Where Can Medicare Supplements Be Sold?

[ComeCorrect]

I've heard several agents say that medicare supplements are better sold in rural areas but they never really said why. Is it because medicare advantage is prominent in big cities & urban areas?


Also, why should/would a prospect choose a supplement over medicare advantage or vice versa?

 

[GreenSky]

Med Supps can be sold anywhere. If I call into Los Angeles Country, I bet 60% of those not on Medicaid have an HMO. That really limits my ability to reach the people I need to.

Rural areas don't have (as a rule) as many network plans so the choice for many is either a Med Supp or nothing. With PFFS dropping like flies, Med Supps really may be the only option.

A person should choose a Med Supp because there is no network. If the doc takes Medicare, they take the supplement. Medicare Advantage plans do not have such freedom.

Hope that helps.

Rick

 

[Frank Stastny]

Med Supps can be sold anywhere. If I call into Los Angeles Country, I bet 60% of those not on Medicaid have an HMO. That really limits my ability to reach the people I need to.

You are correct. It presently does limit your ability to sell Med Supps in metro areas where HMO's have captured a large percent of the market. The operative word is "presently".

That is true today but may change dramatically "tomorrow". Take a real close look at the new Medicare Supplement Plan M that will take effect 6/1/10. (It can be sold as early as Dec. 1, 2009.) I believe it is going to have all the appeal of an HMO but will not limit seniors to only going to certain doctors and hospitals. As in no network to have to contend with.

The govt says they are going to begin reducing the money currently going to HMO's, Medicare has totally revamped their Medicare Supplements Plans. Did I mention Plan M? Don't forget to take a look at Plan N while you are at it.

At the present time I am resurrecting my prospect lists for the greater St. Louis and Kansas City areas. I will begin sending letters in December and again in February. March 2010 is going to be a huge month for Med Supp sales.

 

[ComeCorrect]

Just so I'm clear, I need to stay away from areas where HMO's are dominate, correct?

But what about areas that have PPO's?

 

[Frank Stastny]

Just so I'm clear, I need to stay away from areas where HMO's are dominate, correct?

But what about areas that have PPO's?

No, not "stay away" they just won't be as initially productive until March 2010. If you can begin building a "lead" base in the metro areas now, it will make marketing in metro areas in March a "piece of cake".

When I call the single most important piece of information I want to glean from that call is the name of the company they currently have their insurance with. If you can find that out now then you will have a clear understanding of who your best prospects are going to be in March.

PPO's are also going to be a target when Plan M is available. Although seniors are not totally limited to network doctors and hospitals, they do have to pay more if they go out of network.

Once again, Med Supps do not require the person to see specific doctors or go to certain hospitals. They can go anywhere they want and regardless of where they go the coverage is the same.

 

[retirement plan tampa]

Yes one of this factor works as advantages that prominent as well promising in urban areas

 

[Soonerman]

How about you Tampa, do you market your services mainly in the Tampa area or out of state to the less populated areas?