Medicare Advantage enrollment changes will negative impact both consumers and agents!
We are spilling the beans on a super important shift from Medicare (CMS), and guess what? It’s no longer a maybe—it’s locked in. They sealed the deal on this ruling at 2024’s tail end, and once we hit April 1st, 2025, it’s going to shake things up for folks selling Medicare Advantage.
So, What’s New?
Medicare salespeople used to have a helping hand for their customers when terrible weather or other disasters threw a wrench in sign-up plans, all thanks to the FEMA Special Enrollment Period (SCP). But a few shady characters took advantage of this shortcut. Well, that’s all in the past—wave goodbye to that special enrollment period.
Come April 1st, to sign up for FEMA SCP, beneficiaries need to contact Medicare and do it on their own. Agents won’t get paid for helping with this anymore.
What’s in it for Seniors? Nothing Good!
Okay let’s keep it to 3 bullet points—this is going to be a real headache for the older folks.
- Getting on the line with Medicare, people are looking at crazy hold times—we’re talking 45 minutes to maybe even an hour. Then your client is going to have to pray they don’t get disconnected right when someone finally answers.
- They may end up chatting with someone who doesn’t get what they’re going through.
- And you know what? Chances are they’ll ring up their agent in the end hoping for some assistance.
This mix-up makes things chaotic for customers and representatives alike—all due to a few folks who decided not to follow the current regulations. When these agents (many times they are in call-centers) take these shortcuts, it ruins it for everyone.
Stick to the Rules/Regulations – They’re Always Evolving
Yes, we get that CMS guidelines shift all the time—it’s akin to aiming at a moving bullseye. Whenever you’re in doubt concerning a policy, reach out to us! Helping with this stuff is part of what our marketing crew’s job is.
As 2025 moves along we will start hearing about proposed rules for 2026. Make sure your clients don’t get all twisted up by the chit-chat from politicos or those big flashy campaign vows.
Misinformation Is Everywhere
Look older folks tune into the news, right? And those politicians? Man, they throw around big claims like it’s nothing especially when votes are on the line. You remember Bernie Sanders yapping about tossing dental benefits into Medicare? People are still thinking that’s the real deal and they are already available. Or how about President Trump throwing around the idea of cutting out taxes on Social Security? Yeah, it’s just an idea, but all of a sudden you are getting a bunch of calls from your clients asking about this.
Let’s face it…you already get enough calls about the constant “free money” rumors.
Here are just a few that drive us crazy:
And don’t even get me started on the constant buzz about That “$5,000 grocery card” you heard about? Yeah, it’s not real.
- Heard about the “$600 or $1,400 Social Security boost“? Nope, that’s a trick too.
- The “$5,000 grocery card that everyone wants”. What a CROCK!!
- What about “Medicare Advantage food perks”? OK so some providers might give you those, but it’s not a sure thing.
Keep Sharp
What’s super smart is to keep learning. You must be able to tell apart what’s true and what’s made up when you’re chatting with your customers. The reality is that there is so much misinformation floating around on the internet that our job description now includes being a B.S. Detector.
Always remember that you are not doing this alone. Whether it’s a rule change such as Medicare Advantage enrollment changes or you need to learn how to cross-sell ancillary products we are always just a click or phone call away!