Thank you both for your replies. I spoke with my FMO this morning. I'm going to start out getting appointed with Blue Cross and United Health; they are by far the most popular in RI and offer the lowest rates, according to the FMO.
Humana and TransAmerica are also two other carriers I can get appointed with if I choose. Some carriers require you be captive (Bankers Life) and will keep your renewals upon release, I'm told?
I'll ask about Mutual of Omaha.
For now, I'm awaiting contracting materials. United Health Care is all on-line, while Blue Cross still does everything on paper.
United Health's portal will get me to the AHIP program, and also give me a discount on the cost.
I'm working up an inchoate Business Plan, that basically looks like this:
1. Get contracted with FMO
2. Appointed with carriers
3. AHIP certified
4. Learn, learn, learn Med Supp et al
5. Marketing campaign: mailers, phone scripts
6. Mine for potential clients in my existing book of business
7. Buy leads
8. Start smiling, dialing, and setting appointments...
Anything I'm forgetting?
Thanks!!!
You're already starting out behind the power curve. I just ran quotes and told you who are the better ones there. The only reason Blue Cross is "popular" there is because everybody knows that name and will pick them because they are uneducated when it comes to Medicare. They will later find out they are paying a whole lot for nothing if a good agent comes along and shows them. Just because they are popular doesn't mean they are the best for your client.
Banker's Life is NOT captive.
Where are you getting this information? Whoever is giving it to you doesn't seem to know what they are talking about.