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Unlocking Extra Earnings: Exclusive Opportunity for Pinnacle Agents

Unlocking Extra Earnings: Exclusive Opportunity for Pinnacle Agents

Unlocking Extra Earnings: Exclusive Opportunity for Pinnacle Agents
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By Serena Tippett, Regional Vice President at Pinnacle Financial Services

The fast-paced Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is behind us, offering agents at Pinnacle Financial Services the opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare for the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). At Pinnacle, we understand that success thrives on year-round opportunities. That’s why I’m thrilled to discuss an exclusive product designed to boost your earnings: Signify Health.

Introducing Signify Health

In today’s ever-changing market, diversifying your portfolio isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Signify Health is a unique program available exclusively to Pinnacle agents, providing in-home health evaluations for your clients. These evaluations ensure clients are staying healthy at home by checking vital signs, reviewing medications, and identifying safety risks. Best of all, you’ll earn an additional $50 for every completed visit you schedule.

Why Choose Signify?

Signify Health is more than an income opportunity—it’s a chance to elevate the level of service you provide to your clients. By incorporating Signify into your workflow, you can seamlessly integrate value-added health services that enrich your client relationships.

Here’s why it works:

  • Effortless Integration: Scheduling in-home visits through Signify’s portal is quick and easy.
  • Enhanced Client Retention: Offering additional services like health checks strengthens your role as a trusted adviser.
  • Supplemental Income: With $50 per appointment, it’s a simple way to add to your earnings while improving client care.

Expanding your offerings with Signify Health helps bridge the gap between traditional policies and the personalized care clients appreciate. This proactive approach builds trust and sets you apart as a comprehensive resource for your clients.

How Signify Works

Getting started with Signify Health is simple:

  1. Collect your client’s basic information (name, date of birth, and Medicare Beneficiary Identifier).
  2. Enter the details into the Signify portal to confirm eligibility.
  3. Schedule an in-home or telehealth visit at your client’s convenience.

Each health assessment takes about 30 minutes and includes vital checks, medication reviews, and a discussion about the client’s health and home environment. Your clients may even receive additional perks, such as gift cards, for their participation—making this a win-win for everyone.

Year-Round Earning Potential

What makes Signify Health truly stand out is its flexibility. Unlike other programs tied to enrollment periods, Signify is available year-round. This means you can maintain client engagement and sustain your business momentum, even during quieter sales cycles.

By leveraging this program, you’ll not only bolster your income but also reinforce your role as a trusted partner in your clients’ health and well-being.

Take the Next Step

At Pinnacle, we’re committed to providing agents like you with tools to succeed. I encourage you to explore the opportunities Signify Health offers. Dive into our webinars for a complete walkthrough of the Signify portal, or reach out to me for personalized guidance.

Let’s redefine service excellence together. Incorporate Signify Health into your practice today and unlock your earning potential while delivering unparalleled value to your clients.

Watch the full video on this webinar here: View on Youtube

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

Serena Tippett

Regional Vice President

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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2024 Medicare Certification

2024 Medicare Certification

2024 Medicare Certification
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Medicare products and regulations change yearly. As a result, new plans come on the market, and existing plans may enhance/change their structures. The best time to get started is ASAP, even if the next open enrollment period is months away.

Step One:

Complete AHIP or if you choose to instead the NABIP Certification. Most all carriers require AHIP and as a heads up, not all accept the NABIP Certification.

Below is a breakdown of the two:

AHIP:

AHIP stands for American Health Insurance Plans and was established in 2003 through a merger of the Health Insurance Association of America and the American Association of Health Plans. AHIP offers Medicare training that is accepted by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and nationally by all Medicare insurance carriers.

NABIP:

NABIP stands for National Association of Business Insurance Professionals and is a non-profit professional association that was established in 1930. NAHU has chapters all over the country that are organized to promote common business interests to those who are engaged in the sale of health insurance products and services. 2 years ago, NABIP launched its own version of AHIP’s Medicare training to compete with the other organization.

(NOTE NOT ALL CARRIERS WILL ACCEPT THIS)

Make sure you save a PDF of the completion certificate for either Certification as you may need that document when completing Carrier Certifications next. Some may have shown up as an option to transmit the results, but some may not be equipped for that.

Step Two:

Each carrier requires you to do training with them now to become certified to sell for the next year. Even if you are not actively selling you will need to remain appointed to keep your renewals. Some carriers may give out product details and others may not, but all will require you to go through some basic compliance reminders. So, you know the testing requirements are because Medicare Advantage is regulated by the government. Agents/brokers must be licensed in the State in which they do business, annually complete training and pass a test on their knowledge of Medicare and health and prescription drug plans, and follow all Medicare marketing rules

Step Three:

Attend a kickoff. Whether you are attending your FMO kickoff or individual carrier meetings these can be a great opportunity to ask questions, engage with your broker managers, and deep dive into the products. This is not “required” but I would recommend it. You may hear questions being asked that you didn’t think of. Being clear on the products to avoid any confusion during open enrollment is a smart step in preparation.

 Let Pinnacle help you navigate this!

Go here for the AHIP Discount takes $50 off! You can also contract with the carriers and view their first looks:

Pinnacle Annual Enrollment Period Medicare Toolkit

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Serena Tippett

Serena Tippett

Regional Vice President

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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Six Figure Income with Medicare

Six Figure Income with Medicare

Six Figure Income with Medicare
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In today’s blog, we delve into the world of Medicare sales and how it can pave the way to a six-figure income. If you’re an insurance agent or aspiring to become one, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll provide you with valuable insights, tips, and strategies to help you transform your career by selling Medicare insurance products.

Demography studies the human population and is used to help form budgets around federal programs and forecast projections. The size of the population ages 25-54 affects the number of people employed but did you know the growth of the population aged 65 or older outpaces the growth of younger age groups?   BY 2023 ALL BABY BOOMERS WILL BE AGE 65 OR OLDER The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060! What better industry to be in than Medicare? Talk about supply and demand!

Medicare selling can be both a rewarding business and one that keeps you financially stable.  Whether you are selling Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, or all the above there is an immense need for our senior population to get guidance on the complexity of their Medicare options.  Commissions on advantage plans and part d plans are standardized by the government.  Commissions on the supplement side can vary slightly by the carrier.

Below is a chart to show you the current Medicare Advantage commission amounts which can vary slightly by state.

The number of potential enrollees is increasing, and the commission pays well so of course you can be making a 6-figure income! Below are some guidelines of best practices to maximize your new sales and retention.

  1. Everyone you talk to is a prospect, always save their information. They may not want to change plans now but keep in touch as they may in the future!
  2. Build and maintain an active website. Did you know that Pinnacle will build a website for our agents at no charge!? Keeping this active and making sure your SEO game is strong will mean you come up in their Google searches.
  3. Social Media Presence, Facebook is huge in the 65 and old demographic, are you on there?
  4. Networking is very important in building your exposure. The more people who know you in the community the more likely they may be an actual sale if not refer you to someone in need. Join your local chamber, volunteer at your local senior center, or sponsor a bingo, these are just a few ways to branch out.
  5. When closing a meeting even if no sale occurs make sure you ask for referrals, “Thank you for meeting with me today I appreciate your time and if in passing you can mention me to friends & family in need please do.”
  6. Do you know your local broker managers? If not get to know them well. They often have events that may need staffing or lead opportunities, again networking!
  7. Before AEP make sure you are reaching out to all your current clients and any prospects you have saved. Whether you host a breakfast reviewing all the plan changes, send out a mailing, or call you to want to touch base. Offer to review their current plan and the changes coming. Also, make sure after 1/1 you are calling them again as a service call. You are calling to make sure they have their ID card and understand their new plan year benefits. Retention is huge, you want to make new sales and keep them on the books.
  8. Consider lead Depending on your style and preference you may want to think about doing a mailing, buying phone leads, retail marketing, or conducting a turning 65 dinner seminar. Pinnacle can support all these avenues as your FMO.

TODAY IS ALWAYS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE DAY OF YOUR WEEK.

This is quite a bit to review and understand so why not reach out to us to help you?

See why so many agents are choosing to partner with Pinnacle Financial Services to grow their Medicare Business. Click here to get started

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Serena Tippett

Serena Tippett

Regional Vice President

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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All About Medicare OEP

All About Medicare OEP

All About Medicare OEP
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A lot of acronyms in this industry, ya you know it.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)-This time frame runs from January 1-March 31rst each year but is specific to Medicare Advantage ONLY. If someone is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, they have a couple of options. This was added back in 2019 and replaced the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment period which used to run from January 1st – February 14th.

  1. Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan
  2. Switch to Original Medicare (and join a stand-alone drug plan)

They can only use this election period ONCE during the time frame so when making a change make sure it is the right one. The change will take effect the first of the month following the request.

What’s the difference between the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?

Besides sounding alike AEP occurs in the fall October 15th – December 7th, with the coverage effective date beginning January 1st. AEP is open to anyone eligible for Medicare, and the last application is the one that applies. Applicants can change their minds many times with the last application before December 7th being the one to take effect.

Remember OEP is only available to those ALREADY in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1rst, and only allows a ONE TIME CHANGE there is no last application in the policy. Applicants Can NOT switch from Original Medicare to an Advantage plan because remember they must already be on an Advantage plan. They can NOT join a standalone drug plan if only enrolled in original Medicare since again they are NOT on an advantage plan already. Getting the gist now?

 How can I market during OEP?

This time frame is a little more restrictive, hard to believe anything can be more restrictive right!?

This is a time frame where beneficiaries who are unhappy with the plan, they chose during AEP get a one-time oops let me make another choice. Remember it is not a free market.

Agents Can:

Provide OEP information upon a beneficiary request. Market to those turning 65 and LIS beneficiaries, focusing on other enrollment periods essentially. Follow up with your book of business to check in and make sure they are happy with no issues.

Agents Can NOT:

Target Medicare Advantage Enrollees knowingly, don’t run an ad like this, “Hate your plan call me.”

Contact any enrollees who chose a new plan during AEP (that would be targeting as mentioned above)

My best advice would be to use the OEP as a time to help any client that may realize they picked the wrong plan or made a mistake but continue focusing on those Turning 65 and the LIS beneficiaries. The OEP is a nice to have election period when needed but is meant to be just that WHEN needed.

This is quite a bit to review and understand so why not reach out to us to help you?

Work with one of the best Medicare FMOs in the business! Click here to get started

To sign up with Pinnacle complete the easy contracting form today:

https://pfsinsurance.com/spot-sb

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Serena Tippett

Serena Tippett

Regional Vice President

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.

CallEmail

Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut

Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut

Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut
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So, we all know the rules, right? You cannot say anything is the BEST that would be using a superlative! Not many changes this year so limited plan disruption with all the carriers staying pretty strong. It is a tit-for-tat in comparing and adding benefits to determine what is a good fit. Also, keep in mind network differences with some clients needing a PPO and others just fine with an HMO.

However, let’s break down the Medicare Advantage Plans in CT to help you guide clients.

HMOs: Requires you to stay in a network and only covered when out of network in an emergency situation.

PPOs: You can receive care from any provider in or out of the network BUT you will pay less when staying in the network. Out-of-network providers have to agree to treat you and must be opted into Medicare.

DSNP: You can have BOTH Medicare and Medicaid

MAPD Plans in CT

(These are popular plans not ALL available plans/carriers)

Carrier Lead Plan Premium Deductible Network PCP Specialist Inpatient Outpatient Lab Rx
Aetna Essential Elite $0 $1,000 PPO $0 $40 *$175 days 1-5 *$65-$295 $0 $0 Ded
Anthem Access Select $0 $0 INN
$750 OON only
PPO $5 $45 $325 days 1-6 $325 copay $15 *95 T3-5
Carepartners Access PPO $0 $1,000 PPO
Limited in network providers
$0 $45 *$795 per stay *$200-$300 $0 $0 Ded
Connecticare Choice 3 $0 $195 HMO $0 $45 *$490 days 1-3 *$300-$395 $0-$15 $0 Ded
UHC Choice Flex $0 $0 PPO $0 $45 $395days 1-5 $295-$395 $0 $0 Ded

Note all benefits run on a calendar year

*Deductible Applies

INN=In network

OON=Out of network

Ancillary Benefits

Carrier Lead Plan Hearing Aids Dental Vision Fitness OTC
Aetna Essential Elite $0-$1799 copay Nations Hearing $1000 (100% anywhere) $250 Reimbursement Silver Sneakers $75 per Quarter
Anthem Access Select $1000 max $750 allowance $125 allowance Silver Sneakers $35 per Quarter
Carepartners Access PPO Copays $250-$1150 $1,000 allowance $150 allowance Silver Sneakers $65 per Quarter
Connecticare Choice 3 N/A Preventive included comprehensive must be purchased $500 allowance Silver Sneakers $75 per Quarter
UHC Choice Flex $175-$1225 copay $500 allowance (DVH Flex Card) $100 allowance Renew Active $40 per Quarter

This is not including the DSNP options for your clients as well as not representing EVERY MAPD plan in CT. Goes to show there is a lot out there to choose from and conducting a needs analysis with your clients is really the best first step. When the benefits are close in cost share it may boil down to the ancillary benefits

This is quite a bit to review and understand so why not reach out to us to help you!

Work with one of the best Medicare FMOs in the business! Click here to get started

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com

Serena Tippett

Serena Tippett

Regional Vice President

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.

CallEmail