Anybody else Get the "warning" from Coventry?

[MedSuppPro]

For plans not being renewed, the member can get out after Oct. 1. They could be disenrolled as early as Oct. 31. They could then get a med sup with an effective date of Nov 1. If they disenroll in Nov., they could get an effective date of Dec. 1.

However, getting plans to do the disenrollments in a timely manner will be a bear to get done. If the plan doesn't get them disenolled, they can't use their med sup. It would get fixed eventually, but, you would have many hours spent baby sitting an upset client.

I was discussing this very thing with another agent today because of Wellcare and Coventry both pulling out here. We decided that we would not enroll anyone with effective dates earlier than Jan. 1 except in special cases. For example, I have an MA client that is going to have a kidney transplant, he needs to get out of the MA plan ASAP. We will try to get him into a med sup on Nov. 1.

...

I still do not trust that the companies and CMS would follow thru in a timely manner.

This is the same conclusion I have and most will be January 1st.
This also explains why carriers are concerned about our marketing activities. They don't want to loose their $'s.

I know of an agent that was seemingly using the Nov and December 1st effective dates to her advantage. I couldn't see what the advantage was. I still don't.

I plan to start as soon as my client gets their letter (October - Monday, November 2nd).

Another i$$ue: Make sure your client keeps the disenrollment letter. Getting another letter sent out is also a function the carriers are not very swift at. I can't begin to tell you how many clients misplace or throw out their disenrollment letter.

 

[jdeasy]

This is the same conclusion I have and most will be January 1st.
This also explains why carriers are concerned about our marketing activities. They don't want to loose their $'s.

I know of an agent that was seemingly using the Nov and December 1st effective dates to her advantage. I couldn't see what the advantage was. I still don't.

I plan to start as soon as my client gets their letter (October - Monday, November 2nd).

Another i$: Make sure your client keeps the disenrollment letter. Getting another letter sent out is also a function the carriers are not very swift at. I can't begin to tell you how many clients misplace or throw out their disenrollment letter.

I agree. I've been telling them to be sure and keep that letter becausse it's their ticket to the GI. I don't think it will be a much of a problem with a national pull out as it has been in the past when they stopped in just one county and the med sup comapny really needed to see that letter.

I hate to see the PFFS plans go for the people that really have no other option here, but, for many, it's a great thing for them to get into a med sup when they didn't qaulify before.

 

[Hank]

I hate to see the PFFS plans go for the people that really have no other option here, but, for many, it's a great thing for them to get into a med sup when they didn't qualify before.

Me too. Sometimes a PFFS is the best option for the client.

By the way... I've already notified my clients via my monthly news letters, in a very general way that some major changes are in the works with Medicare. Most of my clients expect to see some changes based on what our President has been saying, so I don't expect a big shock for them. They are used to seeing me every year and re-evaluating all their insurance plans anyways. It's nice to share a cup of coffee with them and see the new pictures of the Grand Kids, etc, etc.

As far as this coming enrollment season, I need to replace both Wellcare and Coventry and I'm looking at all my PFFS options as well as bringing in Med Sups. I will let my client do what ever they think is best after I educate them and show them their options.

I will not offer any PFFS to any new clients this fall unless I see no other option for their best interest. Does that make sense ?

 

[MedSuppPro]

Sometimes a PFFS is the best option for the client.

Classic Example: Yesterday, I had a call from a gentleman with limited funds who will be new to Medicare -- under 65 disability. He just made a Routine Physical appointment with his doctor whom he hasn't seen in 2 years. Imagine a person on disability without seeing a doctor for 2 years.

His choice is to pay ~$300.00 a month for a MedSupp + PDP or get a MA-PD for zero. Good thing I can show him both!