Humana |  U.S. News and World Report names Humana 2023 Best Overall Medicare Advantage Plan Company

Humana | U.S. News and World Report names Humana 2023 Best Overall Medicare Advantage Plan Company

Humana | U.S. News and World Report names Humana 2023 Best Overall Medicare Advantage Plan Company
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Humana recognized as the industry leader for Medicare Advantage plans overall, member experience, and low-premium plan availability

Humana recently received recognition as U.S. News & World Report’s Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage in three categories for 2023.

U.S. News analyzed data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to populate its comparison tool and identify the best companies nationwide and in each state.

At the national level, Humana rose to the top in the following categories for its 2023 offerings and performance in the CMS Star ratings: 

  • Best company for Medicare Advantage plan overall rating
  • Best company for member experience
  • Best company for low-premium plan availability
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Wellcare | Weekly News

Wellcare | Weekly News

Wellcare | Weekly News
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With AEP in full swing, we want to continue to provide you with some important information that will help you throughout AEP and beyond.

This Weekly News communication will provide information on the following topics:

  • Broker Portal Application Upload – Uploading applications within Centene Workbench
  • VBE/HRA Reminders – Increased admin payment opportunities, important tips and reminders
  • Ascend Enhancements – Medicaid and Medicare verification available in Ascend
  • Wellcare Highlighted Plans – Plans that appeal to the broader Medicare population
  • Legacy Wellcare ID Cards – Re-carding for members enrolled in Legacy Wellcare plan
  • Vendor Benefit Cards – Timeline of mailing of supplemental benefit card issuance
  • Request For Information (RFI) – Resolving incomplete enrollments

Uploading Applications into Centene Workbench – New!

We’re excited to inform you that Centene Workbench has recently been updated to provide functionality that allows you to upload electronic versions of enrollment applications on the majority of health plans offered through Centene Corporation (exceptions apply).

Please review the Centene Workbench Upload Application Guide to learn more about how to submit your enrollment applications.

Please Note: Applications can take 1-2 hours from upload to confirmation of receipt. Please check back frequently to confirm your submitted applications reflect an Application Received status in Centene Workbench.

VBE/HRA Reminders – 2023 Annual Enrollment Period

Wellcare has recently INCREASED the payment incentive on 2023 AEP Value Based Enrollments (VBE) for Health Risk Assessment (HRA) completions though Ascend or Sunfire:

  • $225 administrative payment for eligible D-SNP/C-SNP enrollments.
  • $75 administrative payment for eligible MA/MAPD enrollments.

Below are some key reminders to take note of when completing VBE/HRAs.

  • If completing an application outside of Ascend, Sunfire, or you cannot capture a VBE directly after enrollment, you can utilize the PY2023 Enrollments Standalone VBE Link.
  • Please remember that in order to receive payment/credit, you must fully complete the HRA by clicking Submit which will be followed by an HRA confirmation number.

Resources

Please review the prior communication for further details so you can take advantage of this exciting opportunity by completing your VBE/HRA in Ascend and Sunfire today!

Ascend Medicaid and Medicare Eligibility Checks

Enhancements have been made within Ascend to Medicaid and Medicare verifications!

Medicaid Verification

Ascend has enhanced the Medicaid search functionality to better assist you in confirming Medicaid eligibility, MSP levels (e.g., QMB, SLMB, etc.) and identify which D-SNP your member is qualified to enroll.

  • Reminder: Michigan, Oregon, and Washington are not currently integrated within the Medicaid search feature in Ascend at this time.

Medicare Verification

Enhancements have been made to the Benefit Eligibility Query (BEQ) to confirm Medicare eligibility. Some of the updates made include verifying the plan the member is currently enrolled in, the last time a SEP was used, etc.

  • Reminder: You can check LIS values in all states!

Utilize the enhanced BEQ feature to verify Medicare Eligibility today!

Note: You must be logged in as an agent to utilize these features under the “Extra Help” screen prior to comparing plans.

care Key Highlighted Plans

Wellcare continues to offer plans in 36 states that meet the needs of a variety of beneficiaries with competitive benefits:

  • Value-conscious shoppers may look for $0 or low-premium plans.
  • Those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid can choose a D-SNP plan, many with a Healthy Foods Card and $0 Prescription drugs.
  • Plans have been specifically designed to work with those who receive the Low-Income Subsidy, those with certain Chronic conditions, and those who would like to receive some or all of the Medicare Part B premium in their Social Security check.
  • Veterans or others who may get their Prescription drugs covered by another source and may benefit from our MA only plans.
  • HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, and PFFS plans allow members to choose a network type based on their needs.
  • Stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) are available for those who choose to stay with Original Medicare but want to lower their drug costs.

You can learn more about these plans by viewing the Portfolios at a Glance site, under Plan Details to see the highlighted plans with key benefits by market.

Legacy Wellcare Member ID Cards Issuance

All members enrolled in Legacy Wellcare health plans will receive a new member ID card this year. The new ID cards will omit the ID card year, allowing the new card to be used year over year for members continuing with their health plan.

Mailing of the ID cards will begin mid-November and is targeted to be completed by mid-December, so members have their new card in hand by January 1st.

Vendor Benefit Cards Issuance – Flex Benefits, OTC Items, Healthy Foods

Wellcare continues to provide additional supplemental benefits that are helpful to members in their healthcare journey. Members enrolled in select plans may have access to additional benefits that help pay for items that are important to them. These include flex benefits for Dental, Vision, and Hearing, Over Counter items, and a Healthy Foods benefit offered on D-SNPs.

The below table provides a timeline of when vendor benefit cards will be issued for receipt by members eligible for the benefit(s).

 

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Request For Information (RFI)

Request for Information (RFI) status occurs when a submitted application is either incomplete or contains incorrect information. To avoid processing delays or application denial, please ensure you provide accurate and complete information.

You will be informed through email and text message if you have applications in RFI status. Please be on the lookout for these notifications and act promptly to resolve them. Important: RFIs must be resolved within 21 days of application receipt from the member, or the application will be denied.

The RFI Resource Page contains further instructions on how to resolve RFIs.

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Aetna | Earn Special Perks and Rewards for 2023

Aetna | Earn Special Perks and Rewards for 2023

Aetna | Earn Special Perks and Rewards for 2023
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Stay in the Know

What you need to Know in Medicare this Week

We want to help boost your sales

We’ve got a deal for you this Annual Enrollment Period! We’ll help cover the cost of marketing materials if you achieve “net positive” enrollment – meaning your total sales exceed your total lapses. And you can also earn credits for marketing materials in the Studio. Get started today!

Be a Front Runner and earn rewards!

The more you sell, the more you get. Earn points for each sale you make and receive valuable rewards, such as:

  • Free 2024 Aetna Individual Medicare certification (a $175 value)
  • Discounts on online purchases from Staples™
  • Signage announcing your status
  • Discounts on purchases made through Aetna’s Medicare Marketing Studio
  • A discounted rate on Kaplan Insurance continuing education courses online for one year

We’re here to help

If there is any way we can help during this AEP, please contact your local Aetna Medicare Broker Manager, your Aetna Medicare Sales Director, or Aetna Medicare Broker Services for assistance.

Prior to engaging in the sale of Aetna Medicare products, producers must be ready to sell, which means certified, contracted, licensed in the applicable states, and appointed by Aetna in accordance with state law. As permitted in certain states, Aetna will order appointments after the first sale. This communication is intended for use by brokers only and is not intended for distribution to Medicare beneficiaries. Any publication or distribution of this communication to unauthorized recipients without Aetna’s approval is prohibited.

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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Global Atlantic | OfferYour Clients Guaranteed Lifetime Income From Day One

Global Atlantic | OfferYour Clients Guaranteed Lifetime Income From Day One

Global Atlantic | OfferYour Clients Guaranteed Lifetime Income From Day One
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Your clients have saved their whole life for retirement. But persistent market instability and record-breaking inflation can be concerning if they’re planning on using their savings for retirement income. Now may be a good time to review their portfolio.

From day one, Income 150+ SE fixed index annuity offers your clients guaranteed income growth that’ll continue for the rest of their lives. Better yet, Income 150+ SE includes the Income Enhancement Benefit1 for additional income growth benefits available for qualifying healthcare needs.

For more information on Income 150+ SE fixed index annuity, contact us at (833) ASK-GA4U or (833) 275-4248 or visit us at www.globalatlantic.com/professionals.

1 The Income Enhancement Benefit is included at no additional cost and provides 2x the Lifetime Annual Payment for up to five years. The rider must be in force for one year before the benefit can be exercised and can be exercised one time only per contract. The Contract Value must exceed the greater of a) the Minimum Contract Value; and b)the doubled LAP at the time of activation and on each Contract Anniversary in order to exercise/continue the benefit or else it will be terminated. You must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the rider in order to exercise the benefit, including a 90 day elimination period, certification and recertification of inability to perform two or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for at least 90 consecutive days. ADLs include: Bathing, Continence, Dressing, Eating, Toileting, Transferring. Once a benefit period ends, a new benefit period is no longer available.

The Income Enhancement Benefit is not long-term care insurance and is not intended to replace such coverage. It is referred to as the Annual Payment Accelerator Rider in the contract. Maximum issue age is 75. Not available in California.

Rider must be in force for one year before benefit can be exercised. The Contract Value must exceed the greater of a)the Minimum Contract Value; and b)the doubled LAP at the time of activation on each Contract Anniversary in order to exercise/continue the benefit or else it will be terminated. You must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in the rider in order to exercise the benefit, including a 90 day elimination period, certification and recertification of inability to perform two or more ADLs. Receipt of proof as identified in the waiver riders attached to the annuity contract is required in order to qualify for these benefits.

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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Aetna | Earn Special Perks and Rewards for 2023

Aetna | Newsweek Ranks Aetna High in Customer Service

Aetna | Newsweek Ranks Aetna High in Customer Service
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Enrollment has never been so fun – Aetna plans and benefits offer new members ways to manage health conditions in 2023

Your source for Aetna Medicare broker news and information

Veteran’s Day is today, November 11 – Remember to say, “thanks for your service”

Aetna offers a health plan with veterans in mind

Be sure to review with prospects who served in the military the Aetna Medicare Eagle™ plan. Available in 41 states, the MA-only plan is designed with veterans in mind and complements the coverage veterans may already receive through their VA Medical.

New and noteworthy

Newsweek ranks Aetna as one of the leading companies in customer satisfaction

Newsweek recently released the ranking of America’s Best Customer Service 2022. We are so pleased to share that Aetna was ranked third in health insurance customer service behind AARP and Health Net. This is a testament to our commitment to our members.

NEW for 2023! Apple Fitness+ access 

Beginning in January, Aetna Medicare Advantage members can access Apple Fitness+ at no additional cost through their SilverSneakers fitness benefit. Aetna is the first carrier to offer this program to its Medicare members. Learn more.

$200 Member incentive for rewarding healthy behaviors

Our national rewards program, Your Healthy Rewards, is offering members an incentive of up to $200 redeemable for gift cards, by completing eligible health activities in 2023. Get the details on the MA/MAPD program and the D-SNP program.

New and existing members will start receiving their 2023 member ID cards in the mail – Look for the QR code on the back of the card

Starting November 8, new member ID cards for 2023 will start to mail to new and existing Aetna Medicare members. These cards have a special QR code on the back. When the QR code is scanned, it goes to a plan-specific landing page on Aetnamedicare.com. The landing page includes a 5-minute video that educates members about the plan, plus it links them to plan materials like the Summary of Benefits, Evidence of Coverage, Formulary, Annual Notice of Change, and more. An educational insert will mail with the ID cards that walks the member through how to use a QR code. This can also help answer questions about privacy concerns using QR codes. Learn more.

In 2023, select plans* will offer a new Extra Benefits Card to members who qualify

Starting in 2023, some Aetna Medicare plans will offer an Extra Benefits Card at no added cost. It can be used toward certain categories of items and services depending on the plan, including food, over-the-counter items, utilities and/or transportation. Click here to find out if this plan is available to your members.

*Excludes PDP members, as well as FIDE D-SNP, QNXT D-SNP members, and H4982-016 (CA) members

Sales info

Fuel your sales on us

We’re excited to announce a new program this Annual Enrollment Period! All you need to do is achieve “net positive” enrollment – meaning your total sales need to exceed your total lapses – and you can earn reimbursement for marketing materials! Find out more, click here.

Be an Aetna Front Runner in 2023

If you sell any Aetna Medicare plans (MA/MAPD, D-SNP) or SilverScript PDP enrollments during the 2023 AEP, you can qualify to be a Front Runner. You’ll earn points for each eligible enrollment you sell. Learn how it works.

Now available: Download English digital enrollment kits with updated Star Ratings

The new English digital enrollment kits with updated Star Ratings are now available for download. Translated versions (Spanish/Chinese) will be available by mid-November.

You can earn a $110 administrative fee if your new D-SNP member completes the HRA

You can earn a $110 administration fee for completing a health risk assessment (HRA) with eligible D-SNP enrollments through the Think Agent tool for 2023 AEP. This is available for field sales agents only. You can also earn a $70 administration fee for completing the HRA with MA/MAPD enrollments. Click here to get the facts.

How to verify your ready-to-sell (RTS) status

Be sure to actively verify your RTS status prior to selling in each state where you conduct business. Learn more.

Marketing

Create your own personal URL and customize your profile using Think Agent

Think Agent, Aetna’s electronic enrollment tool, now has the capability for you to create your own personal URL. This gives prospects another way to shop for Aetna Medicare plans, and enroll online – and you’ll receive credit for the sale. Watch a 5-minute video on how to get started. And remember to update your profile by adding a professional photo, linking to your social media page, and keeping your contact information up-to-date.

Use Think Agent to record calls and enroll members

Think Agent is Aetna’s electronic enrollment app that offers an optimized enrollment experience for you and your clients. Think Agent’s Call Appointment & Recorded Enrollment (CARE) is a CMS-compliant tool you can use to:

  • Make outbound recorded calls and receive in-bound CARE calls
  • Record your telephone interactions with Medicare beneficiaries. 
  • Enroll prospects by phone through CARE. 

Go to the Think Agent tool and select “resources” to compliantly conduct an enrollment over the phone. Click here to learn more or watch a 5 min. video.

How retail marketing can expand your business

Want to grow your business? Get tips from the pros on how retail marketing can make it happen. Watch our video podcast series Successful Sales Solutions.

Compliance reminders

Reminder: Update all enrollment kits with 2023 Star Ratings

All 2023 enrollment kits are required to have the 2023 Star Ratings as of October 27. Be sure you removed the 2022 Star Ratings and added the 2023 Star Ratings. Plus, remember CMS requires you to review the 2023 Star rating document with beneficiaries when presenting Aetna MA/MAPD and SilverScript PDP plans.

Results of call monitoring indicate telesales agents often miss key topics

Aetna’s agent oversight team actively monitors telesales calls and finds that telesales agents often miss important information in their communications with clients. Review the top issues.

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

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