an executive coaching survey, 80% of CEO’s said they received some form of mentorship, while 93% of startups admit that mentorship is key to their success.
Look at some of the most successful people of our time, like: Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, & Bill Gates. They all had mentors.
They all realized the importance of, and benefitted from, the advice of a good mentor.
How to Find the Right Mentor
Now that we understand what a mentor is, how do we go about finding one?
First, understand that you will likely have several mentors over the course of your career.
Someone who would make a good mentor for an insurance startup, may not be the same mentor that helps you polish the skills needed to run a company with several office locations.
As you evolve, so will your mentorship need.
Be Clear About Your Goals
Before you reach out to a mentor, you have to be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. If you don’t even understand yourself yet, a mentor may be less likely to work with you.
A successful mentor probably won’t want to act as your psychologist. You need to be clear about your capabilities and what you need help with before expecting someone to help you.
When you know your strengths, weakness, near term and long-term goals, you have a plan. Without a plan, how would any mentor know if they may be a good fit for you or not.
This is why it’s important to be clear about your personal strengths, weaknesses, and your business goals before you reach out to a mentor.
Understanding this can make it easier to start your search. Get specific about what you are looking for help with.
Are you a single-mother working part time, trying to get your business rolling? Are you a captive agent looking to break out as an independent agent?
Do you have a business in the financial industry, looking to expand into senior market insurance? Are you successful as an individual agent but looking to scale with recruiting?
Whatever your situation is, will determine the type of mentor you need.
Based on your situation and business needs, ask around. You certainly aren’t the first person in the industry to look for a mentor. People will know other people who either were a mentor, or had one.
If you go to events and see professionals presenting at those events, ask people about them. Would they make a good mentor? They are speaking at events for a reason.
Look around at professionals that have that special set of skills you are looking for and reach out. They don’t need to be owners or CEO’s, they just have to know how to navigate the situations your dealing with at the time.
I’ve never heard of someone being offended by another person asking them to mentor them. It’s one of the most flattering things you could ask someone. So, don’t be afraid to just ask.
If you asked someone to mentor you and they said no, they may know someone who will, or have some advice on finding what you’re looking for.
There is no magic trick that will get you a mentor. The magic is in doing the ground work and just asking around.
And remember, there is no rule stating you can have only one mentor. If you find a couple of people with different skillsets that are willing to work with you, consider yourself lucky.
Should I Pay for A Mentor?
That’s a touchy subject, and not everyone agrees on one answer.
Some people have found experienced professionals that are willing to mentor them at no cost. This is a difficult thing to find these days, but certainly can be done.
There are some professionals that offer consulting or coaching, that may offer a mentorship program at a cost. I don’t think there is anything wrong with this, and some of my best coaching and mentoring I’ve ever received came at a cost.
A well-qualified mentor is going to be a very busy, experienced professional. It’s not heresy to think that their time spent with you is valuable enough to come at a cost.
After all, the time they spend with you could be spent making more money.
Good mentors will usually have a track record of verifiable skills that could help you quickly become more profitable than if you didn’t work with them.
Many who pay for a mentor program, report it being the best investment they’ve ever made.
The trick is to find that mentor that has the specific skill set to help you quickly navigate your business situation so that the money you spend on them is verifiably recouped.
I think of it this way. If I walked out on the street today in downtown Austin, I’m sure I could find someone to talk to me for a couple hours.
Would that conversation be very valuable? Almost certainly not. At least not in the way I would like it to be. Therefore, I can see a situation where someone paying for really relevant advice makes sense.
Remember, a good mentor will also have many connections that could also be helpful to you. Making new connections and building your network could benefit you for years to come.
I would like to think there are many professionals out there that would at least be open to having a conversation, and giving you some advice from time to time. They likely have had a similar experience.
Depending on the expertise you’re looking for and how much interaction you want, there may be an opportunity to pay for a meaningful relationship that could pay off dividends.
The important part is finding someone with the relevant experience that you’re looking for. If there’s a cost involved, it’s just a matter of deciding if it would be worth the benefit.
Like any training seminar or class, you are looking to learn something, and possibly grow your network. That’s certainly worth something, right?
Conclusion
Whichever route you decide, don’t overlook the importance of finding a mentor. Making the right key decisions early in your career could help you avoid expensive mistakes, as well as save you years of frustration.
Not to mention, you may be making connections that could last a lifetime.
You don’t have to go through what you’re going through alone. Ask any successful business person and I’m sure they will tell you the same. A good mentor will shoulder some of that responsibility and help carry you through the experience.
Relying too much on yourself is a habit that many entrepreneurs suffer from.
Yes, I said suffer from.
Rugged individualism makes for some great reading material, but it’s a terrible way to run a business.
No one can be great at all things. You are starting a business and will need expertise in many areas.
Start reaching out early on, and get used to it. You’ll find, not only is it easier than you think, but it’s far more rewarding when you meet people along the way that help you get to the next level.
The choice is yours. Take the long path, alone.
Or, you could not try to be a hero. Start building a team around you, and build something meaningful, and long lasting - Together.
“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”
- John C. Maxwell
Download a PDF of the whitepaper here: https://www.psmbrokerage.com/hubfs/THE%20GUIDE%20TO%20MENTORSHIP-1.pdf
Located in beautiful Austin, Texas, Precision Senior Marketing, LLC is a full-service, national insurance marketing organization dedicated to recruiting, servicing, and supporting the best senior market insurance agents in the United States.
Tags: mentor
Cigna 2023 Medicare Certification Details
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Thu, Jun 02, 2022 @ 04:17 PM
What's changing The improvements we’ve made will make recertification faster than ever before. Other benefits include:
What's NOT changing Producers' University will still be your source for complete plan and benefit information, training, and job aids.
What's coming soon As we get closer to the July 1 launch, we'll share more details about the refresh and certification training, including:
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Tags: Cigna, certification, 2023
YourMedicare CMS Lead-Generation Guidelines
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Thu, Jun 02, 2022 @ 11:17 AM
Confused about the October 8, 2021, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) advisory regarding the marketing of Medicare Advantage (MA) and associated prescription drug (MAPD) plans? Here are a few key points to help demystify the latest update and help you comply with the rules for your lead-generation activities. ![]() |
Tags: CMS, Lead Generation, Compliance
Aetna Producer Certification goes live on June 29, 2022
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Thu, Jun 02, 2022 @ 08:54 AM
Producer certification, made easy. Aetna Individual Medicare Producer Certification for MA/MAPD and PDP goes live on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Stay tuned for details about our new Aetna-Only certification option! ![]() |
Tags: Medicare Advantage, aetna, certification, 2023
2023 Medicare Advantage Expansion Areas
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Wed, Jun 01, 2022 @ 02:26 PM
Are you ready for the upcoming AEP season? Get your sneak peek at 2023 MA Expansion areas. Call us to hear about the new service area expansion counties from our leading Medicare Advantage carriers. (800)998-7715 Additional Resources:
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Tags: Medicare Advantage, expansion areas, 2023