Medicare FMO recommendation in Florida or UHC Captive?

[New2014]

Hello,
I have been licensed for several years, dipped my toe in Final Expense very briefly, didn't like it, and have been an Independent Career Agent with United Healthcare Medicare Solutions for the last 2 years in Tampa Bay Florida selling Medicare Advantage and Med Supps.

I am moving inland slightly to Polk County ( Lakeland), close enough to service my existing clients, but actually a different district for UHC so I would transfer area's and write new business under a different manager.
I am trying to decide wether to do that and stay as an ICA with UHC, or switch to an FMO, so asking for recommendations from experienced folks on here.

My existing UHC manager suggested 3 FMO options....Golden Outlook (National), Jack Schroeder Associates (National), and MCC (Tampa).
Do any of you folks know anything about these and if they would be good for me in Central West Florida?
I am aware of some of the good reputations of FMO's who post on these boards but thinking maybe Medicare in Florida is not the strongest area for them...am I wrong about that? Are any of the FMO's on here a good choice for Medicare in Florida?
Other's that come to mind are Gordon Marketing who I think may be strong representing UHC and possibly get leads?
Ritter?
Senior Market Specialists?
Not sure if these or others may be good for Florida? Do any of you know or have experience or knowledge with these or others?

Finally, if I stay captive with UHC in Polk County, I suspect it may be a different experience (for better or worse) than Tampa Bay. Perhaps more Med Supps in Polk than Tampa? less competition in Med Advantage?
Do any of you have any experience or knowledge of this or other differences?

Thank you all in advance, I read these forums regularly and know many of you have a lot of good advice and experience!

 

[Chazm]

You’ve asked a lot of questions about an area I know very well.
I will say, whoever you choose, the market for Tampa and Polk county is exactly the same. Every company has Polk and hillsborough as the same service area.

 

[Todd King]

Whatever you do going independent, don't put yourself in a captive position. Make sure you can get a release if you want to move away from them later. Not bad to get that in writing before signing contracts.

 

[billyb]

I was under MCC or years. Never heard from them unless I had a problem and called them. I use Ed Gentry in Daytona Beach now. He calls me every few weeks just to check and see if I need anything.

 

[steve3752]

I was under MCC for several years and they did nothing for me either.

 

[New2014]

Thank you for your answers so far.

So does anybody have any knowledge of being captive with UHC and if it might be a good thing to remain that way in Florida?

Do any of you know anything about Golden Outlook or Jack Schroeder?

Todd, are you active in Central West Florida in regards to Medicare Advantage, Supps, and PDP? Do you have a contract with Baycare? (new MA plan this year for Tampa Bay)

 

[Todd King]

Thank you for your answers so far.

So does anybody have any knowledge of being captive with UHC and if it might be a good thing to remain that way in Florida?

Do any of you know anything about Golden Outlook or Jack Schroeder?

Todd, are you active in Central West Florida in regards to Medicare Advantage, Supps, and PDP? Do you have a contract with Baycare? (new MA plan this year for Tampa Bay)

We are active, but we don't carry Baycare. We usually only deal with the national MA companies like UHC, Human, Cigna, Aetna, etc.

Oh, and I've always here decent things about JSA. Just make sure you remain independent if you use them and ask good questions before signing contracts.

 

[Chazm]

Compare the Baycare plan to CarePlus and Wellcare. They rebate part B more and have lower copays. The only way a client would want Baycare is if their Dr. only took it.
It wouldn’t be bad to have in your bag if you work the Tampa area but there are better options.

To answer your question if you should be captive with UHC, I would ask why would you want to.
Sure, they have a big network and I do sell them sometimes, but why limit yourself to one company.

 

[J2727]

Compare the Baycare plan to CarePlus and Wellcare. They rebate part B more and have lower copays. The only way a client would want Baycare is if their Dr. only took it.
It wouldn’t be bad to have in your bag if you work the Tampa area but there are better options.

To answer your question if you should be captive with UHC, I would ask why would you want to.
Sure, they have a big network and I do sell them sometimes, but why limit yourself to one company.

What has been the experience with your clients on the Wellcare MAPD with the Part B give-back?

 

[Chazm]

What has been the experience with your clients on the Wellcare MAPD with the Part B give-back?

I personally hate writing Wellcare so I try to avoid if possible. But when a client contemplates not even taking Medicare, I let them know there’s a plan that will refund $131/month for part B.
But the people on it tend to be fine with it.

Thankfully, since I started doing seminars in March, those clientele aren’t worried about the part b premium.