How do I begin as a Independent Agent in CA

[Franz Kafka]

I called Blue Shield about this and they of course are not sure if this was mis-information or how you asked so they told me to have you call back and let them know that you talked to me (my call in at 4:13 PM Friday 8/22 is logged) and that you want the contact number for your area Sales Representative.

Try that and let me know if they are more forthcoming.

Dave

Thanks for the PM, Dave. You're so kind. I called again and the same guy answered the phone again. He basically said that each area rep has so many brokers and they want the new reps call the Service Center first with any questions and if they can't help they would refer to the area rep. He also said I would get the contact # once I am appointed (and again added I should still call the Center first).

 

[Dave020]

Yeah, I got several conflicting answers this afternoon. I will be speaking with my RSM next week about this.

Just note: no one at producer services has ever sold a health insurance policy, so.......

The vast majority of my book of health insurance business is placed with Anthem Blue Cross. Bet you can figure out why now LOL!

Too many brokers (smirk), Blue Cross produces more health insurance in an hour than Blue Shield does in a month. Now which carrier's RSM was ready willing and able to get you going?

 

[Franz Kafka]

Yeah, I got several conflicting answers this afternoon. I will be speaking with my RSM next week about this.

Just note: no one at producer services has ever sold a health insurance policy, so.......

The vast majority of my book of health insurance business is placed with Anthem Blue Cross. Bet you can figure out why now LOL!

Too many brokers (smirk), Blue Cross produces more health insurance in an hour than Blue Shield does in a month. Now which carrier's RSM was ready willing and able to get you going?

Anthem RSM was fantastic. Every e-mail was replied within minutes.

 

[ca-ltc-agent]

I am so impressed by all the people in this thread. WOW! What a wealth of information.

I am planning on concentrating on LTC (and any Life I happen to find). Partly because I am most comfortable with these products, and also because I have never sold Health, coming from Met and NYL.

Question coming... Since I plan to be walking b2b every day to find LTC and Life business, how should I handle a business owner that might want a health quote?

I don't want to throw away a possible opening to a contact and some money, but not where I plan on my business going. Should I just partner with someone who knows health and throw them that business, or should I suck it up and learn more about HI and start helping myself?

Thanks in Advance,
Steve
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[Dave020]

If it is not something you want to do as a main focus, I would suggest finding a good group agent to handle that end for you. Coming up to speed on group is a lot of work, and their is very fierce competition for it.

 

[Franz Kafka]

If it is not something you want to do as a main focus, I would suggest finding a good group agent to handle that end for you. Coming up to speed on group is a lot of work, and their is very fierce competition for it.

Dave you've mentioned that you don't work groups anymore. Is this why? Also what sort of service should I be prepared for small groups (<10)? I plan to joint work with a group specialist for bigger groups (>10) but would like to try to handle small group myself. Am I expected to handle a lot of claims?

 

[Dave020]

Actually I am wanting to ramp up the area of group that I prefer, spousal (2-person). Usually I will take a pass on any group more than 3-4 people, just not the niche I like to work in. I do a quite a few spousal/partner groups every month now and really enjoy those as they are really much like IFP only guaranteed-issue.

For groups under 10, you can learn it pretty quick. A good GA for multiple carrier quotes (I'd keep it to two or three carriers tops) and hook up with CalChoice so you can offer very small groups multiple carrier plans.

For me the difficulty in the bigger groups (say 10+) is that there are many issues not just related to the health insurance. A spousal group of lawyers or consultants gets the value of things like HSA, will fund it and know what kind of personal coverage they want.

I always disliked the us versus them mentality of larger groups, employees think the boss is cheap only paying 50%, HSA...a deductible...you're kidding, right? Boss wants to provide the minimum for the lowest cost and so on.

I guess, for me, I have no employees and (having been one in my previous life) think that generally they are a drag. Spousal never have problems with their plans and benefits, even if the hire a part-time or something. When you start to get bigger, there start to be more hand holding and service needs.

Plus, it is far more likely someone will try and BOR my 25 person group often, my little tiny groups get pretty well left alone.

Dave

 

[Franz Kafka]

Thanks Dave. That makes a lot of sense. Should I use a GA even for Cal Choice? Since I'm only going to focus on <10 groups and refer bigger groups to others for split commission would I be able to do this without a GA?

Actually I am wanting to ramp up the area of group that I prefer, spousal (2-person). Usually I will take a pass on any group more than 3-4 people, just not the niche I like to work in. I do a quite a few spousal/partner groups every month now and really enjoy those as they are really much like IFP only guaranteed-issue.

For groups under 10, you can learn it pretty quick. A good GA for multiple carrier quotes (I'd keep it to two or three carriers tops) and hook up with CalChoice so you can offer very small groups multiple carrier plans.

For me the difficulty in the bigger groups (say 10+) is that there are many issues not just related to the health insurance. A spousal group of lawyers or consultants gets the value of things like HSA, will fund it and know what kind of personal coverage they want.

I always disliked the us versus them mentality of larger groups, employees think the boss is cheap only paying 50%, HSA...a deductible...you're kidding, right? Boss wants to provide the minimum for the lowest cost and so on.

I guess, for me, I have no employees and (having been one in my previous life) think that generally they are a drag. Spousal never have problems with their plans and benefits, even if the hire a part-time or something. When you start to get bigger, there start to be more hand holding and service needs.

Plus, it is far more likely someone will try and BOR my 25 person group often, my little tiny groups get pretty well left alone.

Dave

 

[GreenSky]

Franz:

Where are you located? I may be able to refer you to someone to help on your groups where you won't have to split (and no, it's no me).

Rick

 

[Franz Kafka]

Franz:

Where are you located? I may be able to refer you to someone to help on your groups where you won't have to split (and no, it's no me).

Rick

I don't mind if it's you. If you have a good GA in mind let me know (or PM me).

I currently have an offer from a co. that will do everything (from closing to service) for 50% split on bigger groups. I "think" I can handle smaller groups but not bigger ones since my focus is not health.

P.S. I cover the whole Orange County and have some clients in LA, Riverside and SD counties.