Tuesday, June 10, 2014

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.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

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. 




Tuesday, February 18, 2014

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.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

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.

Monday, February 10, 2014

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.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Mutual of Omaha - More than just another Medicare supplement company

As agents we sell two things - Trust and Like. Mutual of Omaha is a carrier your clients know they can trust and they will like their competitive rates.

Babyboomers spent years (1963-1988)  watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom making the brand into not just a trusted insurance carrier but also a part of boomers culture.

Since they are a mutual company in their second century with billions in policyholder surplus they don't have to react to the short term goals of the stock market. That means you can offer a product from this A+ rated carrier that provides the kind of rates and coverage you and your clients can rely on.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Do you know what to look for to qualify a person for a Chronic plan, 12 months a year?







A key to truly helping your clients involves finding the perfect product for a clients situation.

After you find out what matters to your client make sure you find out what health concerns they are dealing with.

Carriers have products that are specially designed to address the specific needs of clients dealing with chronic illnesses. As their trusted advisor you need to make them aware that these plans are available to them.

To qualify a person for a chronic plan they must be diagnosed with one of the following chronic conditions:
––Chronic heart failure
––Diabetes
––Cardiovascular disorders:
       •Cardiac arrhythmias
       •Coronary artery disease
       •Peripheral vascular disease
       •Chronic venous thromboembolism disorder

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

United HealthCare Insurance Company insures AARP Medicare Supplement Plans. When it comes to size, reputation and rate stability UHC is second to none. One in Three individuals who carry a Medicare supplement carry it with UHC. As an agent that is a statistic you cannot afford to ignore. Don't walk away from a third of your potential sales when you can use it to your advantage.

AARP Medicare Supplement plans premiums have only increased an average 4% annually from 2008 through 2013. So go build new clients while you enjoy the renewals from clients that finally have the stable rates they need.

The professionals at SMS can have your UHC marketing materials that are already CMS approved, personalized, and ready to print in minutes.

2014 is a time to thrive not just survive. Let the best in the business show you how.  With the products from UHC and the marketing support of SMS, success is at your fingertips.

Join Us for an Exciting WebEx Presentation Featuring The Top 10 Reasons to Sell AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans.  

Thursday, January 16th at 10:00am CST


Monday, January 13, 2014

Why Sell AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans? We Can Give You 10 Compelling Reasons…

Why Sell AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans? 
We Can Give You 10 Compelling Reasons…

Thursday, January 16th at 10:00am CST

Join Us for an Exciting WebEx Presentation Featuring
The Top 10 Reasons to Sell AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

Learn more about AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans and discover some key selling points that can help you increase your sales.

Whether you are new to selling these Plans or are an experienced producer you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about important topics such as rate stability, competitive rates, product differentiators, plan choices, and more!

Did you know: AARP now has on-line enrollment available in most states?

Mark Your Calendar Today to Attend an Upcoming WebEx! Top 10 Reasons to Sell AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans: Register Now

 AARP® and its affiliates are not insurance agencies or carriers and do not employ or endorse insurance agents, producers, brokers, representatives or advisors.
AARP® Medicare Supplement Plans are insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York for New York residents).
Confidential and proprietary. For internal/agent use only. Do not distribute.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

January Training Opportunities


Click Here to view our complete January Training Calendar, including online and classroom style trainings.  
To Register for classes click on the title of each training on the calendar. 

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Change Before You Have To: Working the Senior Market

Since 1965 when Medicare began, soliciting people that are Medicare recipients has been the gateway to the Senior Market. For many years selling 200 or more Medicare Supplement policies would ensure an agent a standard of living well beyond the norm. But, things have changed.

With regulated prospecting, reduced compensation and a myriad of other issues selling 200 Medicare Supplements a year is hard work. Consider this:

200 Medicare Supplement Policies sold

Average commission 18 – 20%

Average premium $1700

200 X $1700 = $340,000 premium X 19% = $64,600 commissions

We at Senior Marketing Specialists are dedicating the month of January to helping you, the agent, add $30,000 to $40,000 in additional income to this equation seeing the same people you call on today for supplementing Medicare.

In our upcoming webinar on Thursday, January 9th we will be highlighting two primary products that your clients need, Final Expense and Guaranteed Issue Life.