Aetna | Stay informed: Certify, Medicaid eligibility, new podcast, D-SNP training, & more.

Aetna | Stay informed: Certify, Medicaid eligibility, new podcast, D-SNP training, & more.
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Get certified to sell 2025 plans

Visit AetnaMedicareProducerCertification.com to complete 2025 producer certification for Aetna MA/MAPD and Silverscript PDP products. Remember, certification is an annual requirement to become ready to sell our Medicare products. See below for details.

Update: You can now check Medicaid eligibility in Think Agent for select states

The Medicaid eligibility look-up tool in Think Agent has been restored forCO, MI, NC, CA, KY, AR, WV, NV, SC, SD, AL, CT, FL, GA, KS, LA, MD, MO, MS, NY, OH, PA and TX. NJ and VA will be restored soon. Tip: To access the Medicaid eligibility tool, you may need to clear your browser’s cache.

New podcast: Cross-selling | Bringing in new business

Get tips to help your clients be satisfied in their plan and have coverage they need. Watch the podcast on cross-selling and see how you can reinforce member satisfaction and grow your business.

Watch and listen to the latest episode (7 minutes)

D-SNP University National Training | Virtual 

August 1st 12pm est

Learn about 2024 plan foundations, supplemental benefit details and hear from key vendor speakers. There’s no better time to sell D-SNP than now! 

Register today

Reach more customers with a PURL

Did you know you can create a personalized URL through Think Agent to add to marketing materials? Your clients can use this URL to shop for or enroll in Aetna Medicare plans — while keeping you as the agent of record. Create your PURL.

It’s time to get ready to sell for 2025 AEP

To be “ready to sell” Aetna Medicare and Silverscript PDP products, you need to complete annual certification, and be contracted, licensed, and appointed by Aetna in accordance with state law. Check out some helpful resources:

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today 1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881 support@pfsinsurance.com

Contact Us

Contact a Pinnacle Financial Service representative today for assistance.

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Anthem | FTC Amended Telemarketing Sales RuleAnthem

Anthem | FTC Amended Telemarketing Sales RuleAnthem

Anthem | FTC Amended Telemarketing Sales RuleAnthem
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New Telemarketing Sales Rule Requirements

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has amended the Telemarketing Sales Rule to impose some additional record-keeping and prior-express-written consent requirements.

Here is a quick walkthrough of some of the primary new legal requirements for telemarketing:

  1. Telemarketing records must be retained for 5 years, including vendor contracts, scripts, and promotional materials (Sections 310.5(a)(1) and 310.5(a)(9)).
  2. Consent records for sales calls must encompass name, phone number, a copy of the consent request in the same format it was given to the consumer, the purpose/scope of the request, a copy of the consent provided, and the date consent was given.
  3. For sales calls that require prior express written consent, the consent will need to identify the specific seller(s) for whom consent is being given by their legal name, as well as brand names if needed to ensure the consumer is aware of which entity they are giving consent to. For calls on behalf of Elevance Health-affiliated plans or advertising one of our plans, the consent request should name Elevance Health Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the specific local affiliate brand and its legal name whose plans are being marketed.
  4. As of October 15, 2024, telemarketers are required to preserve call detail records for sales calls. The call detail records must include all of the items set out in Section 310.5(a)(2).

We thank you in advance for acquainting yourself with these requirements. Please share this information with your internal teams as needed. The FTC’s explanation of the changes and full amended rule can be found here: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-16/pdf/2024-07180.pdf.

IMPORTANT REMINDER Agencies that sell Medicare Advantage plans should already be keeping selling and marketing materials, scripts, and tapes for 10 years and should continue to do so per CMS regulations as summarized here: agent-broker-marketing-faqs-10-19-2022.pdf (cms.gov).

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today 1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881 support@pfsinsurance.com

Contact Us

Contact a Pinnacle Financial Service representative today for assistance.

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IBX | Dental Portfolio, Platform Transition Updates and Reminders, Copay Card Update, Medicare Business, NABIP Webcast

IBX | Dental Portfolio, Platform Transition Updates and Reminders, Copay Card Update, Medicare Business, NABIP Webcast

IBX | Dental Portfolio, Platform Transition Updates and Reminders, Copay Card Update, Medicare Business, NABIP Webcast
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FULLY INSURED GROUPS

New Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Dental available July 1

We are excited to announce the launch of our new dental portfolio and network, available to all fully insured group businesses.
FULL ARTICLE

PLATFORM TRANSITION

Updates and reminders for July renewals

As you prepare your July renewals to transition to our enhanced operating platform, please review these helpful updates and reminders.
FULL ARTICLE

Updates and reminders for August renewals

As you prepare your August renewals to transition to our enhanced operating platform, please review these helpful updates and reminders.
FULL ARTICLE

Temporary member ID cards for clients transitioning in July

For clients renewing in July, IBX will mail temporary ID cards to all members that will enable uninterrupted access to care for all members.
FULL ARTICLE

Sign up for our Platform Transition Training for Producers

To help ease the transition of migrating customers and answer questions around what to expect, we’ll be hosting a Platform Transition Training for Producers on the IBX Experience Series for Client Advisors. This training will air Thursday, June 27, at 10 a.m.
REGISTER

FULLY INSURED BUSINESS | RX

Enhanced Copay Card program issue and correction

We were recently informed of a coding issue related to the Enhanced Copay Card program. This issue has been resolved, and mailed outreach is occurring to impacted membership.
FULL ARTICLE

Enhanced Copay Card program issue and correction

June updates: Broker Kickoff, retail opportunity, webinar

Please review these important updates regarding our 2025 AEP Medicare Broker Kickoff, ShopRite retail opportunity, and Patina and Agent Methods webcast.
FULL ARTICLE

ALL SEGMENTS

Reminder: Join us for our live NABIP webcast event

On June 26 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., IBX will host a virtual event for NABIP to discuss the improvements and strategies of cost management in today’s health care market.
FULL ARTICLE

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today 1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881 support@pfsinsurance.com

Contact Us

Contact a Pinnacle Financial Service representative today for assistance.

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Aetna | Essential updates to keep you on track

Aetna | Essential updates to keep you on track

Aetna | Essential updates to keep you on track
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The 2025 Individual Medicare producer certification for MA/MAPD & PDP launches on Thursday, June 27. Plan to visit AetnaMedicareProducerCertification.com starting on June 27. Learn more.

Get tips on talking to clients about dental, vision & hearing benefits

Reminder: HRA fees ended June 1

Due to changing industry dynamics, we no longer offer administrative fee payments for completing the health risk assessment (HRA) survey with your clients. This change applies for all enrollments (MA, MAPD, D-SNP) submitted on and after June 1, 2024, for effective dates of July 1, 2024, and beyond. 

  • The HRA option no longer appears in any digital enrollment tools, including Think Agent, as of June 1.

Listen and learn! New podcast episodes

On Successful Sales Solutions, we speak to thought leaders and subject matter experts about the latest trends, selling strategies, and other info to help you take your business to the next level. Get started with this episode:

Watch now: High-Value Providers episode.

Self-service tools on Producer World

Did you knowProducer World offers a number of self-service tools you can use to help your clients? For example, you can assist members with ordering ID cards and even submit inquiries to Member Services on a member’s behalf. Other time-saving options are also available.

Check out the options.

Year-round training opportunities: Sharpen your skills

Want to take your business to the next level? We offer a variety of locally tailored broker training events throughout the year on topics designed to help you grow. 

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today 1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

1 (800) 772-6881 support@pfsinsurance.com

Contact Us

Contact a Pinnacle Financial Service representative today for assistance.

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Sentinel Security Life | MYGA Rate Change Update, Key Tips for the E-App, and More!

Sentinel Security Life | MYGA Rate Change Update, Key Tips for the E-App, and More!

Sentinel Security Life | MYGA Rate Change Update, Key Tips for the E-App, and More!
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In This Week’s Newsletter:

  • MYGA Rate Change Update
  • Key Tips for the New Vantage E-App
  • 2025 Success Summit
  • Best Interest Adoptions
  • Holiday Office Hours
  • Updated Product Forms

Your most valuable resources are a click away!

Access our Marketer and Agent Resources Document below to quickly view rate sheets, E-App user guides, Agent Portal tips, and more.

    Rate Change for Multiple MYGA Durations Effective June 21st, 2024

    Effective Friday, June 21st, 2024, Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company (“Sentinel”) will decrease the 5-, 7-, and 10-year Personal Choice Annuity rates by 20 basis points in all states. This adjustment aligns with the current rate environment.

    With a 3-year duration rate of 5.90% in most states, one of the leading rates in the market, and a 5-year duration rate of 5.55% available in most states, Sentinel’s MYGA rates continue to be a competitive option.1 

    Please see the following important dates regarding these rate changes.  

    • Applications must be signed before or on June 20th, 2024, to receive the current crediting rates.  
    • Any application signed on or after June 21st, 2024, will receive the new crediting rates.   
    • Applications signed before or on June 20th, 2024, must be received in the Home Office by June 21st, 2024, to receive the current crediting rates. We will accept faxed or emailed applications on June 21st, 2024.   
    • The 45-day rate lock ends on August 5th, 2024. All transfers and exchanges for an application signed on June 20th, 2024, or earlier, must be fully completed with the initial premium received in the Home Office by August 5th, 2024, to receive the current crediting rates.   
    • Please note that updated materials reflecting these new rates in most states will be available on the Agent Portal beginning June 21st, 2024

    Rate decreases vary by duration and state. Please reference the Annuity Rate Sheet effective June 21, 2024, before speaking with clients about these rates. 

      Key Tips to Revolutionize Your Business with the New Vantage E-App!

      The New Vantage E-App is designed to streamline your operations, revolutionize your workflow, and enhance the client onboarding experience. Utilize the E-App found on the Agent Portal today! Take advantage of the E-App’s cutting-edge features to stay ahead in the industry!

      Key Tips for Mastering the New Vantage E-App!

      Instant Signatures Encourage clients to sign on the spot using E-Signature or Telephone Signature for in-person meetings.

      Remote Flexibility Offer clients remote signing through email E-Signature or by calling our toll-free number, 877-888-0352.

      Rapid Decisions Leverage point-of-sale technology for quick underwriting decisions, often in minutes.

      Portal Access Regularly check the Agent Portal for underwriting status. Contact Underwriting if status shows “pending – underwriting review.”

      Valid Emails Ensure the client’s email address is valid when using E-Signature to avoid delays.

      Flexible Signing Sign the E-App using E-Signature as an agent. Let applicants choose between E-Signature or Telephone Signature.

        The 2025 Success Summit

        The Success Summit presents an excellent opportunity for networking, exploration, and celebrating achievements. We hope you’ll be one of the top 5 IMOs or top 40 annuity agents to join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!2 Offering history, architecture, shopping, music, cuisine, landscapes, and more, Morocco has something for everyone! Check out the production requirements3 and what’s in store using the video link below!

          Best Interest Adoptions

          As of July 1, 2024, Indiana and Utah will adopt the latest Annuity Suitability and Best Interest Standards. In anticipation of this change, Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company (“Sentinel”) is preparing to implement new suitability procedures for agents doing business in Indiana and Utah. Please see the full set of requirements and details in the Annuity Suitability and Best Interest Standards Update, found HERE.

          Sentinel requires all agents to be informed of state specific licensing and suitability requirements in the state business is conducted.

          For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today 1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

          Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

          1 (800) 772-6881 support@pfsinsurance.com

          Contact Us

          Contact a Pinnacle Financial Service representative today for assistance.

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