United HealthCare Rewards Loyal Agents

MedSuppPro · 12-03-2008, 07:05 PM

Just got some welcome good news;

United HealthCare Insurance Company and its affiliates
(”United”) are pleased to share the following update
Relating to the 2009 commissions information you’ve
Already received.

This update affects those agents who have been loyal
To United and currently have clients in one of our
Medicare Advantage programs from 2008 or earlier.

For 2009, we will pay the existing renewal
Commissions (enrollment in 2008 and prior) at the
New renewal rates set forth in the 2009 commissions
Schedule.

This investment reinforces our commitment to Medicare Advantage and to our agents who have demonstrated
Their commitment to United. We believe this change is consistent with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS) objective to reduce the number of plan changes motivated by agent compensation and ensure
That the interests of our members are being served by the agents offering United’s portfolio of products.

Insuranceman · 12-03-2008, 08:58 PM

I wonder if that still applies if you move half your book business with them to another company?

MedSuppPro · 12-03-2008, 09:42 PM

It's hard to believe it's December 3rd and we are still sorting out our commissions. (i.e.How we get paid)

honestagent · 12-04-2008, 02:43 AM

Interesing what each carrier is doing.

BCBS threatend no recert = no renewals. Coventry never really shared how they would handle this in their snail mail addenda I received from them except commissions and the legal docs clearly stated: items are subject to change at any time.. .'nice, ' cya for them and screw it to us.

And well I'm still waiting to hear from the rest.

I am and am not surprised United is doing this for us.

retread · 12-04-2008, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by honestagent

Interesing what each carrier is doing.

BCBS threatend no recert = no renewals. Coventry never really shared how they would handle this in their snail mail addenda I received from them except commissions and the legal docs clearly stated: items are subject to change at any time.. .'nice, ' cya for them and screw it to us.

And well I'm still waiting to hear from the rest.

I am and am not surprised United is doing this for us.

It would appear to me that if one is to get a "renewal" commission, that by logic one would have to be certified to service that client. If you fail to certify, either by not passing the tests or dropping the carrier, you are thereby not able to service the client, hence no renewal.

On the otherhand, if you have served your clients and maintained them on your carrier's roles, it is appropriate for you to be compensated, based on past performance. I just do not think an agent should get something for nothing. This is just my opinion... YMMV.

If you desire residual income, consider Life products. Health is annual products.

walleyeb1 · 12-04-2008, 01:02 PM

An FMO I get email from indicated that it was their interpretation of the new regs that all companies are required to do this. They must pay renewals on all old business at the new renewal rates. That would be nice!

Joe Moore · 12-04-2008, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by MedSuppPro

Just got some welcome good news;

United HealthCare Insurance Company and its affiliates
(”United”) are pleased to share the following update
relating to the 2009 commissions information you’ve
already received.

This update affects those agents who have been loyal
to United and currently have clients in one of our
Medicare Advantage programs from 2008 or earlier.

For 2009, we will pay the existing renewal
commissions (enrollment in 2008 and prior) at the
new renewal rates set forth in the 2009 commissions
schedule.

This investment reinforces our commitment to Medicare Advantage and to our agents who have demonstrated
their commitment to United. We believe this change is consistent with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS) objective to reduce the number of plan changes motivated by agent compensation and ensure
that the interests of our members are being served by the agents offering United’s portfolio of products.

This will sure discourage "churning". But will the other companies follow with the same attitude?

Bravo to UHC!

michellea · 12-04-2008, 07:13 PM

I was on the phone with the non helpful producer help line today.........I asked how exactly this renewal rate was going to work and the guy knew NOTHING about it. I told him it was an email I received yesterday. He said everyone from the field is saying that, but they had no knowledge of it at all. He asked me to forward the email to him. WTF?????????

Russ · 12-04-2008, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by michellea

I was on the phone with the non helpful producer help line today.........I asked how exactly this renewal rate was going to work and the guy knew NOTHING about it. I told him it was an email I received yesterday. He said everyone from the field is saying that, but they had no knowledge of it at all. He asked me to forward the email to him. WTF?????????

The same script every time I call.....

(1)Your name
(2)Your producer #......

And.....

(3)What is your phone number in case we get disconnected.

Then.....

(4)How can I assist you today.....

Most of the time they do a good job helping. Occasionally you'll get someone, that you can tell from their tone, would rather be at a bar during happy hour......

Then...after you're finished....

(5)Is their anything else I can assist you with today?

michellea · 12-04-2008, 08:46 PM

Oh I get basically the same script everytime, except mine seems to go this way:

(4) How may I assist you today?

I ask them what I need to ask or tell them my pay problem, or whatever and their response is then

(5) Ok we will have to submit a ticket (or whatever they call it I can't think of it right now) and someone will get back to you within 72 hours.

I then get really frustrated because NOT ONCE have I been contacted back in 72 hours. I once got contacted 2 months later. Then if I call to check on it after 72 hours they say they will escalate it again and still no answer, WTF??? So I then laugh and say sure escalate, but I can guarantee that they won't call back in 72 hours. They reply:

(6) The procedure is for them to return your call and resolve the issue within 72 hours, they always do.

So I then tell the person that regardless of what they are taught, things to do not always play out that way.

***** I have only said all of that in one conversation, but in almost every phone call I do get told they will escalate it and get back with me, and it has NEVER been within the 72 hours.

I am beginning to think they have it out against me or something, everyone else is receiving their renewals no problems, no problems with outrageous unexpected chargebacks and get help from the producer help desk. My fiance and I are having problems with all of the above.

I am captive with the company for medicare sales, is that my problem? If so I will go ahead, get out of my contract, wait the 6 months and get Rick to hook me up with a contract!

Originally Posted by Russ

The same script every time I call.....

(1)Your name
(2)Your producer #......

And.....

(3)What is your phone number in case we get disconnected.

Then.....

(4)How can I assist you today.....

Most of the time they do a good job helping. Occasionally you'll get someone, that you can tell from their tone, would rather be at a bar during happy hour......

Then...after you're finished....

(5)Is their anything else I can assist you with today?

honestagent · 12-05-2008, 12:56 AM

Retread,

I say this with no disrespect but I didn't get into this business to 'serve' or service and or educate for free? Did you?

An agent or any person in the financial entity gets paid and maintains his/her livelyhood by renewals... fees, etc. etc. We, the true sales professionals, are no different - than the very solid lawyer or doctor - a good agent should be well paid for his/her knowledge and time. A true professional - operative word - professional.

Renewals within insurance - specifically - is afterall how these carriers stay in business b/c if it weren't for us to have initiated the deal, where would they be?!?! Think about it, as much as they wish to rid us, they are not there yet to do such. I find the comp. rate on renewals with most products to be insulting with how they have depreciated and or further can be dismissed if certain production or other requirements are not met. It wasn't always like this from what I've been told from some senior vets, fyi.

We are sales people. Bottom line - we get paid to sell. That's how we make our living or did I miss something somewhere?

Yes a good agent will do the service work. I BREATHE THIS too much; but I also know, that's what customer service is for - too damn bad they do not or will not perform to a freakin minimum standard level of 'quality' care - so you know, we sales people you know... can... I don't know,... how about: focus on selling and only that.. selling.. marketing...!!!!

Without sales - there would be no nothing. This is how the world revolves.

My 2 dollars.

As for what is appropriate, on 'past performance' again, insurance and agents understand the importance of renewals, which has nothing to do with how one has serviced the clients.
Bottom line - renewals are a part of of our bottom line whether we service them or not.

I don't get paid to go beyond the call of duty but I do b/c I want the bz. to stick - and be there for them for as long as I can - which again - helps with renewals... if it's in the contract ----> and yes...takes time from.. SELLING AND MARKETING.

Now, should I talk about our back office upline for accurate answers and core solutions in a timely effective manner and how time consuming that it is to dig dig dig....you know.. are qualified and bonified FMOs who take from us too?

Originally Posted by retread

It would appear to me that if one is to get a "renewal" commission, that by logic one would have to be certified to service that client. If you fail to certify, either by not passing the tests or dropping the carrier, you are thereby not able to service the client, hence no renewal.

On the otherhand, if you have served your clients and maintained them on your carrier's roles, it is appropriate for you to be compensated, based on past performance. I just do not think an agent should get something for nothing. This is just my opinion... YMMV.

If you desire residual income, consider Life products. Health is annual products.

Russ · 12-05-2008, 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by michellea

Oh I get basically the same script everytime, except mine seems to go this way:

(4) How may I assist you today?

I ask them what I need to ask or tell them my pay problem, or whatever and their response is then

(5) Ok we will have to submit a ticket (or whatever they call it I can't think of it right now) and someone will get back to you within 72 hours.

I then get really frustrated because NOT ONCE have I been contacted back in 72 hours. I once got contacted 2 months later. Then if I call to check on it after 72 hours they say they will escalate it again and still no answer, WTF??? So I then laugh and say sure escalate, but I can guarantee that they won't call back in 72 hours. They reply:

(6) The procedure is for them to return your call and resolve the issue within 72 hours, they always do.

So I then tell the person that regardless of what they are taught, things to do not always play out that way.

***** I have only said all of that in one conversation, but in almost every phone call I do get told they will escalate it and get back with me, and it has NEVER been within the 72 hours.

I am beginning to think they have it out against me or something, everyone else is receiving their renewals no problems, no problems with outrageous unexpected chargebacks and get help from the producer help desk. My fiance and I are having problems with all of the above.

I am captive with the company for medicare sales, is that my problem? If so I will go ahead, get out of my contract, wait the 6 months and get Rick to hook me up with a contract!

I write for a few different companies for med-supps....AARP...M of O...Cont. Life....Shenandoah Life(in Alabama).

LOL....yeah, AARP NEVER gets back in touch within 72 hours. Usually it's a week or more...maybe a lot more.

I have issues with them paying on new business sometimes. I have an open-enrollment case now...they received the application Nov. 4th, policy was issued a week later. I'm still waiting to be paid!!!!!!!!!!! "14 business day" BS!

They finally got me on direct deposit, after me faxing in the correct information 3 times within the last several months. My first direct deposit hit this morning.

retread · 12-05-2008, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by honestagent

Retread,

I say this with no disrespect but I didn't get into this business to 'serve' or service and or educate for free? Did you?

An agent or any person in the financial entity gets paid and maintains his/her livelyhood by renewals... fees, etc. etc. We, the true sales professionals, are no different - than the very solid lawyer or doctor - a good agent should be well paid for his/her knowledge and time. A true professional - operative word - professional.

Renewals within insurance - specifically - is afterall how these carriers stay in business b/c if it weren't for us to have initiated the deal, where would they be?!?! Think about it, as much as they wish to rid us, they are not there yet to do such. I find the comp. rate on renewals with most products to be insulting with how they have depreciated and or further can be dismissed if certain production or other requirements are not met. It wasn't always like this from what I've been told from some senior vets, fyi.

We are sales people. Bottom line - we get paid to sell. That's how we make our living or did I miss something somewhere?

Yes a good agent will do the service work. I BREATHE THIS too much; but I also know, that's what customer service is for - too damn bad they do not or will not perform to a freakin minimum standard level of 'quality' care - so you know, we sales people you know... can... I don't know,... how about: focus on selling and only that.. selling.. marketing...!!!!

Without sales - there would be no nothing. This is how the world revolves.

My 2 dollars.

As for what is appropriate, on 'past performance' again, insurance and agents understand the importance of renewals, which has nothing to do with how one has serviced the clients.
Bottom line - renewals are a part of of our bottom line whether we service them or not.

I don't get paid to go beyond the call of duty but I do b/c I want the bz. to stick - and be there for them for as long as I can - which again - helps with renewals... if it's in the contract ----> and yes...takes time from.. SELLING AND MARKETING.

Now, should I talk about our back office upline for accurate answers and core solutions in a timely effective manner and how time consuming that it is to dig dig dig....you know.. are qualified and bonified FMOs who take from us too?

Wow! I don't know where to begin...

I don't think most who read my post would gather that I think we should work for free. I think we should get professional level pay for our services. However, my point is that those that expect to get paid year after year for the life of the client for doing nothing more than an initial sale need to rethink their position. I don't think you fall into this category, but if the shoe fits....

honestagent · 12-06-2008, 07:01 AM

Depending on the designer, it's either 7.5 or 8. A real issue for me b/c I haven't had much luck ordering on line.

AgentOrange · 02-10-2009, 09:24 AM

Has anyone gotten the accelerated renewals yet ? From what I understand they were supposed to start paying Feb. 2nd ...

michellea · 02-13-2009, 11:41 PM

Ha, ha, ha.....yes I got my renewals at around $16.00 a piece, not $200.

sman · 02-14-2009, 07:37 AM

That's more than I've received. Of the one's I've been paid a renewal on, it has only been $12.50.

MedSuppPro · 02-14-2009, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by AgentOrange

has anyone gotten the accelerated renewals yet ? From what I understand they were supposed to start paying Feb. 2nd ...

NOTHING!!!

Is UHC the only carrier whom offered "accelerated renewals"?

But, I've received some UHC AEP FIRST YEAR. I don't know why and I'm not going to ask.

Russ · 02-14-2009, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by MedSuppPro

NOTHING!!!

Is UHC the only carrier whom offered "accelerated renewals"?

But, I've received some UHC AEP FIRST YEAR. I don't know why and I'm not going to ask.

Because they don't know what the hell their doing. I wrote a med-supp in November 2008 for a February 2009 effective date....they finally sent me a paper commission check about 3-4 weeks ago. I'm on direct deposit. Now they just paid me again on it yesterday. They finally paid me yesterday on 2 PDP plans I wrote, electronically Nov. 15th.

And to top it all off, I have no 1099 from them YET!

EDITS>>I've made around 300+ posts on this forum. At least half complaining about some aspect of commissions. I'll try and do better.................

MedSuppPro · 02-14-2009, 09:14 AM

Russ,

I've received my 1099 and the contact info is as follows;

United Healthcare Ins. Co.
1003 Broad St. STE 300
Johnstown, PA 15906-2445
(814) 534-2399

Hope this helps!