Medicare Blog | Medicare News | Medicare Information

A new bipartisan legislation was introduced last month by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) that would allow Medicare to pay seniors to improve and maintain their health. The pinned Medicare Better Health Rewards program would measure the seniors' wellness using six criteria: blood pressure, cholesterol, tobacco use, body mass index, diabetes indicators, and up-to-date vaccinations and screenings.

With this plan, seniors would work with their doctors during their yearly Medicare "wellness" visits to evaluate their performance and to improve their health based on the set standards. Successful beneficiaries will be eligible for up to $200 by the program’s second year and $400 by its third year.

Rob Kind, (D-Wisconsin), a co-sponsor of twin House legislation stated "This is exactly the kind of bold, concrete and common-sense legislation that we need to rein in health care spending and help our seniors live healthy lives."

The initiative would be funded by Medicare savings generated by healthier seniors. However, it's only one of the options being considered to lower the program’s healthcare costs.

Source: The Hill

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In 2013, there are currently 14.4 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage. This is an increase of more than one million (9.7%) from 2012 and sets a record high for enrollees. Even though there were concerns that payment changes from the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) would lead to fewer enrollments, it has seen an increase of 30% since 2010. About 28% of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans today and there is very little evidence of an adverse effect on enrollment in low versus high cost counties as a result of payment rate change in the ACA.

Don’t overlook the importance of adding a competitive Hospital Indemnity Plan to your senior care portfolio.

This growth is a continuation of the rapid growth in enrollment that occurred at the same time as the introduction of Part D in 2006. Also, the implementation of other changes to the Medicare Advantage program authorized by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003. This growth has happened despite the fact that the average number of plans available to enrollees nationwide declined from a high of 48 plans in 2009 to only 20 plans in 2012 and 2013.

With the Annual Enrollment period coming up, be sure to check out our Medicare Advantage product portfolio to make sure you have the best company rates in your area. If you have any questions about the products we offer or the Medicare Advantage market, please call our marketers at 1-800-998-7715.

Source: KHN

• AK, CO, DC, and NJ Agents: There's a New Med Supp in Town - Learn More
• PA Agents: The Next Big Med Supp - Learn More

Combined Insurance Medicare Supplement is pleased to begin offering agents the opportunity to use their new E-App Platform when submitting your Med Supp business.

Benefits of using the Combined Med Supp E-App:

• Expand your client base
• Save time and gas
• Reduce your daily overhead
• Eliminate mistakes and unnecessary paperwork
• Get paid quicker

For contracted agents, in order to get started selling with Combined Insurance’s E-App today, simply login to the Combined agent portal at www.aiatpa.com. Please contact your marketing representative if you need assistance in accessing the agent portal.

Also, to help you get started Combined Insurance has provided a FAQ and Quick Start Guide to make the process quick and efficient.

Combined Insurance has recently filed their competitive Medicare Supplement in the following states: GA, OH, MO, NJ, and PA.

Additional Approved States include: AL, AZ, IL, IN, KY, LA, MS, MT, NC, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, and WV.

Not yet appointed with Combined? Instantly download free sales materials and rates here.

For any other questions on getting contracted with Combined or getting started using the E-App please contact us at 1-800-998-7715.

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Due to the proposed tax included in the health care reform, those seniors in Medicare Advantage will be facing a $50-$90 per month increase in premiums and/or reductions in benefits next year. This week, new Oliver Wyman data released by America’s Health Insurance Plans’ (AHIP) Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) provided a breakdown of which states would be most impacted.

Seniors in Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas will be hit hardest with their plans increasing $80-$90 a month. California seniors are expected to face a $70-$80 a month increase on their premiums. Most other states will see increases of $50-$60 a month with North Dakota seeing the lowest increase of just $30-$40 a month in premiums.



In the past week 120 members of Congress have expressed their concerns about the impact the new cuts will have on seniors. Twenty-two Senators sent a bipartisan letter to the CMS about their concern saying "we are concert that the proposals could result in reduced access for our constituents who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Plans have informed us that they may exit certain markets as a result of CMS’ proposal." The ninety-eight members of the U.S. House of Representatives’ letter stated, "The assumption on the SGR is particularly problematic because it almost certainly will turn out to be wrong and it directly translates into lower funding to support the health benefits of the 14 million Medicare beneficiaries who currently are enrolled in MA plans."

Meanwhile, AHIP has offered a recommendation to stabilize the program and avoid significant disruption to seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage. The 2014 MA payment rates are scheduled to be finalized April 1.

Precision Senior Marketing will be closed after 1pm Friday, March 29 for the Easter holiday weekend. Regular 8am-5pm CDT hours will resume Monday, April 1. We wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday. We appreciate your business and the opportunity to serve your needs.

Source: Marketwatch, MedicareChoices.org

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No matter if you are just getting into the senior market or have been in the industry for years, selling Medicare supplements or med supp over the phone is a great way to expand your business. When you prospect over the phone, you are able to broaden your sales horizon beyond your immediate driving area and allow yourself a virtually unlimited selling territory with no travel requirements. Therefore, you can connect with an entirely new market of qualified prospects, no matter the distance.

By tapping into this national pool of prospects you’ll see increased productivity through your ability to “see more people” in your normal workday. Having this freedom will additionally allow you to cherry pick your territory by marketing to areas where you know your products are the most competitive. You’ll reduce your daily overhead through savings on gasoline, tolls and parking, and also save time through the elimination of unnecessary paperwork further increasing overall productivity and efficiency.

When it comes to the sales process, a few options are available for completing an application over the phone. Most popular to agents, many carriers have developed electronic application (e-app) or telephonic application technology to speed up and simplify the process. Among these carriers you’ll find Mutual of Omaha, Cigna Medicare Supplement Solutions, Equitable Life & Casualty, Heartland National, Combined Insurance of America, and Sentinel Security Life.

The senior insurance market is exploding and selling Medicare supplements by phone will help you use technology to your advantage to reach prospects virtually anywhere in the United States, from the comfort of your work space. For more tips on selling med supp by phone, please contact your marketer at 1-800-998-7715.

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Phoenix is now offering Remembrance Life, a whole life policy with some very unique riders helping your clients leave a lasting legacy for their loved ones. Phoenix Remembrance can protect those special moments in life; a child or grandchild’s birthday, graduation, going off to college or even your client’s retirement.

Precision Senior Marketing is proud to be an exclusive distributor offering top level direct contracts on the complete Phoenix portfolio.

Phoenix Remembrance Product Highlights:

• Whole Life insurance with Additional Income Coverage Rider (AICR)
• Coverage includes lump-sum and monthly income stream death benefits
• Total coverage amounts $10,000-$100,000 (base plus AICR)
• Issue Ages 30-80
• Simplified Issue Underwriting
• Included riders: Accidental Death, Terminal Illness and Critical Illness

The optional riders available for Phoenix Remembrance make the product unique and versatile.

These optional riders include*:
Legacy Rider – A way for clients to leave a lasting legacy, by sending a birthday present each year, of up to $500
Educational Benefit Rider – Up to $5,000, in four annual payments, for a client’s beneficiary to further their education
Income Term Rider – Helps provide income replacement protection in case of a premature death
Lifetime Income Rider – Designed to help your clients replace Social Security benefits or other income they may lose due to insured’s death

* Available at an additional premium. Age restrictions vary by rider.  For all riders, the named Rider Beneficiary must be alive to receive benefit payments. Rider benefits are only
available upon the death of the insured and will cease at the earlier of the death of the Rider Beneficiary or the term
stated in each rider.

These benefits are discussed in greater detail in the Phoenix Remembrance Quick Reference Guide and Product Summary.

To request information and get contracted on this new, innovative, product please click the “Request Information” link below or call your marketer at 800.998.7715.

Phoenix Remembrance Life (ICC12FEWL) is whole life insurance issued by PHL Variable Insurance Company (PHLVIC) (Hartford, CT). PHLVIC is not authorized to conduct business in Maine and New York. In Maine and New York, Phoenix Remembrance Life is issued by Phoenix Life Insurance Company (PLIC) (East Greenbush, NY). These insurers are separate entities and each is responsible only for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Members of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. The Phoenix Companies, Inc. and Precision are not affiliates. Payment guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. 38680 4/13

For agent use only. Not for use with the public as sales literature.

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Cigna Medicare Supplement Solutions / ARLIC Medicare Supplement is now available in Alabama, Iowa, New Mexico, Oklahoma and South Dakota with more states coming soon!

If you are not appointed to offer this competitive product, request information now.

Cigna is one of the biggest names in the insurance industry and is releasing a new Medicare Supplement in the following states: Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

The Cigna Medicare Supplement is insured by the American Retirement Life Insurance Company, with competitive rates nationwide.

When you become appointed with Cigna Supplement Benefits and take advantage of competitive rates, high commissions, online contracting, paperless application with no we signature required, clean cases are issued in 2-4 days, and daily advances available.

Approved States:

Alabama - Application (AL) / Outline of Coverage(AL)

Iowa - Application (IA) / Outline of Coverage (IA)

New Mexico - Application (NM) / Outline of Coverage (NM)

Oklahoma - Application (OK) / Outline of Coverage (OK)

South Dakota - Application (SD) / Outline of Coverage (SD)

All States:
ARLIC Declinable Drug List / ARLIC Agent Guide

Stay tuned for upcoming releases in CO, KY, LA, MS, MT, NE, NV, SC, WV & UT.

Take advantage of this tremendous opportunity and add the new ARLIC Medicare Supplement to your portfolio today.

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As the Presidential race draws to a close most people have chosen which candidate they are going to support next Tuesday in the election. One of the main topics this election season has been health care, with Medicare being a heated topic. The candidates differ from how much the government should be involved, to where the funding should come from, and in the case of Medicare, at what age beneficiaries should become eligible.

Here are a few key differences to consider about the future of Medicare and Medicaid based on each of the candidates’ platforms.

1. Medicare
1. Obama: Says that PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) has already made important changes for Medicare. Things like requiring basic Medicare to include basic preventive services to patients and reducing the size of the Medicare Part D doughnut hole. With his plan, the Medicare system would be structured the same way and begin at the same age that it does currently.
   
   
2. Romney: For retirees and near retirees, Medicare will be the same. However, in the future seniors will receive vouchers and have insurance options that provide coverage as least as good as today’s Medicare, with traditional Medicare as one of the options to choose from. Romney says, “Competition among plans to provide high quality service while charging low premiums will hold costs down while also improving the quality of coverage enjoyed by seniors.”
   
   
2. Medicaid
1. Obama: Under his plan, Medicaid would work the same way it does currently.
   
   
2. Romney: Says that he would replace the current funding for Medicaid with a “block grant” program providing every state with a set amount of funding that it could use as it wished. He says he would “limit federal standards and requirements.”

With only a few days left, most of us are excited and anxious to see what the outcome will be. For sports fans, that result might come a little bit sooner. Since the 1984 election, the winner of the Alabama-LSU game has coincided with the party who has won the election. With Alabama’s wins aligned with the Democratic Party and LSU with the Republican. Obviously, statistics are made to be broken, but it still adds another element of intensity to the SEC game this weekend and gives friends and family something to speculate about.

Hopefully you are having a productive and prosperous AEP so far. Remember that your marketer at PSM is available to answer any questions that arise and help you with any issues you encounter. Just give them a call at 1-800-998-7715.

Source: LifeHealthPro

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Websites can be overwhelming to business owners. Everything from choosing layouts, to creating content and keeping it updated takes time and considerable resources. However, even if you’re unable to commit the time or money to creating a comprehensive website at this point in your business, a landing page is a good option. Your landing page serves as your online business card and can be as simple as one page with your contact information, a short introduction to your business, and a contact request form. This is a quick and effective way to establish your web presence and legitimize your business.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are creating your landing page:

1. Have a Strong Call-to-Action: What do you want your prospects to do when they reach your website? Do you want them to call you for more information? Submit their information via an online form? Join your educational mailing list? Whatever it is you want from your visitor, make sure it is obvious.
   
   
2. Include Credibility Indicators: Request a few testimonials from your happy clients to post on your landing page. Seeing that other people are happy with your service will help those on the fence about working with you make the decision to move forward.
   
   
3. Keep it clean and simple: You don’t want your landing page to become too busy, crowded or hard to read. Eliminate all of the unnecessary information; break down content to small, easy-to-read paragraphs, and use bullets to highlight the most important points.
   
   
4. Use video: Use your landing page to introduce yourself to your prospects and talk about your products. You can also use video for an educational opportunity to help prospects make a more informed decision on which product would work best for them.
   
   
5. Measure effectiveness: Once your page is live be sure to check your analytics and click rates. You may see cause to change your layout or verbiage. Experiment until you see the results you are looking for.

With a landing page you still choose a domain name, but the size of the website is much smaller. It can be created easily via several template site options, and is easy to maintain yourself periodically. For more information on setting up your landing page and advice on the best information to include, contact your PSM marketer at 1-800-998-7715.

Source: Senior Market Advisor

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Only the weekend stands between us and the Annual Election Period which begins Monday, October 15th. Hopefully you've been spending the last few weeks taking your certifications, getting your resources together and finalizing on your business plan so you’re ready to go. If not, there's still some time left to capitalize on the busiest season in our market but you need to begin now. It is nearly the final hour; don't be left behind this AEP.

Here are a few final reminders of things to complete as soon as possible to have the most effective season.

• PSM has put together a Medicare Advantage/PDP certification page to help you quickly and efficiently certify for all of your Medicare Advantage products. It has detailed instructions for certifying with Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Coventry, Universal Healthcare, Universal American, Florida Healthcare Plus, and HealthPlus of Michigan products.
  
  
• • Be advised of all of the rate increases that have taken place over the last few months and make sure you are aware of the most competitive products in your area. PSM has Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Final Expense, and Hospital Indemnity products available to help you complete your portfolio. Having a variety of products will help you create a complete plan of coverage for your senior clients.
  
  
• If you are taking advantage of our Smart D in-store pharmacy opportunity, go to your location and meet the pharmacist you will be working with. They can give you insight as to what times are busiest and what kind of traffic you can expect at your location. Also, be sure to get all of your materials together. Business card templates are available through your agent portal as well as other materials to help set up your information table.
  
  
• Check the 2013 CMS Marketing Guidelines and be sure your marketing efforts are compliant.

PSM is dedicated to offering our agents support this AEP. If you have any last minute questions or concerns please be sure to contact your marketer at 1-800-998-7715.

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