Face to Face NOT required for Today's Options

[Frank Stastny]

It does not say you must receive this in person. It only states "Employees, brokers and independent agents must first ask for a beneficiary's permission before providing assistance in the beneficiary's residence, prior to conducting any sales presentations or accepting an enrollment form in person."

I believe this is restating that we must have an appointment set in advance before going to see a beneficiary, not that we must see them in person in order to get the enrollment form or make a presentation.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Rick

You are the new "horse's mouth" because you are correct in your interpretation of what that says. The section she is referring to only deals with the act of going out and knocking on doors without an appointment. Nothing is said or even eluded to about enrolling people over the phone.

Her second "required reading" deals only with the MA companies and agencies/brokers overseeing agents who are selling MA plans. Again nothing about an agent enrolling prospects over the phone.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

I think if anyone unwilling to sit down with senior clients you should find a new line of work. Just my 2 cents.

 

[policy doctor]

Bottom line, I think everyone will do what they want. And if the client is taken care of, that is the goal.

I just did my first "online signature" for Part D. Carrier was missing the signature page from the faxed in app. I did a three-way calling, and here is how they do the online signature. The svc rep read the entire page to her, with her responses to the questions, and that was it.

 

[GreenSky]

I think if anyone unwilling to sit down with senior clients you should find a new line of work. Just my 2 cents.

I'm willing to sit down with all my clients. However, when I'm in California and my client is in Wisconsin this presents a problem.

I'm thinking about learning how to use the flue network so this won't be an issue in the future. (Hope someone gets the Harry Potter reference.)

Rick

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

True - I didn't say it would always be the case. I said anyone "unwilling." I do a mix of online and in-person but I'm always willing to see a client.

I have a phone sign-up tomorrow. But I also just got off the phone with a prospect I telemarketed last week. Very nice guy and just quit a job to start his own home improvement biz - just lost coverage a few months ago. Busier then a one-legged man in an ass kicking contest and I wouldn't even attempt it on the phone. We're on for next Tuesday.

 

[Frank Stastny]

Bottom line, I think everyone will do what they want. And if the client is taken care of, that is the goal.

I just did my first "online signature" for Part D. Carrier was missing the signature page from the faxed in app. I did a three-way calling, and here is how they do the online signature. The svc rep read the entire page to her, with her responses to the questions, and that was it.

I do all my Part D apps over the phone and then signed them up on the internet just the way you described.

Does the carrier you use require you to get a wet signature and send the actual app to them? It would not be worth it to me if I had to do that.

I'm really surprised that is your first one.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

Do you have pants on when you do it

 

[Frank Stastny]

Do you have pants on when you do it

Can one be a true "underware" agent wearing pants?

 

[policy doctor]

Frankly speaking, I have been gathering info while on the phone, but I mail out the whole packet, including the form, for them to sign and mail back.
Of course, they keep the books. Then I fax in the 3-4 pg app.

Did the same with some MA plans, but I do prefer to see them in person if possible. Depends on the distance.

 

[policy doctor]

You are the new "horse's mouth" because you are correct in your interpretation of what that says. The section she is referring to only deals with the act of going out and knocking on doors without an appointment. Nothing is said or even eluded to about enrolling people over the phone.

******* ************** *********

Well it's for sure nobody wants to be a horses' ass, but I have talked to H.O. for both Coventry and Pyramid, and both mktg depts told me: all Medicare products must now be sold in person. That is part of the new training modules we have to take for re-certification.

Sounds like CMS is trying to eliminate mass marketing of these products to the Medicare beneficiary. Even after your inperson presentation, client says "i want to think about it"....and then calls you later to sign them up, you must do this in person. None of this filled out application they hold and then sign, not dated, and mailed back to you.

I realize reading gov't rulings is ambiguous, like those IRS pubs, but I say, again, that is part of the market conduct the Feds will be investigating.

I'm done....... C'est la Vie