Prescription Discount Drug Card

Prescription Discount Drug Card

Prescription Discount Drug Card
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Prescription discount drug cards were established and created to help patients with being able to afford their medications. Many patients get themselves enrolled in the prescription discount drug card when the co-pay for the prescriptions is high.

Not an Insurance Plan

Prescription Discount drug card are not insurance plans. Prescription discount drug programs are completely different than prescription drug insurance, which is very similar to medical insurance. Prescription discount drug programs will give the client a card that they present to the pharmacist for the discount. Most discount cards are available at no cost and offer savings to patients who may lack insurance for their brand or generic medication costs. When you go to the pharmacy to fill your prescription you present the discount card to the pharmacist. With that card, the pharmacy gives you a certain discount on the cost of the drug. That discount may vary from drug to drug, and brand verse generic medications.

Prescription Discount Drug Card and Part D

If you already have Medicare Part D you may qualify for some extra help like a discount card from the manufacturer of the prescription as an example to help cover some of the extra costs. There are so many different discount prescription drug programs out there, how do you choose which one to use?

Access to a discount drug card

With all the Discount Prescription drug programs out there what are the useful ones to use? Last summer we came across the best program hands down. With this program specifically, we have seen the most beneficial savings on prescriptions for clients. This discount prescription program specifically has a great opportunity for insurance agents to make an extra commission too. Agents can now offer a competitive alternative to GoodRx, SingleCare, Optum Perks, ScriptSave WellRx through GlicRx.

Glicrx prescription drug savings card

GlicRx provides online access to compare the discounts on prescriptions from all the major stores all at once in the same place.  For example; you can take one medication and compare the discount between Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and see which ones come in the cheapest out-of-pocket cost with the discount.

Get Authorized to offer GLICRx today

Contact your marketer for more details on GLICRx and how to become authorized to offer to your clients!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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

Director of Sales | Health

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

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

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2022 Medicare Lead Opportunities

2022 Medicare Lead Opportunities

2022 Medicare Lead Opportunities
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2022 Medicare lead opportunities have been heavily talked about in the insurance industry, especially after AEP. We are always looking for new opportunities to build our business. So let’s go over some of the lead programs we have here at Pinnacle.

Spotlight: 2022 Medicare Lead Opportunities: Virtual Sales Room

The Virtual Sales Room launched October, 15 2021, the very start of AEP. The VSR was a new approach to virtual leads and was a huge success. What is it exactly? The VSR is essentially a virtual “face-to-face” meeting with your client. Your clients will be expecting a live licensed agent to discuss all of their Medicare needs, with a click of a button you are in front of your client in seconds.

Pinnacle Financial Services – Leads & Marketing (pfsinsurance.com)

Seniors using technology:

As great as the VSR has been for us, some still have concerns about their 65+ clients and their abilities to be able to use this platform. However, a recent study from an AARP 2021 tech report found that seniors’ use of technology for personal health increased from 28% up to 40%.

Tech Usage Among Older Adults Skyrockets During Pandemic – April 21, 2021 (aarp.org)

2022 Medicare Lead Opportunities: Choosing the right lead

With all of the different types of leads available, how do you choose the right one? Whether Virtual, digital, seminar or direct mail leads, it can all seem so overwhelming when you’re trying to make the best decision for your business. So how do you pick?

The best practice is to know your strengths. Here at Pinnacle, we can help you build a custom lead program and give you all the training you need. This assures that you have better sales and ROI. Contact one of our Sales Directors to get more information.

Pinnacle Financial Services – Our Team – Sales Team

Where does Pinnacle Financial Services come in?

Pinnacle Financial Services is a full service “FMO” that offers you some of the best technology in the business, like our proprietary Connect4Medicare platform, top-notch support service, and personal sales and marketing from the very start. There are no sales quotas or commitments that you need to make to us as we just want to help you grow your business. This is a win-win opportunity for all of us, so what are you waiting for? Join us at the top!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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

Director of Sales | Health

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

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

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DSNP: Dual Special Needs Plans

DSNP: Dual Special Needs Plans

DSNP: Dual Special Needs Plans
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Here is another acronym to throw your way DSNP. This stands for Dual Special Needs Plan and is defined as Medicare Advantage plans which “Enroll individuals who are entitled to BOTH Medicare (title XVIII) and medical assistance from a state plan under Medicaid (Title XIX).” As a reminder Advantage plans will combine Medicare Part A (Hospital services), Medicare Part B (Medical health care), and Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) through a single plan. That is no different in a Dual Plan the only difference is who qualifies.

(Click here to learn more.)

To help differentiate below is an explanation of the two terms:

Medicare:

Federal Health Insurance Program for people 65 years of age or older, some people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (kidney failure).

Medicaid:

JOINT Federal AND State government program that helps with medical costs for certain people with limited incomes and resources. Medicaid coverage varies depending on the state and the type of Medicaid level. Each state decides what counts as income and resources as well as determines eligibility. While states can decide how to run their program they have to follow federal guidelines. Example: Some people with Medicaid get help paying for their Medicare premiums and others will get coverage for additional services and drugs not covered by Medicare.

When someone qualifies for both at the same time they are referred to as Dually Eligible.

Why sell a DSNP policy? Many reasons!

These plans typically offer additional coverage such as Dental care, Hearing exams, Vision exams as well as allowances toward eyewear and hearing aids. A big attraction is the Over Counter benefit (OTC). Many carriers provide catalogs to order OTC items with a monthly or quarterly allowance. These are items not covered under the drug plan such as vitamins or first aid supplies. Many carriers have added grocery benefits via meal delivery services or with a specific food card to use in-store. Transportation services to healthcare-related visits are also many times added into the advantage plans.

Besides the added benefits many carriers offer care management in an effort to keep their claims cost down by keeping members healthy. Some examples may be nurse/navigator outreach calls to coach in weight loss, diabetes prevention, hospital discharge instructions as well as making sure members are taking their medications as prescribed. I have even seen social workers help this population find assistance for heating oil as well as discounted durable medical equipment through community services. Many carriers will also have a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) tied to these plans. You can many times earn an additional payout by encouraging your clients to take these surveys which help the carrier identify where managed care may be needed. It is a benefit to your client to be healthy and have assistance and an additional income for you!

Medicaid is still in place and will pick up the left-over copays designated by the carriers. It is important members show both their DSNP ID card AND Medicaid card to their providers and pharmacy. These members will have little to NO out of pocket expense so enrolling in a DSNP policy will only provide them additional benefits and you a commission

Additional Selling Opportunity outside of Open Enrollment!

A benefit as a broker with working this population is they can make plan changes and enroll outside of open enrollment. This will allow you to sell year-round and not be as limited in your selling season. There is a specific Special Election Period (SEP) for those that receive any type of assistance from Medicaid in addition to Medicare. This SEP allows an individual to enroll in or disenroll from an MA/MAPD plan once per calendar quarter and can be used ONCE during each of the following periods:

  • January-March
  • April-June
  • July-September

No SEP is offered during the 4th quarter, however.

Working the DSNP Market

The most common and effective approach to reaching this market is via Grassroots marketing. Involve yourself in community events, soup kitchens, housing authorities, senior centers if you are lucky enough to get into one, and so on! As a benefit to working with Pinnacle, you have retail opportunities which would be a great way to grow your network, (click here to learn more).

Let us help you market and grow this segment!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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

Regional Vice President

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1 (800) 772-6881
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Social Media Marketing 2022

Social Media Marketing 2022

Social Media Marketing 2022
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The Covid-19 pandemic altered the way our society utilized social media marketing. Prior to 2020 social media was utilized for marketing, but not to the extent it is now. The restrictions state governments implemented on face-to-face interactions made social media marketing paramount to sales agent’s success moving forward.

What is Social Media Marketing?

Investopedia defines social media marketing as “the use of social media and social networks to market a company’s products and services. Social media marketing provides companies with a way to engage with existing customers and reach new ones while allowing them to promote their desired culture, mission, or tone.” Basically, social media marketing is a way to utilize online social networks to generate business.

Where do you use Social Media Marketing?

Whether you are an individual or a business, you have a robust amount of options at your disposal. The most prominent network over the past decade has of course been Facebook. Facebook has an immense amount of customizability that can accommodate just about any type of business you may have. If you do not have a Facebook business, you can check out a webinar I’ve done on how to do so Here! Of course, there are plenty of other platforms as well that work well, such as; LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube/Google Business to name a few.

How to use Social Media Marketing?

How to use social media marketing is a fairly debatable topic. Depending upon which platform you are using, this will change drastically. All of them have their pros and cons and I would recommend trying them all to see what works. Most sales agents will be utilizing multiple of these platforms to help build, what I like to call, their “Online Ecosystem.”

Where does Pinnacle Financial Services come in?

Pinnacle Financial Services is a full-service “FMO” that offers you some of the best technology in the business, like our proprietary Connect4Medicare platform, and can help you build your optimal online ecosystem. All it takes is to reach out to one of our sales directors and we can have you set up in as little as 24 hours. Don’t delay! Call us today!

Need Medicare leads? Learn about our many Social Media Lead opportunities!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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

National Director of Agent Training

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

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

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Contact a Pinnacle Financial Service representative today for assistance.

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Pinnacle’s Final Expense Quoting Software

Pinnacle’s Final Expense Quoting Software

Pinnacle’s Final Expense Quoting Software
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One of the biggest challenges that agents face when selling final expense is finding the best product to fit their client’s needs. Most of the insurance carriers have different requirements to qualify clients, so whether it’s a specific lookback period on a health issue or a special type of medication that your client is taking, it is your job to find the best plan. Navigating through the various underwriting criteria can be time-consuming, exhausting, and frustrating. Fortunately, Pinnacle Financial Services has a software tool that will find the right plan for your client in a matter of seconds!

What is Pinnacle’s Expense Quoting Software?

It is an all-in-one final expense quoting software that contains everything you need to know about your carriers and helps you sell the right product for your client. Some of the key features include:

  1. Underwriting Assistant

    • Medication Handling – Find the right plan based on the client’s medication and prescription history.
    • Health Conditions – Find the right plan based on the client’s specific health conditions
  2. Intuitive Quoting

    • Best Plan Pro handles the difference between ongoing treatment and maintenance treatment automatically per carrier and understands implied conditions and medications.
  3. Evaluate Multiple Carriers

    • Our program will automatically process all of your carriers simultaneously, so there’s no need to be an expert on the underwriting questions with every carrier.
  4. Accessibility

    • Available on all platforms including Windows, Mac, iPad, Tablets, Android, and iPhones

How Can I Get Pinnacle’s Final Expense Quoting Software?

The  Final Expense Quoting Software typically costs $60 per month for agents. Right now, if you contract with Pinnacle Financial Services, then agents can get access for a discounted rate or no charge!

Click Here to start your contracting with Pinnacle Financial Services today!

Where Can I Find More Information on Pinnacle Financial Services?

Pinnacle Financial Services offers direct contracts with dozens of insurance carriers in the senior market. Whether you are selling Final Expense, Annuities, or even Medicare, our seasoned sales directors can help you get started and guide you through the contracting process. Call Pinnacle today at 800-772-6881 or visit us online at www.pfsinsurance.com to get started!

Selling Final Expense? Need Leads? CLICK HERE!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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

Director of Sales | Life & Final Expense

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

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

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Social Security Planning 2022

Social Security Planning 2022

Social Security Planning 2022
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One thing that is always of importance to discuss with clients is Social Security Benefits. With Covid-19 and the Consumer Price Index increasing there are some new facts that need to be relayed to those receiving Social Security Benefits, and those who are approaching claiming them. The Most important to relay is that there was a Cost of Living Adjustment of 5.9% thus increasing those recipients’ benefits for 2022.

One thing to consider though is that the tax rate for Social Security and Medicare is 7.65%. The Social Security portion (OASDI) is 6.2% on earnings up to the limit of $147,000 of earnings, and the Medicare portion is 1.45% on all earnings. So, in essence, the Cost of living adjustment, although being increased, is still being potentially being consumed with the taxable portion for earnings. Just something to consider.

With that said the timing and when to claim Social Security Benefits is still one that is a personal one and ultimately based on a number of factors. Some to keep in mind: Your monthly benefit will be higher if you delay starting it, you may have a longer retirement time horizon than you might think, Married couples have two lives to plan for, you can keep working, and don’t forget Medicare.

One of the most important things that you can do today is to register on the SSA.GOV website to inform yourself as to your estimated monthly benefit, or PIA. By informing yourself of the monthly amount you can at a minimum have an idea of those benefits and make a determination if this is enough monthly benefit to sustain you for at least a minimum of 25-30 years of retirement.

 Some other considerations are spousal benefits if you are divorced and those benefits, and those that apply to someone who has lost a spouse, or survivor benefits. All of these are important provisions to consider in when to claim your benefits, and what you are rightfully entitled to.

This is an important topic to consider whatever your business specialty is. Depending on how knowledgeable you are on this most important of retirement planning provisions for eventual, and already retired individuals, the experts at Pinnacle Financial Services, can assist with solutions, and programs to give you expertise in Social Security planning. Contact us today and we can cater a program that you can use to assist your clients, and prospects to have a retirement that is comfortable, and not stressful.

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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

Senior Sales Director | Life, Annuity, & LTC

Contact a Pinnacle Representative if you have any questions.

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

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