Highmark Stops Commissions on PA

[Broker22]

Just got email. Highmark will no longer pay commissions in Pa beginning July 31- DEC 31. on NEW business. They will pay on previously written business and renewals.. Another Giant straw on the Camels back.

 

[MedicareAgent]

is this for all products?

 

[Broker22]

I believe individual health only.

 

[somarco]

Translation, Highmark wrote too much business in 2015 and are losing their butt.

 

[MedicareAgent]

good call !!!

 

[Broker22]

Highmark under cut the other carriers in price and grabbed maybe 75% of new biz in Pa. Now the claims start coming in . So they file for a 50% increase and screw the agents (again). Luckily I haven't written much with highmark, Never liked them and they are difficult and don't like to pay commission now. $8 per month per person in eastern part of the state. One of the lowest.

 

[MedicareAgent]

I was just finishing my paperwork to be appointed so this is good info to know.

 

[wingman]

does anyone have a link to an official announcement?

 

[MedicareAgent]

I should have read the original post a bit slower, commissions are not being paid on NEW business, not your previous book.

 

[hamben]

losing money the last few years. looking forward to there 2015 statement.
I'm guessing 300 -400 million loss.

https://www.highmarkhealth.org/annualreport/financials/index.shtml