O'l Timers, is MA for Me?

[Cleatus]

I’m an Independent Agent in Tennessee. My lines of authority are Life, Health and Accident. Looking for the right IMO. I’ve run the gauntlet and quite frankly, got burnt out. I started with Aflac, went to LH (yea, that one), then to an IMO with low commissions. I got released from my contract 9-28-17. I thought I wanted to sell Medicare products and will, but I’m not going to kill myself worrying about AEP. I did the AHIP training and at present I’m certified with, appointed by, and contracted with, Aetna, Humana, and United Health Care for the 2018 benefit year. I don’t feel confident enough now to jump in AEP running. I think I will sell enough throughout the year to meet at least the minimum requirements to keep my contracts for next year when I’ll be better prepared for AEP. My experience is mainly FE. Over the past couple of months, I have invested a lot in getting ready for the move from my former IMO. I have purchased new office equipment (laptop, laser printer, phones, etc.). I built a website and bought my domain for 3 years. I have a Google G+ account with my website domain for my email address. I have magnetic business cards and magnetic 2018 calendars with all my company info on them. I’m not exactly sure why I even need an IMO unless it would be to negotiate higher commissions (110% or better) through carriers and maybe leads. I won’t sign a contract that doesn’t have an immediate release upon request. I still have contracts with 2 FE carriers but haven’t sold anything in 2 years, and won’t at the commissions schedule I have through my past IMO. I’m looking at Fexcontracting and Senior Market Sales. I’ve been in this business since 2009 and seem to just be learning the ABC’s. I’m hoping, by joining this forum I won’t have as much trouble with the XYZ’s. I’m up for advice from experienced Agents. I’m a firm believer in remaining silent and thought a fool, rather than speak-up and remove the doubt. Thanks

 

[Newby]

I’m an Independent Agent in Tennessee. My lines of authority are Life, Health and Accident. Looking for the right IMO. I’ve run the gauntlet and quite frankly, got burnt out. I started with Aflac, went to LH (yea, that one), then to an IMO with low commissions. I got released from my contract 9-28-17. I thought I wanted to sell Medicare products and will, but I’m not going to kill myself worrying about AEP. I did the AHIP training and at present I’m certified with, appointed by, and contracted with, Aetna, Humana, and United Health Care for the 2018 benefit year. I don’t feel confident enough now to jump in AEP running. I think I will sell enough throughout the year to meet at least the minimum requirements to keep my contracts for next year when I’ll be better prepared for AEP. My experience is mainly FE. Over the past couple of months, I have invested a lot in getting ready for the move from my former IMO. I have purchased new office equipment (laptop, laser printer, phones, etc.). I built a website and bought my domain for 3 years. I have a Google G+ account with my website domain for my email address. I have magnetic business cards and magnetic 2018 calendars with all my company info on them. I’m not exactly sure why I even need an IMO unless it would be to negotiate higher commissions (110% or better) through carriers and maybe leads. I won’t sign a contract that doesn’t have an immediate release upon request. I still have contracts with 2 FE carriers but haven’t sold anything in 2 years, and won’t at the commissions schedule I have through my past IMO. I’m looking at Fexcontracting and Senior Market Sales. I’ve been in this business since 2009 and seem to just be learning the ABC’s. I’m hoping, by joining this forum I won’t have as much trouble with the XYZ’s. I’m up for advice from experienced Agents. I’m a firm believer in remaining silent and thought a fool, rather than speak-up and remove the doubt. Thanks

My #1 piece of advice is to focus on one thing. If you are going to go with Medicare Advantage you want to do it 100%. But I wouldn't.

Call and talk with me today and let me explain what your life will be like if you come on board with FexContracting. It sounds like you have part of the picture.

The #1 thing we can do for you is the training and focus. You are spinning in circles right now. You are not laser focused on anything. You have never had a chance of making a lot of money at the places you have bounced to and from.

Yes we as your IMO will put you on an excellent lead program, high commission levels and of course offer releases. But the #1 reason agents succeed with us is the training and focus. You are trained and brought into a group of very supportive successful FE agents. Travis Tubbs who is the co-owner of the agency along with me has been hugely successful not only with his own sales but also in recreating himself in our agents. I can tell from your post that is the thing you have not recognized yet how much that will help you.

Your Medicare Advantage certifications will not go to waste. You will fall into plenty of MA opportunities when selling FE. But your focus should be FE if we are the right place for you.

Good luck with everything and I look forward to talking with you.