Here’s what I’m hearing:
It seemed last week it was extremely likely that we were looking at a hard cap on independent agent’s commissions. I was expecting something by late last Wednesday night to that effect. It now appears that that might not happen.
It seems that the White House has given some input. They do not seem to favor a regulatory mandate which caps broker’s commissions. This makes some sense as to why the process was extended into this week. The discussions between CMS, the White House and OMB should result in a final decision soon (if it hasn’t already happened).
Regarding the timing of an announcement, I hear that we should not expect anything from CMS until perhaps late Thursday. Obviously, there is some pre-occupation with the election happening today which could slow things down even further.
One thing I think we can expect is that it will take some time for the companies to digest the new guidance, formally implement their commission structures and operationalize and test their commission paying computer systems to conform to the new commission structures. Based on this, I can see some delays in the initial payments since we are just 11 days from the official start of AEP where enrollments can be taken.
I won’t post more until I have the final word, unless I have big news.
Union? Are you kidding me? No wonder why the public thinks we are a bunch of crooks… some of you are… being worried about your paycheck… we are in the field of aiding clients, not selling.
Regardless, Obama is our President, Nancy Pelosi our Speaker, and a democratic senate; the days of Seniors having lower-cost options is over.
I agree on NAHU being the closest thing, but I haven’t noticed that they are involved much in Medicare Advantage; I’ll have to check their site and some of the latest newsletters and see what they are up to lately.
If we form our own it can be called Medi-Ready
Agents armed with knowledge assisting those in need. Or if Craig agrees to lead, it could be simple, we could be “Craig’s Crew” 
Thank you for being so informative.
I check your blog daily to read words of insight.
I’d say NAHU is the closest thing to what we’re talking about here. AHIP is a trade association for the Health Insurance Companies. Their constituents are the Health Plans, so they are not always looking out for the interests of the agent!
Our union should be the MA Plans thru AHIP but they are more worried about market share than a Broker Network.
AHIP appears to be very worried abouut CMS and they don’t hold their ground.
It would be nice to know what my income might be thru the already limited selling season.
I nominate Craig to Lead!!!
bud
we as insurance agent /ins brooker . it is such a shame that we cant form an union /or some entity that can represent us in times like this ,where we as independent ins brookers speak with one voice .my friends our lively hood is at stake as /brooker .my fellow brookers .we need to wake up .
PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think it was my letter writing campaign that made the difference.
http://medicareadvantageplan.blogspot.com/
Thanks Craig!!! As agents it was hard to understand the Radar Silence from everyone since a decision was supposed to be made by 10/31/2008. It’s great have a place to go and actually find an update even if it’s that nothing final has come down yet. What you are saying here sounds realistic. I will check back often to see what the final ruling is. Thanks again for keeping us all up to date.