How seasonal is the Senior Market?

[theinuranceguy]

The Senior Market is not Sesonal but working with Sterling will show that it is seasonal. Their MAs for the most part are not competitive and since you are captive you cannot contract with other carriers that have plans for people with chronic conditions and who are low income.

I would look at some other options when it comes to the Senior Market. One company is never always the answer.

 

[InsuranceJosh]

It is not seasonal at all. I sell Med Supps all year, sold six this week already and the week isn't over yet. Long Term Care Insurance and Final Expense Insurance can also be sold twelve months a year.

The only seasonal products are the Medicare Advantage Plans. Private Fee For Service, HMO, PPO and Part D, the prescription drug plan.

I don't care for the PFFS plans and do not sell them. In my opinion they are not a good option for the people I sell insurance to.

I believe that one of two things are going to happen to the PFFS plans. Either they are going to "go away" as we know them or the premiums are going to increase to very close to the cost of a Med Supp policy especially when taking into consideration the co-pays.

If your attraction to the senior market is the PFFS plans and the large up-front commissions, I would suggest that you find another type of insurance to sell.

Way to go on selling 6 Med Supps last week

 

[Frank Stastny]

Way to go on selling 6 Med Supps last week

Thanks,

Sometimes it all comes together. It seems like the weeks I'm relaxed and just "chat" with people are the best weeks I have. Other weeks I'll bust my butt and work a full week (four days) and maybe only sell three of four.

When it works it is like having a license to steal. When it doesn't it can be the worst job I've ever had.

 

[Guest]

The Senior Market is not Sesonal but working with Sterling will show that it is seasonal. Their MAs for the most part are not competitive and since you are captive you cannot contract with other carriers that have plans for people with chronic conditions and who are low income.

I would look at some other options when it comes to the Senior Market. One company is never always the answer.

My goal is to eventually go independent, but I was not ready to make that leap just starting out as a new agent. Being captive seemed to be a good option for me. I also wanted to put my experience working with Seniors to use. But after interviewing with many companies, I liked what Sterling had to offer.

Training was a key factor. I interviewed with a few places that offered multiple companies, but I was not impressed with the training they offered. Some wanted me to pay for training, had big charges for leads, or have me go out calls with an agent watching them for two weeks while I had nothing coming in. Sterling is investing in me and my training, and I will have the chance to make money right off the bat.

I do not expect get rich working for Sterling, but I feel there is less chance of me falling flat on my face. I will receive good training. The turnover in the office does not seem that bad. The office here is well established. The Managed Care and PFFS products have good acceptance locally. They do a lot of advertising in the area, so some of the leads are a little better than other companies. The managers are not as someone else put it, a 26 year olds in a J.C. Penny Tie. The employee status will make it a little easier to refinance my Mortgage.

Yes I know there are downsides. I am captive. The product line is limited. I will not have the same freedom I would have as an independent. There may be cheaper plans out there. I know in some cities it may not be the best option, but Sterling is a good brand in Greenville.

Maybe things will work out and it will become a career. Or it may give me some experience I need to break out on my own. But after interviewing at many companies, Sterling seems like a good fit for me.

 

[Hank]

I think it also depends on what state you are in....up here in NY we have a pffs that is widely accepted across the state. It is rare that I run into provider relations problems. As far as being seasonal, I average about 25 MA's per month in the summer. I do alot of networking and prospecting.

Where are you in New York and what plans are selling 25 per month ?