Comments on: CMS begins Approving 2009 Medicare Advantage Commissions (Updated, Maybe Final?)

By: Medicare Supplement PA

Medicare Supplement PA — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:02:33 +0000

EXCELLENT!!!

That’s what we need, people doing more than just posting on a web page. I’m with you (In spirit – I don’t know where you are).

I’ve been in touch with my congressperson – Joe Sestak (D)

Let’s us know what happens.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:17:55 +0000

I am going to my congressman’s office to see if we can set up a meeting in my area between him and the area independent agents. We need to ban together to get this resolved. The way I see it, is that someone owes me one half to two thirds of my money and I want it back!

By: Brenda Jo

Brenda Jo — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:16:57 +0000

Sure this is one possibility. Wouldn’t that be special, no product line but we still have to keep the Sales Appt Confirmation forms for 10 years… I believe there will be a future for MAs although it may be different and I believe that future is still being formulated and has not been decided yet.

By: scott

scott — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:41:35 +0000

Check this out! I have seen this coming for a while as there were hints during the campaign. Six months ago I would have said no way can’t happen but we have seen many things that are unprecedented in the last few months.

We may not have to worry about commissions next year, it’s a possibility there will be no Advantage Plans as we now know them.

http://www.floridahealthnews.org/index.cfm/go/public.articleView/article/10379/top/true

By: Andrea

Andrea — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:08:18 +0000

Beyond the commission issue – I think that the form used to change Med Supp – where the client signs that the change is for better benefits or lower premium would have solved the entire issue of rolling clients. CMS impemented thsi form for supplements for the same reasons they are cutting our commissions on Advantage and PDP.

It is crazy for CMS to have the last month and a half for annual enrollment. Wouldn’t it make more sense (if it has to be a month and a half) to have it start October 1 and go through November 15. There are no major holidays during this time, people aren’t usually traveling, etc. AND – that
would give Medicare a month and a half to get their part done – confirm enrollments BEFORE they go into effect on January 1. OEP could run from December to end of March, or be left the same.

CMS really does need to quit making changes after AEP starts. Everyone – Agents, Ins. cos., SHIP,SHICK, etc. needs to know what is going on BEFORE the selling season starts. New rules shouldn’t affect the current season after it starts.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:08:29 +0000

Teresa:

I had the same thing happen to me with Coventry. I had a debit balance for 27 enrollments at $170 each. I talked with someone in Broker Services and she didn’t understand it either. I gave up trying to figure it out. My advice is to make sure you keep all your statements and enrollment forms and keep detailed records on whom you got paid on and who you didn’t. They send out emails and also a hard copy through the mail that lists the actual names of who you enrolled.

By: Brenda Jo

Brenda Jo — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:12:14 +0000

Thanks Craig.

By: Craig

Craig — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:50:17 +0000

Brenda:

If you are replacing MA, the company is allowed to advance. They aren’t required to, but most will.

By: Craig

Craig — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:49:29 +0000

Mike:

My understanding of the “initial commission” payout is that it is for anyone coming off of Original Medicare (regardless of their age) and also for “New to Medicare”.

By: Brenda Jo

Brenda Jo — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:54:43 +0000

Also, here is the CMS press release on agent compensation from November of 2008.

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=3353

And just like Tom said above, it is amazing to me the compliance and zero tolerance rules that are out there for the agent and that everyone are spending all their time on, yet it seems that CMS can not meet deadlines, not know terms, not worry if they make a mistake, etc. I have a novel idea, instead of companies having to issue daily reg change memos, what about devoting their time to product training, beneficiary communications, customer service training, etc.

Here is a snippet that shows that they call the AEP, the OEP, etc. and it ends with the rule resolving any confusion. That is all that I am seeing and feeling is confusion…

“The steps we are taking should help to make sure that brokers and agents are selling health or drug plans that best meet beneficiaries’ needs when open enrollment begins on November 15,” said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. “The rule we are issuing will help to resolve any confusion about how the private plans should implement compensation structures to meet those needs.”

Independent agents worked the entire AEP not knowing comps and still not knowing comps and I will bet that there were probably more changes this AEP than in the past due to the large changes in benefits and premiums on most plans this season.