Just wanted to put up a quick post this morning to let everyone know what I’m working on! Unfortunately, I think I’ll be completely tied up with these two items, so I’ll apologize in advance if I’m hard to reach in the next couple days!
First, I’m getting contacted by a number of companies who are looking for 2006 and 2007 commission data in order to put together a “market basket” approach as a basis for their 2009 commissions. This is very time sensitive and critical in determining what agents can be paid for 2009, so this is my highest priority.
Second, I’m trying to get in contact with NAHU to organize a response to CMS’s interim final rule. I’ve worked with NAHU in the past of some things and they seem to be the most appropriate venue to organize a loud and clear response from the independent agent community. I made some suggestions to them and I’m awaiting their feedback and guidance as they have more experience in the political realm than I have.
Craig,
I had a phone conversation with Scott Leavitt, the current National President of NAHU. I asked what is NAHU doing to fight the encroachment of legislation on the independent agent? Scott and Janet Trautwein (NAHU’s CEO) are aware of this and are working within the constraints of the organization. In a recent NAHU e-mail (11-14-08):
“While we are prohibited by federal antitrust laws from any activities that could in any way be construed as negotiating compensation on behalf of our members, NAHU is advocating generally for fair and reasonable compensation for all agents and brokers.”
“…we believe that…agents and brokers marketing private Medicare products should be fairly compensated for the invaluable services they provide to millions of seniors every day.”
Craig, I want to thank you for trying to help us earn a good living. I dont understand why the goverment didnt get by sides of the problems with the medicare advantage program. The most I got for each sell ran from $200 to $126 and now I might get maybe $100. The hrs I spent getting ready to see my clients, the hrs and days I spent seeing my clients, and the many many hrs I spent taking care of the problems that came about and being lied to by these foreign customer service people, and now they dont want me to be rewarded for my hard work. I cant tell you how many of my clients say , thank you Mr. Cook for helping me. What a good feeling, and I will take care of them for the year 2009, but in many ways I feel I have gotten punished for doing a good job. I am going out this Saturday and I will do what is best for my clients, and hope I dont get fined for saying good morning.
Craig,
I just found this site and it seems to be a great resource!!!
Thanks for the info
Craig, thanks for trying to look out for us….and keeping us in the loop.
Thank you Craig; we Do appreciate all that you do for us (the lonely independent agent).