Medicare Medigap (supplement) insurance

[Travis Price]

I wouldn't use the MAPD GI instance just yet.

The concern here isn't money, so MAPD is kinda a leap. The concern is the closed risk pool.

Wanna be an insurance agent? Instead of immediately pushing this great MAPD plan on them (which BCBSMI is a fine 5-star plan if you want to go that route) how about listening to the clients concern and addressing the pain point?

Secondly, from an agent perspective, it's kind of stupid. GI payment is 25$ and you're going to get hit with the charge back from the MAPD plan. No intelligent business person is going to go through all this noise for nothing.

 

[AugustaMi]

I wouldn't use the MAPD GI instance just yet.

The concern here isn't money, so MAPD is kinda a leap. The concern is the closed risk pool. Agree, where did I push an MAPD i was hardly trying to twist anyones arm. Why would I do a neads analysis here, I'm not with him talking to him. All my appts are F2F and extremely thorough. I then go back and visit with new clients after their doc appts, esp if theres specialists and health issues. unless theres some odd situation where that can't happen.

Wanna be an insurance agent? I have been for as long as you have, minus a 2 and a half year hiatus. The switchover wasn't rocket science, other than very minor questions. Instead of immediately pushing this great MAPD plan on them (which BCBSMI is a fine 5-star plan if you want to go that route) how about listening to the clients concern and addressing the pain point? What pain point?

Secondly, from an agent perspective, it's kind of stupid. GI payment is 25$ and you're going to get hit with the charge back from the MAPD plan. No intelligent business person is going to go through all this noise for nothing.

Who are you talking to? I assume me, since you mention BCBSM. Trust me I know how good it is, I've been contracted since 2006ish. How long have you been contracted? I'll also be at the two-day kick-off soon on their dime. Not brag, it's a fact. I know if I'm going (again for Medicare now) to that theres a reason, it's not just average agents going. Select agents based on performance. This doesn't warrant much of post so I'll leave it at that. all that matters to me is that every carrier I've worked with respect me and how I deliver. So do all of my clients. You on the other hand, well, your assumptions matter zero. I'll leave it at that, out of respect for OP.

 

[Travis Price]

Who are you talking to? I assume me, since you mention BCBSM. Trust me I know how good it is, I've been contracted since 2006ish. How long have you been contracted? I'll also be at the two-day kick-off soon on their dime. Not brag, it's a fact. I know if I'm going (again for Medicare now) to that theres a reason, it's not just average agents going. Select agents based on performance. This doesn't warrant much of post so I'll leave it at that. all that matters to me is that every carrier I've worked with respect me and how I deliver. So do all of my clients. You on the other hand, well, your assumptions matter zero. I'll leave it at that, out of respect for OP.

Do you not see what you're saying and what I'm saying?

I'm saying that BCBSM is a fine MAPD plan. It's the only 5 star plan, that I know of, in MI. However, that's not what THE OP is asking about. They, the customer, are asking about switching the Medigap plan because of a closed risk pool.

Your response here is a humblebrag about how much you sell of BCBSMI and how you're such a great SALESPERSON that you're going to a kickoff on their dime.

My point, and you're literally proving it with your response, is that you're not LISTENING to the needs of the OP, you're immediately SELLING something they're not asking for (in this situation.)

I don't have to be contracted with BCBSMI to know they have a decent MAPD product or how their Medigap product starts really inexpensive and hikes prices to pretty expensive in their 70's, it's all available online.

I didn't badmouth offering MAPD, BCBS, or anything else. I said that you should listen to WHAT THE OP wants, which isn't a 5 star MAPD plan. I also said, as an agent and businessperson, it's kinda dumb to use the GI SEP under your number. Your chargeback and the $25 GI payment is a lot of hassle for no net gain.

I get we have different philosophies about Medicare private insurance, but we shouldn't have different philosophies on how to figure out needs vs selling something that someone didn't ask for or indicate meet their needs.

Full disclosure, my personal health insurance plan is Blue Care Network HMO, I've had zero issues with it and I've had two surgeries and a couple of hospitalizations over the last 8 years.

 

[AugustaMi]

First my post was more to Bob on the BCBSM 5 star.

Second, are we seriously back on bragging?

My point, and you're literally proving it with your response, is that you're not LISTENING to the needs of the OP, you're immediately SELLING something they're not asking for (in this situation.)

I was not trying to sell. I've walked away from more people on supps in this past year than people you've talked to all year. Bob mentioned 5 Star and I responded that, yes there is a very good one.

Ok, Travis, you win. I'm an *** and can't figure out the difference even btwn a Med Supp and MAPD (even though Med supp can be fully learned in under two hours), and you are the King of writing content and all things insurance. I could also brag here on how much I've been paid writing peer-reviewed articles, but won't do that either. Mr. I get paid $125 an hour to write content....roflmao!! Go back to bed travis with your dirty fan blowing on you. That dust is making you smarter by the day.

My best response back with keeping my dignity would be to listen to my father's advice. You can't rationalize with irrational people. But the other thing he'd say is "wtf is that guy in a forum all day spouting off and looking for fellow agents to tear down for becoming successful." You Travis are what I think of as a Petty B! Can't say I spend much time around that type. And if we ever met in person, you'd have a totally different idea of who I am.

 

[DonP]

First my post was more to Bob on the BCBSM 5 star.

Second, are we seriously back on bragging?





I was not trying to sell. I've walked away from more people on supps in this past year than people you've talked to all year. Bob mentioned 5 Star and I responded that, yes there is a very good one.

Ok, Travis, you win. I'm an *** and can't figure out the difference even btwn a Med Supp and MAPD (even though Med supp can be fully learned in under two hours), and you are the King of writing content and all things insurance. I could also brag here on how much I've been paid writing peer-reviewed articles, but won't do that either. Mr. I get paid $125 an hour to write content....roflmao!! Go back to bed travis with your dirty fan blowing on you. That dust is making you smarter by the day.

My best response back with keeping my dignity would be to listen to my father's advice. You can't rationalize with irrational people. But the other thing he'd say is "wtf is that guy in a forum all day spouting off and looking for fellow agents to tear down for becoming successful." You Travis are what I think of as a Petty B! Can't say I spend much time around that type. And if we ever met in person, you'd have a totally different idea of who I am.

Tell them all the matters are your deposits !! I'm a bit cocky I admit . But I like to think I share some very good info for all .

 

[AugustaMi]

Tell them all the matters are your deposits !! I'm a bit cocky I admit . But I like to think I share some very good info for all .

Right Don Way back when, there was a post about how hard it was to contract with BCBSM yada, well that I knew was wrong--that part was easy it's after a switch to a dif FMO that can be a bit off. He's given me not-so-good advice. Also cringe with the DSNP talks of his....many do very very well with that...keep going!! you rock!! I'm looking forward to hearing your experience Post AEP.

This could've been a helpful experience for someone else. It's not hard at all to contract and the commissions never go down through the year...none of that by the month it lowers crap. and in fact BCN HMO POS is a great plan when it's warranted and can be warranted for many people in the single $2200-$3000 monthly income range and more for married couples. Those who never got a med supp, etc. Theres tons of these people out there----very good tidbit from you and kept me moving all year long. But like He always says, hes not really into the money part. lol. that's obvious. His wife must be the smart one in the family. Not how I was raised. I make out alright, but my hubs wouldnt be caught dead gabbing in a forum or tearing others down for being successful and my dad, well, he would have kicked travis in his ass back when he was 5 yrs old.

The other thing is he himself admits BCN is great he has it himself. It's a head scratcher to me...kind of...he's just not the same as some of us...more of a content writer than a business writer I suppose. Or accusing me of selling....lol...didn't know this was a sales portal.

He just loves to act like we are out there just pushing people right off their Med Supp...

All good Travis, you do you, I'll do me....

Don, GET AFTER IT!! Can't wait to hear how your season goes, and don't give yourself a heart attack for F's sake.

Free like a bird so today ima fly, bac mofo 'til the day I die!!!! His opinion is about as useful to me as a penile implant.

 

[DonP]

Right Don Way back when, there was a post about how hard it was to contract with BCBSM yada, well that I knew was wrong--that part was easy it's after a switch to a dif FMO that can be a bit off. He's given me not-so-good advice. Also cringe with the DSNP talks of his....many do very very well with that...keep going!! you rock!! I'm looking forward to hearing your experience Post AEP.

This could've been a helpful experience for someone else. It's not hard at all to contract and the commissions never go down through the year...none of that by the month it lowers crap. and in fact BCN HMO POS is a great plan when it's warranted and can be warranted for many people in the single $2200-$3000 monthly income range and more for married couples. Those who never got a med supp, etc. Theres tons of these people out there----very good tidbit from you and kept me moving all year long. But like He always says, hes not really into the money part. lol. that's obvious. His wife must be the smart one in the family. Not how I was raised. I make out alright, but my hubs wouldnt be caught dead gabbing in a forum or tearing others down for being successful and my dad, well, he would have kicked travis in his ass back when he was 5 yrs old.

The other thing is he himself admits BCN is great he has it himself. It's a head scratcher to me...kind of...he's just not the same as some of us...more of a content writer than a business writer I suppose. Or accusing me of selling....lol...didn't know this was a sales portal.

He just loves to act like we are out there just pushing people right off their Med Supp...

All good Travis, you do you, I'll do me....

Don, GET AFTER IT!! Can't wait to hear how your season goes, and don't give yourself a heart attack for F's sake.

Free like a bird so today ima fly, bac mofo 'til the day I die!!!! His opinion is about as useful to me as a penile implant.

Lol . I might be slobbering in a straight jacket come mid dec . Lmao .

 

[goillini52]

Free like a bird so today ima fly, bac mofo 'til the day I die!!!! His opinion is about as useful to me as a penile implant.

My favorite song.

 

[Travis Price]

Sigh.. you need a hug..

Bob mentioned 5 Star and I responded that, yes there is a very good one

And I'm literally saying flipping someone to a 5 star JUST to flip them to GI is stupid in this situation under your number. I said why in the past post.

Ok, Travis, you win. I'm an *** and can't figure out the difference even btwn a Med Supp and MAPD (even though Med supp can be fully learned in under two hours), and you are the King of writing content and all things insurance.

Your insecurity is making you feel like I'm calling you an ass, which I never typed or implied.

You were selling MAPD as a solution here (in response to Bob, but still selling it) that's not what the OP was asking for. Then you got defensive when I pointed that out and started running off about production, which has nothing to do with what I was saying. You bought production into this, not me.

Then you decide to go Ad Hominem for what? Because I said that something as a business owner is stupid? That you weren't listening to what the Op wanted? Okay.

"wtf is that guy in a forum all day spouting off and looking for fellow agents to tear down for becoming successful

I would challenge that significantly. My actual time on this form has decreased dramatically, and I don't think I've "torn anyone down" in quite awhile. I want to say Don was really the last one for the same reason I'm not doing it now, personal attacks.

You can't rationalize with irrational people

You haven't rationally engaged with me yet. I'd go back and read what you wrote. It was super attacky and frankly inappropriate. Don't get me wrong, I've had my share of dust ups, but I've always approached it rationally and be known to change my mind when an argument is present that makes sense to me.

And if we ever met in person, you'd have a totally different idea of who I am.

I don't have an idea of who you are. I'm responding to an idea that another person presented, use GI with MAPD SEP. I think that's dumb ATM. I didn't "bash you personally, MAPD, or BCBSMI.

I would hope you're a nice person. I've spoken to a few people over the phone from this forum, and I think those that talk to me would say I'm quite personable. I speak very candidly and have an opinion, but I try to always phrase it as "this is what I do, your perspective may be different."

You Travis are what I think of as a Petty B

I have a flare for dramatics, but I'm not petty.

given me not-so-good advice.

Cool, what advice have I given you that I haven't prefaced that "this is my opinion, but do what you think is right" that's been bad? I'm happy to learn so I can do better as a resource, if you'd call me that.. I wouldn't, because while I have strong opinions.. They're mine, not fact.

Also cringe with the DSNP talks of his....many do very very well with that...keep going!! you rock!!

You mean that I've openly said I don't sell DSNP actively and have no interest? What specifically do you mean? I probably have said cringe stuff, because I don't like the market. I've also said that those that do cover that market are a godsend, because I don't have to.

He just loves to act like we are out there just pushing people right off their Med Supp...

I've not once said or implied that. I've said I prefer Medigap. There are definitely bad agents that do this, as I get calls from people telling me they didn't know what they signed up for and it wasn't right for them. That's not everyone.

If that's not you, then why are you upset?

The other thing is he himself admits BCN is great he has it himself. It's a head scratcher to me...kind of...he's just not the same as some of us...more of a content writer than a business writer I suppose. Or accusing me of selling....lol...didn't know this was a sales portal.

You can sell something as being a better solution without selling it as a sales portal, stop being disingenuous. I do write business and keep myself current, but I'm honest that I write content as part of my practice. Usually it's used to illustrate to agents that a license isn't JUST for selling.

Secondly, I have a state employee plan. I've not once said that BCN OR BCBS is a bad MAPD plan or Medigap plan. I have said that BCBS Medigap gets really expensive as you get older and concerning benefits there are plans that are better. I see it every time I run the Plan Finder... doesn't mean they're not good, they're just not worth it FOR ME.

BCBS doesn't fit into my market needs.. I don't need it to write because I work T65 and retirement transition SEPs, so I don't contract... because I don't want to take a college course on BCBSM history just to write insurance. Now, if that's no longer a pre-req, it's not. It was when I did go to contract.

I'm a bit cocky I admit . But I like to think I share some very good info for all .

I'm absolutely sure you do provide great information about DSNP. It's your primary market. I've never knocked your DSNP knowledge. I have said that you present yourself as this bad ass Medicare guy, but you don't know a lot of stuff about Medicare in retirement (meaning underwriting and SEPs) vs DSNP... which is like Medicare's red headed stepchild.

You're super niche, and U65 Medicare needs people that focus on that market. I'm just not that guy and admit it.

Most of my flare ups with you are because of personal attacks or information that you give in retirement Medicare that is more likely to apply to U65 Medicare.

His wife must be the smart one in the family. Not how I was raised. I make out alright, but my hubs wouldnt be caught dead gabbing in a forum or tearing others down for being successful and my dad, well, he would have kicked travis in his ass back when he was 5 yrs old.

There we go again with Ad Hominem and pretty much everything here is what makes you an ass, not because we have different opinions about Medicare private insurance.

You can say pretty much anything you want about me being direct in my presentation, but I've never attacked anyone about their family or said something as cringe-like as "my daddy would kick his ass."

That's petty.

Edit: After I finished this, I thought a little more about it. Perhaps my usefulness to this forum and this forums usefulness to me has met its expiration date. If I'm giving information that is not valuable to the greater market, then I shouldn't be giving info at all.

This forum tends to bring out behaviors (myself included) that are just nasty. So, maybe it is time for me to exit.

 

[AugustaMi]

My favorite song.

YES!!! Thanks! Great song there too!! I was referencing Kid Rock/Machine Gun Kelly song. I would put it in here but don't know how. "Bad Mother F'r"

Love this one too!! Also suitable for my daily mood--free as a bird, will never be changed.