The Affordable Healthcare Act/Changes in Medicare...What We Know So Far

In continuing our research on The Affordable Healthcare Act and the Changes in Medicare at Senior Marketing Specialists, we continue to encounter reams of articles, opinions and information from our industry, the government and other resources. A defined path and clarity on the markets and changes coming about is still to be determined. This has created a lot of confusion and anxiety for both agents and consumers alike. Yet in the midst of the chaos we are uncovering tremendous opportunity in the market.

This opportunity lies in the simple fact that regardless of the legislative outcomes, consumers will need additional cash above and beyond their primary health coverage!!! Our carriers are recording record sales of cash indemnity products like our Kemper Home Health Care and our Hospital Indemnity Plans. The needs for these are greater today in the consumer market than ever before.

Call our office (1.800.689.2800) and ask for a marketer to discuss this exciting opportunity.

Government Increases Reimbursements for Medicare Advantage Plans in 2014

Fear over the continuation of Medicare Advantage plans in 2014 was put to rest by government rulings Monday, April 1, 2013 when the Obama administration reversed a proposed 2.3 percent pay cut for private Medicare plans, replacing it with a 3.3 percent raise.

Many agents have had serious concerns over the proposed cuts that were planned for reimbursement to Medicare Advantage carriers. Thanks to the efforts of those carriers there will be the necessary funding to stabilize those plans in 2014.

Although it is only conjecture what the actual rates of plans will be, the chances of only very small changes can be assumed. That may not be as true for Medicare Part D plans but agents can look forward to a fantastic AEP ahead.

Want to learn more? Check out the article, How Insurers Flipped a Medicare Pay Cut Into a Raise on the Washington Post's website or check out the video update from SIMA (http://sima-net.com/) below.