The SMS Blog is Moving!

In order to better integrate our information feeds into a more streamline and user friendly format, the Senior Marketing Specialists blog is moving!  Please visit the new blog hosted on SMS University at www.sms-university.com

For all NEW UPDATES please visit www.sms-univeristy.com.  

Reminder: you are still able to access our archived items on this page.

Proposed plans to bring back OEP

A few years ago, OEP (Open Enrollment Period) occurred just after AEP (Annual Election Period).  OEP was from January 1st to March 31st and gave Medicare beneficiaries the ability to make one change to their MA, MAPD, or Part D plan. However, now we have the MA/MAPD disenrollment period from January 1st to February 14th.

Click Here to view the full article from SMS-U. 

Can your client get help paying for their Part B premium?

Don’t forget about programs that might help. They may need to apply if they meet the following requirements:

• Medicare Savings Program 2013 Income Limits
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program (Program helps pay for: Part B premiums only)
• Individual monthly income limit* $1169
• Married couple monthly income limit*$1571

Resource limits for the QMB, SLMB, and QI Medicare Savings Programs are $7,080 for one person and $10,620 for a married couple.


Go to http://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-program/medicare-savings-programs.html for more information.

Sterling Life Update

Key points from the Sterling Life announcement:
As a reminder, online enrollment is the preferred method for submitting Med Supp applications and has definite advantages over paper applications:

•  It’s more efficient.
• You get instant, accurate premium quotes.
• Required fields and steps must be completed properly or the application cannot be submitted.
• It significantly reduces errors and missing information, which are key reasons why paper applications pend.
• An application checklist helps ensure all required payment or documentation is submitted to Sterling.
• It’s faster.
• The application is submitted electronically and loaded directly into the enrollment system, so manual keying and processing isn’t necessary.
• As a result, the application is processed more quickly which means quicker commission payments for you!

Sterling Life On-Line enrollment state list:

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, DE, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NV, NJ, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI, WV, WY
The new ones on the list are: 9 additional states: AK, CA, MI, MN, NE, NJ, NC, ND and WI.

Mutual of Omaha - E-app Update Reminder

Temporary ID Card:

Your client will have the option to receive a temporary Med supp ID card via email once their e-App status is App Issue in Progress.

On the Application Information page, you ask your client if they wish to receive a temporary ID card via email. If they say ‘yes’ and they didn’t give you an email address earlier, you will be prompted to provide an email address (it’s required for this service).

Once an application status is App Issue in Progress, you and your client will receive an email with the privacy information and a link to ‘View Message.” Clicking the link opens an email with a temporary ID card PDF attachment. Your client can print and use the temporary ID with providers until they receive their permanent card.

Training Manual<http://blogs.mutualofomaha.com/express/files/2014/01/BKG-Comprehensive-e-App-Training-Manual.pdf>- available on SPA.

If you haven’t tried the Med Supp e-App start by playing in the Sandbox, go to mutualofomaha.com/broker, “Sales Tools” tab, “Resource” page.

Let us help you sell more in 2014!

As you prepare for another great year of Medicare Supplement sales, we want to make sure you have the ammunition you need to make 2014 your best year in the insurance business. Manhattan Life makes selling Medicare Supplements so easy.

•    The most friendly eApp in the market! Your client does not need a computer or an email address for you to use our eApp. You simply enter all of the client’s data on the eApp and follow the simple voice signature instructions and press submit. You’re done! 40% of new applications are now being submitted via our eApp. If you’re not using our eApp, you are losing productivity.  

•    The most innovative household discount (HD) on the market. (Not available in all states). If your client is married or resides full-time, for the past 12 months, with another adult age 60 or older, then your client qualifies for the 7% HD. The other member of the household does not have to apply in order for you client to receive the discount. Example: Client is turning 65 and is married. Spouse is age 52. Your client qualifies for the 7% HD. Most companies only offer a HD when both spouses have coverage. Manhattan Life thinks your clients deserve the HD as long as they are married or living with another adult age 60 or older. 

•  Competitive rates. Rates are important.Your clients want the best value for their money.Manhattan Life offers very competitive rates.

•    Years of experience. The Manhattan Life Insurance Group has years of experience in the Medicare Supplement market. 

Call us today at Senior Marketing Specialists to learn more. 1.800.689.2800