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March 28, 2023

We’ve designed a simple, comprehensive brochure that introduces the basics of Medicare to new-to-Medicare beneficiaries. The Step-by-Step guides are a great handout and are available digitally through Producer Center. You can also order printed copies through Producer Center or contact your Medicare sales representative to order.

Eligible producers can now collect Health Risk Assessment (HRA) surveys after submitting each digital Medicare Advantage enrollment form. HRA surveys are an important tool for understanding the needs of our new members and coordinating an optimal onboarding experience for them. Answers to HRA survey questions help us coordinate continuity of care, medication refills, medical device transitions and many other factors that impact the lives of our new members. And the best part is we pay you an extra $50 administrative fee for each HRA survey you submit.

The new HRA survey process began October 15. We received feedback that helped us identify ways to make the survey easier to use. Last month, we shortened it by removing 17 questions. We plan to further simplify it in the fall while maintaining critical questions required by CMS. We appreciate the role you play in helping us collect these surveys: Every time you submit an HRA, you’re helping us deliver on our commitment to serving our members.

To be eligible for the HRA administrative fee:

• Surveys must be submitted within our online enrollment tool
• Links to complete an HRA survey remain active 48 hours after submitting enrollment
• Members must remain enrolled for 90 days

We’re finalizing our new HRA payment process and are on track to distribute administrative payments to producers for qualifying Jan. 1, 2023, enrollments by May 5. For additional information about the HRA process, review the training guide within your enrollment dashboard or contact your Medicare sales representative.

As a Medicare producer, you know that the Annual Election period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 is the busiest time of year for Medicare sales. Around half of new Medicare Advantage enrollments happen during fourth quarter for a January effective date. But how can you generate business the rest of the year?

The good news is that there are opportunities for new Medicare sales year-round for both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.

Beyond AEP, there are additional Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) throughout the year. Examples are members who are eligible for Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), or Low Income Subsidy (LIS), also called Extra Help. Those eligible for any of these programs also qualify for an SEP that allows them to change their Medicare Advantage plan once per calendar quarter for the first nine months of the year. During Q4, they use the Annual Election Period (AEP) to change plans. If your business plan includes marketing to low-income individuals, keep this SEP in mind, as you can assist these prospective members throughout the year.

This is the third installment in a series of year-round enrollment tips we’re highlighting in the early months of 2023, before we get into the rest-of-year selling season. Check out our previous tips in these articles:

Tips for selling to Medicare age-ins (Jan. 31, 2023)

Tips for selling Medicare year-round: Working past 65 (Mar. 1, 2023)

Read Producer News over the next few months as we explore additional selling opportunities, including beneficiaries who move to new areas.

It’s always a good idea to cultivate lead generation year-round. People need enrollment help throughout the year. Stay in touch with your existing clients too. They may have a referral of a friend or family member who needs your help enrolling in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan.