Capping Part D Costs Could Lead to Reduced Benefits
Discussions continue to ripple through the Medicare insurance community with the recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement of rules and regulations changes for 2025. Sweeping alterations were released earlier in April that affect everything from agent commissions to Part D drug benefits. At first, the changes to Part D drug benefits were […]
New CMS Rule Limits Selling and Reselling Consumer Data
As part of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released updates, brokers and agents will have to take stronger precautions with customer data, especially when it comes to using that information with marketing companies. According to CMS, some third-party marketing organizations have been selling and reselling personal beneficiary data, subverting rules that […]
New Medicare Advantage Regulations Overhaul Agent Commissions
New rules published April 4 that regulate Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and Medicare Part D plans will have a big impact on the MA world as we move into the 2025 contract year. These rules announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will affect agent compensation because commission rates will change and […]
CMS Finalizes 2025 Rate Increase For Medicare Advantage Plans
On Monday, April 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized 2025 rates for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D prescription drug plans, with the CMS announcing a payment increase of 3.7 percent expected over 2024 for MA plans. There are concerns in the MA industry that the expected increase in payments will […]
Devoted Continues Medicare Expansion Efforts With Eight More States Planned for 2025
Devoted Health was one of the top three growing plans by overall volume last year, and it continues to grow. Following its expansion to additional counties in 2024, Devoted has announced plans to add eight new states in 2025. While it awaits final approval from CMS, Devoted has unveiled the planned expansion will include the following states: Arkansas Georgia Indiana Kentucky […]
Understanding Medigap and Why It Can Sometimes Be a Better Option
Consumers are looking for solutions in the Medicare market and agents who have the knowledge to explain and offer Medicare products are continually growing their business. While much of the Medicare insurance growth has centered around the ultra-popular Medicare Advantage segment, agents who understand the other option, Medicare Supplement Insurance (commonly known as Medigap), can […]
2024-2025 BlueCross BlueShield of Texas Medicare Supplement Bonus Program
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is pleased to announce the Medicare Supplement Bonus Program for 2024 – 2025!
Molina’s Medicare Advantage Network Now Includes Cleveland Clinic in Ohio
Molina Healthcare has announced that as of Jan. 1, 2024, Cleveland Clinic has joined its provider network!
Open Enrollment Period Guidance
OEP Compliance The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) occurs annually from January 1 – March 31. It provides a great opportunity for agents and brokers to grow their business. But it also carries specific guidelines for how agents must conduct their marketing efforts. Let’s break down the OEP Marketing Compliance Guidelines as dictated by the […]
Proposed Medicare Changes That Could Affect Agents
As an insurance agent, you are the heart of distribution for carriers, providing a gateway of knowledge and understanding to consumers. The value of that service is the reason agents are compensated by carriers. Our role as an FMO is to provide our agent and agency partners with the support they need, including keeping folks […]
HAP Is Offering $500 For Their 2024 Individual Plan Producer Bonus Program!
Insurance producers seeking to enhance their income in 2024 will be delighted to hear about Health Alliance Plan’s (HAP) exciting $500 2024 Individual Plan Producer Bonus Program. This program has been carefully crafted to recognize and reward their dedication and efforts. The program operates on a straightforward principle: For every five Individual Plan applications that […]
Bridging the Gap: Navigating Dual-Eligible Healthcare Coverage
In the United States, Medicare and Medicaid play a vital role in providing health coverage to 12.5 million individuals who are dually enrolled in both programs, often referred to as “dual-eligible individuals.” While Medicare serves as their primary source of health insurance, Medicaid complements it with supplemental coverage. Nevertheless, concerns have arisen about fragmented care […]
Takeaways for Enrollment and Costs of Medicare Part D in 2023
The Medicare Part D program extends prescription drug coverage to elderly adults and individuals with long-term disabilities under Medicare. This analysis from KFF delves into the enrollment and expenses associated with Medicare Part D in 2023, based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The study highlights the growth of Medicare […]
Medicare Supplement Bonus Program Returns: Earn Up to $200 per Policy in 2023-2024
As a health insurance agent, you have a unique opportunity to help the growing population of adults who need Medicare coverage while earning a bonus for your efforts. We happily announce that the Medicare Supplement Bonus Program returns for 2023-2024, starting from May 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024. Here’s how it works: for every […]
Understanding Medicare Allowance, Special Needs Plans, Wellness Programs, and PPO vs HMO Plans
As a health insurance agent, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry to better serve your clients. One important topic you should be familiar with is Medicare and the different types of plans available to seniors. We’ll cover what a Medicare allowance is, as well as Medicare grocery allowance, Medicare […]
Demystifying ACA Network Adequacy Requirements
Are you struggling to navigate the world of health insurance networks and providers? As a health insurance agent, it can be challenging to help clients find the right plan that meets their needs. It becomes even more difficult to also work to ensure that they have access to quality healthcare providers. In today’s post, we’ll […]
What’s New with Medicare Advantage Plans in 2023?
As a health insurance agent, staying up-to-date with the latest changes and updates to Medicare Advantage plans is crucial to effectively guide your clients toward the right coverage options. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered by private insurance companies. They provide an alternative way for Medicare beneficiaries to receive their […]
Protecting Your Clients from Medicare Flex Card Scams: A Guide for Health Insurance Agents
As a health insurance agent, it’s important to be informed about potential scams and fraudulent activity that may affect your clients. One such scam that has been making its way around is the Medicare Flex Card scam. Understanding what the Medicare Flex Card is and how it can be used is crucial in helping your […]
How the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Reduction Act is Tackling Rising Drug Prices
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the implementation of a new program called the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Reduction Act. This program aims to reduce the rising cost of prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part B. The new program will reduce coinsurance rates for 27 Part B drugs, with savings expected […]
Everything Your Customers Need to Know About How Employer-Sponsored Health Plans Compare to Medicare for Prescription Drug Costs
When it comes to prescription drug costs, there can be significant differences between employer-sponsored health plans and Medicare. Understanding the differences between the two can help your clients save money and ensure you help them get the coverage they need. Here’s what your customers need to know about employer-sponsored health plans and Medicare. Cost: Generally […]