Comments on: CMS Releases New Rules Regarding Agent’s 2009 Commissions for Medicare Advantage (Levelizing Commissions)

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:55:12 +0000

Craig,

I noticed I have been getting paid a “full” commission on people that I had their PFFS MAPD plans terminated at the end of 2009 and then I re-enrolled them into a MAPD HMO or PPO say in February or later. It leads me to think that CMS is authorizing a full commission on anyone that has been on a MAPD then went back to Original Medicare with or without a PDP even if it was for a only a month. I’m fine with that but I thought the ruling was that if a person was even in a Medicare Advantage plan and they switched to another Medicare Advantage plan CMS would only pay renewal first year commissions?

Any thoughts?

Mike

By: Mark Gartner

Mark Gartner — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:58:53 +0000

Does anyone know if the replacement rule for MA plans applies if it is a forced replacement( Such as BCBS eliminating MA plans)?

By: Marcy

Marcy — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:22:27 +0000

Where?! did you hear that CMS has received more complaints this year than any other, CMS? Or, some other entity that is self-serving?

I hear Daniel’s pain. This industry was so much more interesting, lucrative, and rewarding in years past. This is another government take-over.

All of my clients have been so appreciative of the information and service “and” education about a very complex issue, their medicare insurance.

Now, CMS (the government) is cutting us off at the knees. Why? There is a bigger agenda out there.

My opinion, while I still have the chance to express it, the less opportunity that people have educate themselves and become “educated consumers” the more they will have to rely on government. Socialism at its core. It is happening right before our eyes.

This ever changing (on a daily basis) Medicare issue regarding benefits, commissions, rules and regulations, is getting way too big. How CMS went and changed our contracts after the fact is mind boggeling, the fact that they can even do that is questionable. No, the government cannot do whatever it wants! Is there anyone out there that has the guts to challenge this big machine? Or, is everyone looking for alternative employment that does not preclude one to mental anguish, financial stress, and confusion?

Speak up America!

By: jim

jim — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:33:02 +0000

I agree with and applaud both of you. I too am a medicare broker, and I too spend hours each day working on behalf of my clients. However, I have seen what many agencies are doing and not doing to educate new brokers in the business. This year, CMS had more complaints than ever before by seniors. The commissions are good, but many of my peers have made it a practice to flip clients, and I know this has caused major problems. CMS is getting into this issue because we brought it upon ourselves. They will get out of it once we show we can govern ourselves and respect our clients’ needs.

By: fred

fred — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:01:34 +0000

can you give me an example in terms of money for the commission.

By: Art Tendler

Art Tendler — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:55:44 +0000

Daniel…I agree 100% this is a case where CMS is throwing the baby out with the bathwater. A few bad agents and now CMS wants to get totally involved. I get a great amount of pleasure helping seniors save money and get better health care…but I do need to eat

Art

By: Daniel Heskett

Daniel Heskett — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:27:20 +0000

It is JUST BEYOND ME why and how the Government is getting involved with our commissions!!! Everything the Government touches turns into SAND!!
INDEPENDANT AGENT’S
1. We educate our Medicare members!
2. We help them save their homes! (I helped a couple to the tune of $4,000 a year by moving them from their $425/mon (husband & wife)Medigap policy to a MAPD. They were able to pay propertry tax and not forclose. This plan gave better than what they had!!!! She hugs me everytin=me we meet and she is not related.
3. Every day I put in 18 hours a day helping our seniors out and work especialy hard to do right for that person with 1st their health and 2nd their finances!!
4. I’ve only been doing this for 1 1/2 years and find it very gratifiying.
5. And you mean to tell me out of a78 to 82 hour work week that I might have a chance of taking my wife of 30 years and myself on a little trip offered by a company or a bonus (that really goes to paying taxes) away from me!!
6. Cruyel, Cruel, Cruel!!!!!
7. If anything a Medicare Insurance Plan should only be conducted through an Independant Agent! Not over the phone or through a mailer. This is where the time is not being taken to explain and describe plans and all specifics.
8. I put my HEART and SOUL into this everyday to do what’s right for the member (my friend) and If I can not get a little extra for my efforts andf the long hours I put into this SHAME on CMS!!!!
9. If anything it sounds like CMS is penalizing it’s members, who were the BACK BONE of this country at one time!!!
10. Maybe CMS should spend more time auditting the Assisted Living Facilities they deal with if they want to pick on anybody. They’re the ones taking Medicare for a ride!

Concerned, Daniel Heskett

By: CMS Proposed Medicare Advantage Commission Rule to Levelize Commissions « Ritter Insurance Marketing

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:14:28 +0000

[...] July 2, 2008 by Craig Editor’s note, THIS IS THE ORIGINAL PROPOSED RULE, NOT THE FINAL VERSION WHICH WAS PUBLISHED O… [...]