Need some guidance; making the move...

[sshafran]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

You're reversing the proper strategy: Find the 5-6 best carriers to write (sign up for CSG and do some research), then call some (multiple) FMO's and ask for contracts and commission levels.

This isn't rocket surgery.

 

[insurancechic127]

Not speaking for Todd, but when I read his comment, that wasn't a dig against you - it was simply pointing out that the FMO had limited offerings and you would - in fact - be behind the power curve because your FMO was pushing non-competitive products.

I'm not sure why that would put you off. It's a fact - those carriers aren't as competitive as others - and his statement was based on looking at your market.

Thanks, I understand, I think. Why would an FMO push non-competitive products?

 

[insurancechic127]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

You're reversing the proper strategy: Find the 5-6 best carriers to write (sign up for CSG and do some research), then call some (multiple) FMO's and ask for contracts and commission levels.

This isn't rocket surgery.

At the risk of sounding like this is rocket surgery, how do i find the 'best carriers to write?' Price alone?

Please, try to answer without the sarcasm...thanks, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Todd King]

Thanks, I understand, I think. Why would an FMO push non-competitive products?

Only reason I can think of is that they just aren't on top of their game.

I do apologize if I sounded harsh before. I am pretty direct, but certainly didn't mean anything by it.

As was said before, I was only trying to let you know that they didn't have the competitive carriers that you would need....therefore you would be starting off wrong right to begin with.

 

[kgmom219]

Deep Breath. Several deep breaths.

1. Start with Med Supp only. Its easier, plus you don't have to deal with AHIP and each carrier's rules. You DO need to figure out Part D, even if you only "advise" on it. You are going to get a lot of questions on drugs.
2. Only sell to T65 (or Part B virgins). Then you aren't dealing with underwriting at the beginning
3. You don't need an FMO, but I would at your point in your career. Todd is great and I am ducking as I type this, but I like MedicareAgentTraining, too. (Though I am in the minority on the this board regarding that one)
4. You can download Medicare and You at medicare.gov
5. You can pick your carriers. There's lot of threads on this. Personally, I only sell A rated carriers. And if they are uninsurable, they go Blue. But that's my area. RI may be different.
6. The answer to Med Supp vs MAPD is this: when you are healthy and if you like the docs, MAPD is great. When you need it, its expensive and and then it sucks. The last thing anyone wants is finding a SNF post-stroke that's in the network. And then dealing with the costs associated with it.
7. Pick your FMO based on training available and confirm they release at will.

IMO, you need to start with product training. Then decide on carriers. Then get out there and start selling.

 

[insurancechic127]

Deep Breath. Several deep breaths.

1. Start with Med Supp only. Its easier, plus you don't have to deal with AHIP and each carrier's rules. You DO need to figure out Part D, even if you only "advise" on it. You are going to get a lot of questions on drugs.
2. Only sell to T65 (or Part B virgins). Then you aren't dealing with underwriting at the beginning
3. You don't need an FMO, but I would at your point in your career. Todd is great and I am ducking as I type this, but I like MedicareAgentTraining, too. (Though I am in the minority on the this board regarding that one)
4. You can download Medicare and You at medicare.gov
5. You can pick your carriers. There's lot of threads on this. Personally, I only sell A rated carriers. And if they are uninsurable, they go Blue. But that's my area. RI may be different.
6. The answer to Med Supp vs MAPD is this: when you are healthy and if you like the docs, MAPD is great. When you need it, its expensive and and then it sucks. The last thing anyone wants is finding a SNF post-stroke that's in the network. And then dealing with the costs associated with it.
7. Pick your FMO based on training available and confirm they release at will.

IMO, you need to start with product training. Then decide on carriers. Then get out there and start selling.

GREAT post; thank you so much!

I'm taking your advice to heart. Off I go...(I shall return)

-Robin

 

[goillini52]

Deep Breath. Several deep breaths.

1. Start with Med Supp only. Its easier, plus you don't have to deal with AHIP and each carrier's rules. You DO need to figure out Part D, even if you only "advise" on it. You are going to get a lot of questions on drugs.
2. Only sell to T65 (or Part B virgins). Then you aren't dealing with underwriting at the beginning
3. You don't need an FMO, but I would at your point in your career. Todd is great and I am ducking as I type this, but I like MedicareAgentTraining, too. (Though I am in the minority on the this board regarding that one)
4. You can download Medicare and You at medicare.gov
5. You can pick your carriers. There's lot of threads on this. Personally, I only sell A rated carriers. And if they are uninsurable, they go Blue. But that's my area. RI may be different.
6. The answer to Med Supp vs MAPD is this: when you are healthy and if you like the docs, MAPD is great. When you need it, its expensive and and then it sucks. The last thing anyone wants is finding a SNF post-stroke that's in the network. And then dealing with the costs associated with it.
7. Pick your FMO based on training available and confirm they release at will.

IMO, you need to start with product training. Then decide on carriers. Then get out there and start selling.

Nice quick duck. Of the 2 training sites being mentioned in your quote, one is a liar and the other isn't.

I've never known Todd to lie.

 

[Chazm]

Aren’t there two SMS? I think one is bad and one not. Senior market sale and senior market specialist I believe

 

[vic120]

Aren’t there two SMS? I think one is bad and one not. Senior market sale and senior market specialist I believe

I use senior market specialist for some carries and have been very happy with them.

As far as the other I have no experience.

 

[sshafran]

Thanks, I understand, I think. Why would an FMO push non-competitive products?

I don't know. I think - and I could be wrong - but I think that sometimes an FMO will get a semi-exclusive or an "extra" high comp with 1 or 2 carriers and they need to push that main one in order to keep their level with the carrier. i.e., produce $X with carrier B or else lose the FMO contract - so they push it out to all of their agents. That's my best guess...