Advertising Med Supps

[toc3]

I have been trying to locate on the cms website any info pertaining to advertising the sale of med supps. I cannot locate anything. I am interested in creating a flier to distrubute in the area. I have also checked my states doi website and found nothing. Any suggestions?

 

[Frank Stastny]

I have been trying to locate on the cms website any info pertaining to advertising the sale of med supps. I cannot locate anything. I am interested in creating a flier to distrubute in the area. I have also checked my states doi website and found nothing. Any suggestions?

Call the marketing departments of the companies you represent. Not only will they be able to help you they probably already have ones in place you can use.

If you want to create your own it may require approval from the DOI. I don't believe you can mention company names or premium amounts. However, each state is probably different and it is always good to check with everyone first.

 

[toc3]

Thanks Frank, Probably should have just pm'd you in the first place.

 

[The Rabbi]

No one cares. Write a generic flyer for senior citizens health insurance.

 

[Winter_123]

If you want to create your own it may require approval from the DOI. I don't believe you can mention company names or premium amounts. However, each state is probably different and it is always good to check with everyone first.

Indeed. My state requires it and, for example, when they reviewed some advertising that I submitted they required that the advertising include a statement that med supp benefits are also available tor those who qualify based on disability. Gritty stuff like that comes up.

Winter

 

[midwestbroker]

Your state is in charge of policing supplements. CMS does the MA and Part D.

I was told by Humana (this was a few years ago, so things may have changed), if you do not mention MA, Part D, or a particular carrier, you can make your own as long as there are no false statements.

Something like...Over 65? Looking for insurance information...call XXX...

 

[Winter_123]

Your state is in charge of policing supplements. CMS does the MA and Part D.

I was told by Humana (this was a few years ago, so things may have changed), if you do not mention MA, Part D, or a particular carrier, you can make your own as long as there are no false statements.

Something like...Over 65? Looking for insurance information...call XXX...

I think that is true but it gets dicey depending on how anal your state is. You can use generic advertising as long as it is not false and as long as it is for a generic offering of products. The problem comes up when the agent is not offering any plans other than med supps in response to the advertising thus making the advertising med supp advertising. You have the same issue with carriers. Some of the med supp carriers do not allow telephone cold calling but if you are appointed with and in fact offering several plans from more than one carrier then (if allowed in your state) there is no problem in generic telephone cold calling. If, however, you only offer, say AARP, and you are doing generic cold calling then it gets dicey again because AARP does not allow it and you are just skirting the restriction.

I would like to think that some of this is just academic or overthinking it but if you have seen agents torn apart for less then they become real considerations and watch-outs. If you are in a loosey-goosy state maybe it is not as big a concern.

Winter

 

[mcday]

Winter,

Are you aware of any restrictions for your business card? I was under the impression for a Humana class that it would be fine to mention you write medicare supplements, medicare advantage and part d on your business card. Is that your understanding too?

Thanks

 

[Winter_123]

Winter,

Are you aware of any restrictions for your business card? I was under the impression for a Humana class that it would be fine to mention you write medicare supplements, medicare advantage and part d on your business card. Is that your understanding too?

Thanks

I don't see any problems with that, assuming that you are not also securities licensed. If you are securities licensed then all of your business cards must be approved by you your B/D's compliance group even if the products have nothing to do with securities.

I do think that there are watch-outs on business cards though. If you put your title on there as "Medicare Specialist" or something that could easily give the client the impression that you are with government then that could cross some lines.

Winter

 

[Vandenberg]

Are you licensed with the Mutual of Omaha family of companies? Mutual has preprinted mailers they provide to their agent at no cost- 5,000 maximum. You pay the postage but they'll take care of the printing. Pretty nice looking pieces too. I have samples of the mailer I can email to you if you'd like. Give me a call or send me an email if your interested in taking a look at the agent leads.