Important CMS Update

CMS has extended the Special Election Period for those people who have lost their MA or PDP plan. These medicare beneficiaries will now have until Feburary 28th to choose an MA or PDP plan. These clients are currently on Original Medicare, and if they don't choose a new plan they will be on Original Medicare only until next year.

The senior market is growing quickly & so are your opportunities!

Approximately 8,000 people are turning 65 EVERY DAY! Take a look at these 5 marketing tips for ideas that may help you as a senior insurance agent.

Sell more LTCI!

Read how three paradigm shifts can help you sell more LTCI!

Useful Resources for Senior Ins. Agents Recommended by Dan Mangus~

We would like to introduce a key player of our team, Dan Mangus - Special Projects Coordinator! He will begin sharing his insurance expertise here on our blog. We are confident that you will find his insight relevant and worth following!

Dan writes: "Here are a couple articles about a change in Retiree Drug Subsidy. This could change the way large corporations offer drug coverage. And this change could open up some very large markets for both Medicare part D plans and Medicare supplement plans."

The Politics of Health Care

Retiree Drug Subsidy Changes

Informing You, the Independent Agent, so You can Inform Seniors...About Health Care Reform

Seniors are asking questions about Health Care Reform. Wouldn't you like to have the answers?

Check out this helpful resource to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how the changes brought about by the Health Care Reform bill have already, and will continue to, impact the senior market. You may even choose to follow this link and download the free material for your future reference.

Please let us know whether you find this content helpful or not! We value your feedback. Also, we are curious to know what common questions seniors are asking YOU?

All about the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP)

During the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period-MADP (which began January 1, 2011 and continues until February 14th of this year), Medicare Advantage policy holders are given a chance to DISENROLL from an Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan and enroll in a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) instead.

It's extremely IMPORTANT TO NOTE that those who decide to enroll in a standalone PDP during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period will be automatically disenrolled from their current MAPD and will not have the option of enrolling in another Medicare Advantage Plan.

For more information about the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period, click on the title above. If you still have questions, please contact Senior Marketing Specialists at 1-800-689-2800.

Attention Agents! Seniors Tweet!

Twitter is now an effective means for independent agents to reach seniors! After all, seniors make up 10% of all Twitter users. Surprised? Find out more by reading this article To Tweet or Not Tweet. And if you have any comments about your own experience networking with seniors on Twitter (or any social media site), please share them with us here.

Why the Senior Market?

Keep in mind that seniors make up the largest, most influential group in our nation. According to the U.S. Census, 77 million people were born during the Baby Boom era in the United States alone.

Talk about a two for one deal!!!

United of Omaha has a Combination Med Supp / Final Expense application. It is EXTREMELY easy to find a rate, and very easy for an agent to use. Call us today for more details and location availability.

800-689-2800

What you should know about LTCI

"Combination products aren't just for helath LTCI declines."

And "Care coordination benefits enhance policy appeal."

Would you like the rationale behind these statements?

Check out this article!4 Things you need to know about LTCI

Marketing Tidbit...

Did you know that Facebook is the third most visited site by seniors (65+)? Google and Windows Media Player were numbers one and two according to Nielson.

Who Are We?

Visit our new website to meet our team, and see how our combined marketing experience of over 100 years could help you! The Senior Marketing Specialists TEAM.

Do you write thank you notes?

If handwritten thank you notes could really boost your sales, would you start writing them? Handwritten Notes

Could social media be an effective way for YOU to reach seniors?

Seniors today seem to be gravitating towards social media sites. Check out this report to see if YOU want to start utilizing online methods to reach a larger client base.Do Social Media Sites Attract Senior Citizens?

Maybe you have already had success connecting with seniors online? If so, which sites have you used that work? We would love your feedback!

Visit our Brand New Website!

We're very proud to unveil our new site that we have built just for YOU. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with all of the tools and information available to you! It is our goal to make sure you, the independent agent, have all of the products, service and support to not only be successful in this market, but to exceed beyond your wildest expectations.smsteam.net.

What are Seniors Thinking...

Would you like to know how seniors are answering questions like this:

"What qualities do you look for in an advisor?"

"Do you think you'll ever move into a nursing home?"

Senior Market Advisor has asked these questions and more, and they have posted responses they received from the senior market on their website. See for yourself!Seniors Speak Out.

Would you like to know how to set more appointments in 2011?

One expert explains how learning to ask the right questions will help YOU set more appointments this year. Read this article for more details Secret to Setting More Appointments.

What Medicare Supplement Options are Missing from Your Portfolio?

Heartland, Gerber, Medico, UNL, Family Life, United of Omaha, etc.? Visit our product page at smsteam.net/products for a complete list of options. And while you're there, use our state-of-the-art quote engine to help you determine the lowest prices for your clients!

Ideas for Generating Leads!

Would you like more leads? Check out this article The 50 Best Ways to Generate Leads for ideas that you can benefit from today!