Join us and CarePartners Sales Manager David Pallotta for an in-depth view of why you should be marketing CarePartners in Connecticut.
Topics to be discussed:
• Network expansion across the state
• Strength of their supplemental benefits (Dental, Vision, Hearing, and more)
• Marketing opportunities
• Top-Tier Broker Program
By Ed CroweÂ
Attention: Update by CMS
Per CMS’s March 20, 2025 memo, carriers are expected to continue accepting applications under the Medicare disaster/emergency Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This allows agents to support clients in utilizing the SEP and to receive commissions for eligible enrollments throughout 2025 and beyond.
CMS has indicated that additional guidance regarding the SEP enrollment process will be issued at a later time.
Initial Guidance: In some cases, Medicare beneficiaries miss an enrollment period due to a FEMA emergency. When this happens, beneficiaries may be eligible for a DST SEP. It is imperative that agents are aware of the New Medicare FEMA SEP rules to assist clients. The DST SEP is available to qualified individuals who miss an opportunity to enroll in a Medicare plan.
The DST SEP is an enrollment opportunity CMS offers to Medicare beneficiaries affected by either weather-related emergencies or major disasters. The FEMA SEP lets those who miss a valid election period to either enroll in or disenroll from a Medicare plan. The enrollment takes effect the first day of the month after application is submitted.
This is only available in areas where FEMA, state or other local government officials declare an emergency or disaster. FEMA emergencies start when the incident occurs and lasts for two months up to one year after the start or the extension period begins.
On December 3, 2024, CMS released a memo that announced changes to the DST election. These changes go into effect as of April 1, 2025. Short Video explaining the new SEP Rules- FEMA Emergency and Disaster Special Election Ending on April 1, 2025
If a beneficiary needs to submit an application using the DST election period either on or after April 1, 2025, the application must be submitted directly through CMS. Beneficiaries can call 1-800-MEDICARE or TTY 1-877-486-2048 to submit an application.
In other words, CMS will not accept applications that use the DST election even if they are broker assisted.
Any enrollment application that uses this election will be labeled as using an invalid election period. The plan will then attempt to contact the enrollee and obtain a valid election period. If the plan cannot verify a valid election period, the application will be denied.
Important: missing or invalid elections do not trigger the (RFI) Request for Information process. Therefore, beneficiaries do not have additional time to respond to the inquiry or correct their election.
Please note; applications and disenrollment forms will be updated to remove the DST election.
There are varied opportunities to use the SEP. This ensures individuals have the coverage they need.
If the beneficiary resides where a natural disaster (earthquake, flood, wildfire, hurricane, tornado or other specific incident) resulting in a missed valid enrollment period. Sometimes disasters cause beneficiaries to have to leave their home. This may result in them missing their enrollment period and enable the use the FEMA SEP.
The SEP is sometimes available when a beneficiary relies on a family member or other caregiver who is impacted by a disaster and they are unable to assist them during their enrollment period.
Other instances that allow for SEP use include; inability to access Medicare plan information or submit a timely enrollment due to a FEMA declared disaster. Enrollees may also use the SEP when the beneficiary’s healthcare provider of facilities are impacted by the disaster. This can result in the inability to receive necessary information to make an informed decision.Â
In order to use the SEP, the beneficiary must live in the are where the disaster occurred. They must have missed a valid enrollment period (AEP, IEP, OEP) during the time of the incident as long as they did not already make a change during the enrollment period. It is also acceptable for those who need assistance from another person to complete the enrollment or make healthcare decisions.Â
Anyone who has already changed their plan during a valid election period can’t use the FEMA election to change it again. Beneficiaries must call 1-800-MEDICARE or TTY 1-877-486-2048 to submit an application in a timely manner to avoid missing their window to enroll.
1 (800) 772-6881 x7731 | sales@pfsinsurance.com
President at Crowe & Associates
1 (800) 772-6881
support@pfsinsurance.com
Thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout the 2025 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Your contributions were essential in our combined efforts to grow our respective businesses.
As you know, we continued to honor compensation for completing Health Risk Assessment (HRA) forms throughout 2024. We believe in and understand the value of the broker channel and made the decision to maintain the HRA payment throughout AEP so you and your teams could benefit. Now that AEP has concluded, we have made the decision to discontinue this program. This decision does not impact commission payments for new and renewing business. We will continue to stand with you and pay you for the value you bring to our company.
Effective February 1, 2025, Tufts Health Plan and CarePartners of Connecticut will no longer provide payment for completed HRA forms. We will, however, honor all HRA forms submitted to us by January 31, 2025, regardless of the member’s effective date.
Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Medicare Broker Support team at medicarebrokersupport@point32health.org or call 833-984-2387. You can also contact your Broker Relationship Manager.
The annual open enrollment period (OEP) for Medicare Advantage (MA) has officially started. OEP takes place from January 1 through March 31. During this time, individuals enrolled in an MA plan can make a one-time election to switch to another MA plan (with or without Part D coverage) or return to Original Medicare (with or without Part D coverage).Â
It’s important to know what to do and what not to do during OEP. To help you stay compliant, we have put together some helpful tips below.Â
To view the full Code of Federal Regulations, click here.
Market to Medicare Advantage age-ins who have not yet made an enrollment decision
Send marketing materials when a customer requests information.
Conduct one-on-one meetings at the customer’s request.
Provide information about OEP through the call center if a customer asks.
Market to dual-eligible and LIS beneficiaries who, in general, may enroll in a standalone Part D plan once a month.
Send unsolicited materials advertising or referencing OEP directly to your customers.
Purchase mailing lists or other identifying information to specifically target customers during OEP.Â
Engage in or promote activities intended to target OEP as an opportunity to make further sales.
Call or otherwise contact customers who selected a new plan during AEP.
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:
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:
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
Regional Vice President