Re: Parker & Associates No Release Please Advise
I don't think you will find a post anywhere in which I made a broad condemnation of FMOs. I hope you don't think I hold such an opinion. However, of the four FMOs I am under, one is impossible to work with, is arrogant, and spiteful (sounds like a teen-ager!), and another has a reputation of refusing agents their requested release. The third is the FMO ABOVE this cranky FMO mentioned earlier, and, although seems pleasant enough when I get through to him, has not helped out in the situation, although he feigned that he would. Since he is over this FMO, one would think this matter could be easily resolved.
My biggest issue is that when I was just licensed and elected to work under another agency, I was thrust contracts to sign, with no explanation of what they meant or who were the parties involved. I trusted the agency and signed, not even knowing what an FMO was, let alone that they were an undisclosed party to the contract WHO HELD ALL THE CARDS.
How is it that CMS regulates the spit out of Medicare Advantage plans, but says nothing at all about the way agents are contracted? If they did, the headlines would be reading "FMO swindles lowly agents", etc. when CMS would bring charges in such cases. But since we have little say in the matter, and no government agency to give us teeth, we are left to our own devices. Therefore we talk amongst ourselves.
Hopefully, forewarned is forearmed, and we try to get newbees to watch what they sign. By avoiding certain FMOs, we can throw business in the direction of more agent-friendly FMOs. Perhaps the sting of a bad experience may come out in an ascerbic remark now and then, but Hey! it's hard not to strike out when wounded. I am glad you stand up for good agent relations. The FMO I met yesterday really impressed me, and I am moving all my business to him that I can. Like Bogie, in Casablanca, says to Frenchy "This may be the start of a beautiful relationship"
Note: Did any of you catch the multi-level FMO? I understand it is not uncommon to find three levels!
I don't think you will find a post anywhere in which I made a broad condemnation of FMOs. I hope you don't think I hold such an opinion. However, of the four FMOs I am under, one is impossible to work with, is arrogant, and spiteful (sounds like a teen-ager!), and another has a reputation of refusing agents their requested release. The third is the FMO ABOVE this cranky FMO mentioned earlier, and, although seems pleasant enough when I get through to him, has not helped out in the situation, although he feigned that he would. Since he is over this FMO, one would think this matter could be easily resolved.
My biggest issue is that when I was just licensed and elected to work under another agency, I was thrust contracts to sign, with no explanation of what they meant or who were the parties involved. I trusted the agency and signed, not even knowing what an FMO was, let alone that they were an undisclosed party to the contract WHO HELD ALL THE CARDS.
How is it that CMS regulates the spit out of Medicare Advantage plans, but says nothing at all about the way agents are contracted? If they did, the headlines would be reading "FMO swindles lowly agents", etc. when CMS would bring charges in such cases. But since we have little say in the matter, and no government agency to give us teeth, we are left to our own devices. Therefore we talk amongst ourselves.
Hopefully, forewarned is forearmed, and we try to get newbees to watch what they sign. By avoiding certain FMOs, we can throw business in the direction of more agent-friendly FMOs. Perhaps the sting of a bad experience may come out in an ascerbic remark now and then, but Hey! it's hard not to strike out when wounded. I am glad you stand up for good agent relations. The FMO I met yesterday really impressed me, and I am moving all my business to him that I can. Like Bogie, in Casablanca, says to Frenchy "This may be the start of a beautiful relationship"
Note: Did any of you catch the multi-level FMO? I understand it is not uncommon to find three levels!
Wish you the best.
