COVID-19 and Life Insurance Underwriting

COVID-19 and Life Insurance Underwriting

COVID-19 and Life Insurance Underwriting
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It’s interesting to see how the insurance industry has had to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic. For instance, some carriers have placed restrictions on coverage for some clients. Many carriers are actually postponing insuring any seniors over the age of 60. Some older clients that have impairments which make them more susceptible to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), like heart disease and chronic respiratory disease, are also being postponed.

Additionally, there have been technological advancements that have developed in the life insurance industry due to COVID-19. Many carriers are now moving towards a “fluid-less” underwriting process. This will prevent agents, and company affiliates, to avoid any unnecessary risk of exposure to COVID-19.

LIMRA (Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association) surveyed 47 U.S. life insurers to learn what changes they were making due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the federal/state social distancing guidelines (Article Here). Based on the survey results, the most common response was that there was no significant change in overall applications in March. That said, there was a shift in how consumers applied for life insurance. A third of companies reported a decline in face-to-face applications, while a quarter reported an increase in online applications in March. 24% of U.S. companies that accept online/mobile applications experienced an overall increase, while half saw no change at all.

It is important to partner with an FMO that will help guide you through these unprecedented times like Pinnacle Financial Services. We offer top-notch training with our national agent trainer and webinars, online quote and enrollment software, and exclusive lead programs that guarantee returns. Don’t delay and contact our team today!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x6003 | lifesales@pfsinsurance.com

Director of Sales - Life & Final Expense

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

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Exclusive Annuity Marketing Programs

Exclusive Annuity Marketing Programs

Exclusive Annuity Marketing Programs
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What is your system for getting in front of new people? For most insurance agents, this is the hardest part of our job – finding new clients – Especially during COVID-19.

Today, there are so many lead programs out there, it can be tough to tell the difference between a quality marketing system and a scam! However, agents working with us here at Pinnacle Financial benefit from our trial and error. We have tried so many things over the years – some have worked well, while others have not. The programs that we recommend to our partner agents are the ones that we have seen success with. We have partnered with several vendors for exclusive per piece leads, virtual seminar programs, and even pre-set virtual appointments. The following are some of the programs that are working well for our agents today during these ever-changing times.

We have seen a recent increase in lead activity from our exclusive annuity lead partners. Clients are looking for safe havens for assets more than ever with Coronavirus and the recent 2020 stock market crash. At Pinnacle, we have worked with several 3rd parties lead vendors offering annuity leads over the years. We have identified a handful of the most consistent, best quality, and exclusive annuity lead programs. Prospects have assets qualified for an annuity, are interested in discussing an annuity with an agent, and are awaiting a call. Our agents are able to convert this business entirely remotely with the use of E-app platforms and programs such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, and/or Join.me. 

Aside from buying leads, Seminar selling has for years been a way that top producers have done annuity prospecting. This is no secret, but high overhead costs and long sale cycle processes have been barriers for some producers. Many of our long-standing 3rd party seminar partners have pivoted to virtual seminar programs or webinars post Covid-19. This has been a cost-effective way for our agents to hold a seminar or sales workshop even from the comfort of their own home! These virtual seminar programs are turnkey – including email invites, presentation materials, and client brochures.

Lastly, agents can eliminate chasing prospects with our exclusive pre-set appointment program. This program is with state employees – teachers (k-12 and state universities), as well as some state hospitals, police, & firemen. While this program worked well face-to-face, it has been even more effective virtually. These teachers, nurses, etc. have recently been doing much of their work virtually using things like zoom and GoToMeeting, so transitioning these pre-set appointments to virtual appointments has been seamless. 

Whatever marketing approach our agents will take, the team at Pinnacle Financial Services​ works hand-in-hand with our agents every step of the way. From product and sales training to illustrations and case design, to business processing, we are here to help. Give us a call today for more information on our annuity products and marketing programs.

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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

Senior Sales Director - Life, Annuity, & LTC

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

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Google Business 101

Google Business 101

Google Business 101
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Let me paint a picture for you: You wake up one day and decide that you want to make a lasagna from scratch. The only issue is that you have no idea what you need or how to cook it. You pick up your smartphone or go to your computer, and you Google “Lasagna Recipes.” Well, I can tell you with certainty, your clientele is doing the same thing when they are looking for an insurance agent. This is why it is incredibly important to have a Google Business profile.

So, what is Google Business? It is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, which includes Search and Maps. This allows you to basically create a free business profile on one of the largest marketing platforms in the world. You are able to put your hours of operation, service areas, contact information, and the different product lines you offer. These are only a few things you can do with your profile. This all plays a part in getting your business out to potential clients via the internet, which is also can have a direct impact on your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). With COVID-19 (Coronavirus) still running rampant across the United States, it is incredibly important to have a digital footprint more than ever.

Pinnacle Financial Services is committed to helping you grow your business during these unprecedented times. As an “FMO (Field Marketing Organization)” or “NMO (National Marketing Organization)”, it is important for us to partner with you in every aspect of the business. Whether it is dedicated training from our national agent trainer (myself), personalized sales and marketing plans with our sales team, or some of the best technology in the business (Connect4Medicare), we have you covered. Our team of dedicated professionals will stop at nothing to help grow your book of business and take your sales to the next level.

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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Final Expense Underwriting: Simplified & Guaranteed Issue

Final Expense Underwriting: Simplified & Guaranteed Issue

Final Expense Underwriting: Simplified & Guaranteed Issue
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In today’s insurance market, final expense life insurance is one of the simpler types of life insurance to understand and the least complicated type of policy to get issued. The final expense market is focused mainly on the senior population with most age requirements between ages 50 to 85. Due to these age limits, the insurance carriers have relaxed their underwriting process as they understand that seniors in this range may not be in their best health.

Simplified underwriting means that your client does not have to take a medical exam or submit medical records of any kind. Clients are given a few simple yes or no health questions to answer. The type of plan that they can qualify for will be determined by the yes or no health questions that were answered on the application. The insurance company will then perform a MIB (Medical Information Bureau) prescription history check on your client to verify the validity of the questions that were answered on the application. If everything checks out, then the policy is set to issue. That’s the extent of the underwriting for an immediate death benefit final expense plan.

Now, you may think “What happens if my client is unable to get through the yes or no health questions?” or “What happens if they’re declined? Does this mean that they have no chance of getting approved for coverage?” The answer is absolutely not!

For these clients, there are plenty of carriers that offer what is called a guaranteed issue final expense plan. Guaranteed issue means that they are automatically accepted regardless of any health conditions. These plans have an automatic 2-year limited death benefit where, if death occurs in the first 2 policy years, the death benefit will return of all premiums plus 10% interest. If death occurs after the first 2 policy years, then the full death benefit will be paid out. Most guaranteed issue plans offer coverage amounts that range between $5,000 and $25,000.

Pinnacle Financial Services has everything covered to make sure you can get your clients in a plan that suits their needs. We offer easy-to-use final expense quoting software, unique lead programs that get you in front of clients, and dedicated sales and support to help with every case. With the uncertainty of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) changing the insurance world for the foreseeable future, you need a partner in success. There’s no better time than now to join us at the top!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

1 (800) 772-6881 x6003 | lifesales@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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Medicare Text to Enroll

Medicare Text to Enroll

Medicare Text to Enroll
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Pinnacle Financial Services is proud to announce that our Connect4Medicare platform will offer a text to enroll feature for 2021 AEP! In these uncertain times with COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Pinnacle Financial Services recognizes we need to do everything in our power to help agents grow their business. Our business has changed in that the traditional face-to-face meetings have been limited or unable to be done (depending on your state). More and more carriers are trying to find ways for agents to see and enroll clients remotely to continue business as normal. This feature will allow you to do that and not narrow down your choices in what carrier you can use.

The only equipment your client needs is a smartphone. Basically, the agent sends a link via text message to the client. This text will include the scope of appointment (SOA), a pre-filled application, and an authorization code to access the enrollment. The client will type the code in and hit the view quote button. After entering the authorization code that was sent, the plan will be displayed for the client to agree to enroll in. After the client checks the box next to the policy, they then sign the signature page with a stylus, mouse, or finger. The last step is to hit the submit button, and the application is sent back to the agent to send on its way.

Pinnacle Financial Services wants to be your partner in your success! This new feature is simple, easy, and convenient for both you and the client.  Not to mention, Connect4Medicare is offered at no cost to any agent that contracts with us. Outside of the best technology in the industry, we offer exclusive lead programs, personalized support, and training, and all of the top contracts. Don’t wait before it’s too late. Join us at the top!

For more information, contact a Pinnacle Financial Services representative today

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

Director of Sales - Health

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

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2021 Medicare Updates

2021 Medicare Updates

2021 Medicare Updates
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Every year, CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) makes updates and changes to their rules, regulations, and commissions. Over the past few years, there have been some major changes that have changed how Medicare agents solicit to potential clients. One of the more notable changes was back in 2018 when CMS removed the 48-hour requirement for Scopes of Appointment. For those new into the industry, Scopes of Appointment (SOA) would be required 2 days before you were able to meet with a client about any Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD) or stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDP).

This year, we’ve identified some of the changes that will benefit all Medicare agents. Here are a few:

1. Commission Increase: The trend since 2009 has been a steady increase in commissions for all agents. For those of you who sell in PA, CT, DE, CA, and NJ, you will be able to make more than anyone else in the country. For Medicare Advantage, for the whole country, the increase is over 5% for both new and renewal rates. Prescription Drug Plans had close to a 4% increase for the whole country. Here is a breakdown of what this year looks like:

Medicare Advantage PDP
Plan Year National Rate PA, CT, & DC CA & NJ National Rate
2021 $539 $270 $607 $304 $672 $336 $81 $41

2. Referrals: CMS removed the regulations that limited when a marketing representative could solicit referrals and what types of gifts could be provided in exchange for those referrals. This is an incredible change and allows for more flexibility when trying to get more future business from your current book. Keep in mind that nominal value (usually $15) and FWA (Fraud, Waste, and Abuse) laws still apply.

3. Notable changes to marketing events: Advertisements and invitations, in any form of media, that would be utilized to invite a potential client to a marketing (informal/formal) or educational event must include a specific statement. The statement is: “For accommodation of persons with special needs at meetings call <Phone Number and TTY number>.”

4. Educational events: Meals can now be provided to potential clients. In the past, you could only offer light snacks and refreshments. Keep in mind, nominal value still applies ($15) so you would need to factor that into the event planning.

It is extremely important for us here at Pinnacle Financial Services to make sure all our agents are aware of changes that may affect them. Much like the technology industry, Medicare is an ever-evolving mechanism that changes all the time. We would like to be your partner along this journey and help navigate you through any of the challenges you may encounter. We offer top-notch technology (like our proprietary Connect4Medicare platform), personalized sales and marketing training, and back-office support that is the best in the business. Pinnacle Financial Services is not just a typical FMO and will help you have the best AEP (Annual Election Period) possible!

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

Contact Us

Contact a Pinnacle Financial Service representative today for assistance.

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