Is there a BCBS of Florida general agency?

TXINSURANCE · 05-13-2008, 01:09 PM

I would not do business with any company that does not have online applications and tracking capabilities - sorry that does not fit my business model and to me is unthinkable in 2008.

InsuranceBenefitsGroup · 05-13-2008, 03:43 PM

Good sales people can field the BX objections. Many agents lowball (by instinct) and sell limited plans. Overcome the objection and sell your product.

moonlightandmargaritas · 05-13-2008, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by InsuranceBenefitsGroup

I agree with TXINS, BX is archaic, apps take 8 wks to underwrite, they decline 50% of apps, no online access.

They do in fact have online application/access, and the decline ratio is 23%, not 50%.

AtheyMD · 05-13-2008, 05:52 PM

I was a group of one with BC/BS Maryland (Care First). Last month got a letter that they will no longer allow one in a group. Soooo, I am in the market for health insurance... in Florida.... (the business was in MD).
Just chiming in to let you know I could track things online with BC/BS.

Any recommendations for a plan for a healthy non-smoking 60 yr old woman are welcome. I've been looking at AARP 50-64 and some others but I'm seriously confused.

The premiums (Florida) for individual health coverage seem to be much higher and higher deductible. Bummer.

~Chere

moonlightandmargaritas · 05-13-2008, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by AtheyMD

I was a group of one with BC/BS Maryland (Care First). Last month got a letter that they will no longer allow one in a group. Soooo, I am in the market for health insurance... in Florida.... (the business was in MD).
Just chiming in to let you know I could track things online with BC/BS.

Any recommendations for a plan for a healthy non-smoking 60 yr old woman are welcome. I've been looking at AARP 50-64 and some others but I'm seriously confused.

The premiums (Florida) for individual health coverage seem to be much higher and higher deductible. Bummer.

~Chere

You can get a one person group here in Florida, but it is very expensive, and open enrollment is only in August to be effective 10/1.

The AARP plan has some serious limitations as detailed in another thread on this board.

Where are you located here in the Sunshine State?

AtheyMD · 05-13-2008, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by moonlightandmargaritas

Where are you located here in the Sunshine State?

33957

moonlightandmargaritas · 05-13-2008, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by AtheyMD

33957

Hmmm...think that's Sanibel Island, no? I'll send you a "Private Message", and be happy to give you all of the alternatives if you wish.

allhealthandlife · 05-13-2008, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by exofficio

We are getting a Master Agent contract finalized and will be able to sign up agents under us to sell BX IFPs. I expect comp to the subs will be 15-18%, but will confirm later when we have our ducks in a row.

So, sign on with a BX GA and be captive for 10% (umm, no thanks) or find an MAA and get over 15% if you give BX first shot at the biz.

Not the best deal in the world, but so many of my clients insist on BX that it forces the issue.

Let me know what the best commish you are going to offer. I am currently appointed with BCBS as a captive/independent since 1/07 but never submitted any business so i shouldn't have any problem getting a release .

J.C. · 05-13-2008, 09:16 PM

Hello Everyone... My

allhealthandlife · 05-14-2008, 01:39 AM

Originally Posted by moonlightandmargaritas

Do you have any kind of independent info to verify your assertion? I count three different BCBSFL GA's among my friends. I've talked with all three in the last ten days, and have not heard word one about this.

What's your source?

Hello Everyone... My name is Jerry Cuglietta and I am the President and CEO of Florida Insurance, Inc. We are the second largest Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Contracted General Agency.

We have just signed a new agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida to be a MGA under the name of Agency Consultants, Inc. This agreement allows us to contract Master Appointed Agents with a contract that pays 20% annualized commissions.

If you would like more details, email me at: jcuglietta@florida-insurance.com or call me at: 813-927-8780 between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

I thought that "assertion" was a pretty strong word to use toward someone who was just trying to share information to fellow agents on this forum - but i believe this might qualify as verification.

I am usually not one to repeat gossip so you better listen good the first time.

dr954 · 05-14-2008, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by J.C.

Hello Everyone... My name is Jerry Cuglietta and I am the President and CEO of Florida Insurance, Inc. We are the second largest Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Contracted General Agency.

We have just signed a new agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida to be a MGA under the name of Agency Consultants, Inc. This agreement allows us to contract Master Appointed Agents with a contract that pays 20% annualized commissions.

If you would like more details, email me at: jcuglietta@florida-insurance.com or call me at: 813-927-8780 between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

I just emailed Jerry, and the contract requires exclusivity. So it is a captive BCBS Agency, not a General Agency. Don't let his post fool you.

If anyone knows a reputable BCBS of FL agency to will allow independents to sell, please let me know.

Thanks.

moonlightandmargaritas · 05-14-2008, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by allhealthandlife

Hello Everyone... My name is Jerry Cuglietta and I am the President and CEO of Florida Insurance, Inc. We are the second largest Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Contracted General Agency.

We have just signed a new agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida to be a MGA under the name of Agency Consultants, Inc. This agreement allows us to contract Master Appointed Agents with a contract that pays 20% annualized commissions.

If you would like more details, email me at: jcuglietta@florida-insurance.com or call me at: 813-927-8780 between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

I thought that "assertion" was a pretty strong word to use toward someone who was just trying to share information to fellow agents on this forum - but i believe this might qualify as verification.

I am usually not one to repeat gossip so you better listen good the first time.

It turns out it was not a brokerage contract after all...wanna try again?

healthagent · 05-14-2008, 05:20 PM

This is a captive arrangement - must meet with clients - can only use another carrier in case of a decline - must give BX right of 1st refusal.

moonlightandmargaritas · 05-14-2008, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by healthagent

This is a captive arrangement - must meet with clients - can only use another carrier in case of a decline - must give BX right of 1st refusal.

Wow, thanks for the "new" info. You are truly "Mr. Florida".

If you look back several days and many posts ago, I let everyone know that there are no BCBSFL IFP brokerage contracts available.

Do you have any enlightening new info?

healthagent · 05-14-2008, 06:32 PM

Actually, based on a conversation I just had there's a way to play this correctly - I won't bother posting it since you can post it for me.

exofficio · 05-15-2008, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by moonlightandmargaritas

They do in fact have online application/access, and the decline ratio is 23%, not 50%.

Yes, they do for clients. TX was aksing about agents, right?

moonlightandmargaritas · 05-15-2008, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by exofficio

Yes, they do for clients. TX was aksing about agents, right?

They do for agents as well.

limey_27 · 05-24-2008, 02:24 AM

Not sure where you're located, I'm in Orlando with my GA in Lakeland - we are writing BCBS with a 12 month, 15% advance - that's as high as BC is willing to go. I'm only appointing to have in the bag for clients that have checked out their (BC) site and insist on it. Every thing else you've read here is what I've heard too - slow underwriting, have to be SUPER healthy or gonna get declined and pretty regular rate increases - sure not long b4 premium will be in line with other carriers. BC has clever system too - you're not captive but require you to offer their product first. They'll "secret shop" you as a spot check and pull your appointment if you're not plugging them 1st! If you're interested can get you the details.

The Rabbi · 05-24-2008, 03:27 PM

Tom Wharton recommended someone who claims to offer 13% as an indie. I agreed to send my Secure Horizons business through him for the top contract. He said he would send it but it's over a week now. Capri Financial is the name. I was going to switch my GR to him also. Not much support there.

thereaper · 05-25-2008, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by limey_27

Not sure where you're located, I'm in Orlando with my GA in Lakeland - we are writing BCBS with a 12 month, 15% advance - that's as high as BC is willing to go. I'm only appointing to have in the bag for clients that have checked out their (BC) site and insist on it. Every thing else you've read here is what I've heard too - slow underwriting, have to be SUPER healthy or gonna get declined and pretty regular rate increases - sure not long b4 premium will be in line with other carriers. BC has clever system too - you're not captive but require you to offer their product first. They'll "secret shop" you as a spot check and pull your appointment if you're not plugging them 1st! If you're interested can get you the details.

What do you consider regular rate increases? Blue Cross raises individual rates on under 65 products in June, while the hospital surgical is normally in August every year. Once a year is not regular compared to some other health insurers. You not only have to offer Blue Cross first you have to write it and only if the the person is declined you may write with another.