By: Michelle M. Saavedra 

On December 31st, millions of people around the world were eagerly counting down the hours to welcome the new year. But for insurance agents, the real countdown began when the ball dropped on Time Square. This action alone symbolized the impending end of the Open Enrollment Season for the year 2023. In other words, Insurance Agents now had 15 days left to contact potential clients and enroll them in a 2023 health insurance plan. Naturally, every effort would be geared towards promoting health insurance products through social media. But come January 16th, most of the messages and digital ads would cease to exist. And sadly, many insurance agents would go as far as abandoning their digital platforms until the next Open Enrollment Period comes along.

Agility Agents understand that NOW is the time to start building their online reputation, not during OEP season. Why is this? Because building a rapport with an online community takes time, dedication, and consistency. And after you’ve built your community, that’s when you’ll be able to start selling or promoting your services. Remember that proverbial expression that says, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? The same principle applies here. Luckily, we are here to guide you every step of the way! After reading our blog, you’ll be able to start creating engaging content for all your social media channels. Let’s dive in!


A) Reintroduce yourself – Now that we are starting off a new year, it’s the perfect time to reintroduce yourself to your audience. Create a short video or a long form post explaining who you are, what services you provide to the community and your personal goals for 2023. If you decide to record a video, try to keep it brief (1-2 minutes long). You could even go as far as creating a video series! This is how a scheduled video series could look like for your social media pages:
1. “Introducing (Add your name): Your New Health Insurance Agent”
2. “My Goals for 2023 as a Health Insurance Agent”
3.“Here are 5 reasons why I decided to sell health insurance”
4. “Why should you talk to a licensed health insurance agent today?”

B) Become a leader in your industry – You have the capability of becoming an industry leader by sharing your knowledge with your ideal audience. Nonetheless, the way the message is delivered will help you stand out from your competitors. To achieve this, you must first identify your brand’s image, voice and mission statement.


1. Image: All the visual elements that constitute a personal brand. For example: Logo, typography, colors, etc. Insurance agents that create video content will also need to determine their overall attire (dressing up casual or professional), props and even set designs.

2. Voice: This refers to the insurance agent’s personality and vocabulary presented online. If an insurance agent is trying to connect with a specific audience (let’s say millennials), then they must speak the same language and style as their targeted audience. In other words, they would have to incorporate emojis and popular sayings (or slangs) among millennials into their branded voice.   

3. Mission statement: It’s imperative for an insurance agent to define their business goals before creating content online. This would include the agent’s values and overall business purpose. For example, if you’re selling Medicare products, then your mission statement should expand on how your services can benefit the senior community located in your area.

C) Interact with your audience – Many insurance agents often forget that social media platforms (at their very core) were created to facilitate communication between friends and families. Nowadays, users that post consistently online (in platforms like TikTok) are looking to exchange ideas with people that are outside their inner circle. Basically, the “influencer era” is all about listening to the audience and providing the information they are seeking. As an insurance agent, you should consider doing the following when creating content for your business page:

1. Hit the reply button: Feedback generated by the audience should always be responded by the content creator. But what should an agent do if they receive negative or rude comments? If these specific comments don’t allow the exchange of ideas between individuals, then the insurance agent can either hide these comments from the public or delete them. In extreme cases, agents can block the user from seeing any type of content created by them. But if the negative comments persist, then the agent must reevaluate their content strategy altogether.

2. Q & A: If an agent keeps receiving the same question repeatedly, then it might be time to address it. Agents could create a Q & A type of post that can be re-shared every time a newcomer submits the common questions. We also recommend creating a branded hashtag and sharing the purpose of the hashtag to your fans. For example: An agent named Marie decided to create the following hashtag #AskMarieMedicare, so that her fans can submit all their questions regarding Medicare Advantage. If you need help with creating a branded hashtag for your business, feel free to schedule a one-on-one session with me to discuss this further at: https://calendly.com/agility-marketing
3. Go live: If an agent wants to connect with their audience in real-time, then we recommend hosting a live stream on a social media platform. It has been confirmed by Facebook employee’s that users prefer to watch live videos rather than pre-recorded videos. Why is this form of video content so popular? Because it gives the audience the ability to interact with the host and other users that might share the same interests. Before creating your first live video chat, here are some things you should follow before pressing the LIVE Button: The Must-Read Guide: Professional Facebook Live Streams.

We hope that our blog has helped you jumpstart your content strategy plan for the new calendar year. Remember to be on the lookout for next month’s social media tips and tricks.

 

Need help setting up your business social media page? Attend our monthly Social Media Webinar Sessions: https://www.enrollinsurance.com/events

Agility Producer Support
(866) 590-9771
support@enrollinsurance.com

 

The 2022-2023 Open Enrollment Season saw more than 16.3 million people sign up for healthcare coverage, a new record that signaled the continuing need for access to quality healthcare and the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) continued success in providing that access. The enrollment period ran from November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023, and was the fifth consecutive period in which more than 10 million people signed up for coverage. This year’s record-breaking number also signals the success of the Biden administration’s efforts to promote healthcare access and increase the number of ACA enrollments.

Thank you Agility Agents for making this Open Enrollment Period a success!

Read the linked article to find out more about the 2022-2023 open enrollment period!

Discover why thousands of health insurance agents have chosen to join the Agility family!

Agility Producer Support
(866) 590-9771
support@enrollinsurance.com

Dual eligible special needs plans (DSNP) are a type of Medicare and Medicaid coverage that are tailored to meet the specific needs of certain individuals. DSNPs provides access to a wide range of services and benefits designed to help individuals with long-term care needs and help them maintain their independence in the home or in a care setting. DSNPs cover all Medicare-covered services, plus additional services and benefits, and are available for individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. With DSNPs, individuals can obtain the coordinated care, services, and supports that are best suited to their needs, and access quality care at a lower cost.

Knowing the difference between Aetna Medicare and Medicaid dual plans

Aetna Medicare and Medicaid dual plans provide a comprehensive healthcare solution for those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans combine the benefits of both programs and often include additional benefits such as dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. The plans also typically come with low copayments, coinsurance, and no annual deductible. However, it is important to note that these plans do not cover services and treatments that are not covered by either Medicare or Medicaid. Furthermore, Medicare and Medicaid dual plans are usually more expensive than plans offered by other private health insurers, as they require two separate premiums.

Which of your customers are eligible for dual eligible special needs plans?

Individuals who are entitled to both Medicare (title XVIII) and medical assistance from a state plan under Medicaid (Title XIX) are eligible for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans. These plans offer many benefits, including a $0 monthly premium, a $0 Rx copay, and coverage for some Medicare costs depending on the individual’s state and eligibility. To be eligible for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, individuals must qualify for Medicaid and/or receive financial help, have Medicare Parts A and B, and live in the plan’s service coverage area.

What your customers should know about Aetna D-SNP

Aetna Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) are designed to provide tailored care and coverage for those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans provide an array of additional benefits and services not covered under traditional Medicare, such as dental, hearing aids, contact lenses, and more. It is important to note that in order to remain a member of these plans, you must continue to reside in the plan service area. Additionally, be aware of any suspicious calls, texts, or emails about “free” coronavirus testing and report any scams to the appropriate authorities.

What your customers need to know about Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans in Texas

These plans offer Medicare zero-dollar cost sharing and are available in six Texas counties: Bexar, Dallas, El Paso, Harris, Hidalgo, and Tarrant. Individuals may be eligible for D-SNPs if they have a chronic condition, are living in an institution, or fail to qualify for other Medicare Advantage plans. D-SNPs also offer additional benefits not found in Original Medicare, such as vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage.

Are you contracted to sell Aetna Medicare yet?  Learn why thousands of health insurance agents love being a part of the Agility family! 

Agility Producer Support
(866) 590-9771
support@enrollinsurance.com

The 1095 forms are tax documents used to report health insurance information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They are part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and are used to determine eligibility for government subsidies and tax credits. 1095 forms are typically issued by employers, health insurance providers, and the Health Insurance Marketplace.

What is Form 1095-A

Form 1095-A is used to report health care coverage provided by the Health Insurance Marketplace. This form is sent to individuals who had a qualified health plan through the Marketplace during the year. It includes information about the insurance and the amount of any Advance Premium Tax Credit that was applied.

What is Form 1095-B

Form 1095-B is used to report health insurance provided by a health insurance company, such as an employer-sponsored plan. It includes information about the insurance and the names of the individuals covered.

What is Form 1095-C

Form 1095-C is used to report health insurance provided by an employer with 50 or more full-time employees. It includes information about the insurance and the names of the individuals covered.

Form 1095-C is also used by employers with 50 or more full-time employees to report the health insurance they offer their employees. It includes information about the coverage and the names of the individuals covered.

What is Form 1095-S and 1095-H?

Form 1095-H is used to report health insurance provided to individuals by the Department of Health and Human Services. It includes information about the coverage and the individuals covered.

Form 1095-S is used to report health insurance provided to individuals by a self-funded health plan. It includes information about the coverage and the names of the individuals covered.

Form 1095-S is used to report insurance coverage provided to individuals by a self-funded health plan. It includes information about the coverage and the names of the individuals

These forms are used to verify that individuals had health insurance during the tax year, and are used to determine eligibility for government subsidies and tax credits.They are also used to calculate the amount of the tax penalty for not having health insurance. It is important to keep these forms for your records, as they may be needed for tax returns and other financial matters.

In conclusion, 1095 forms are used to report health insurance information to the IRS and are used to determine eligibility for government subsidies and tax credits. They are issued by employers, health insurance providers, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. It is important to keep these forms for your records, as they may be needed for tax returns and other financial matters.

Why Agility?

Agility Producer Support
(866) 590-9771
support@enrollinsurance.com

During a CMS National Stakeholder call, the omnibus spending plans were discussed as it relates to the recent spending plan proposed by Congress that would allow states to resume Medicaid continuous enrollment unwinding after the end of the first quarter of 2023. This post outlines a few key points about the unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment requirement and the associated provisions in the bipartisan spending plan.

The proposed law makes it clear that states can take up to a full year to initiate all renewals. CMS has previously issued guidance allowing states up to 14 months to resume routine eligibility and enrollment processes; 12 months to initiate renewals and an additional two months to complete the process.

Extended federal funding will help states avoid the fiscal cliff. In the first quarter of 2023, states will continue to receive the 6.2 percentage point increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). The increased FMAP is phased down for the remaining quarters in 2023 for states that meet requirements.

In order to qualify for the ongoing FMAP bump, states must meet certain maintenance of effort requirements, including using the temporary Section 1902(e(14)(A) flexibilities to smooth out the unwinding and avoid procedural un-enrollments or other processes and procedures approved by CMS. States must also meet specific data reporting requirements.

States must make a good-faith effort to locate enrollees for whom mail has been returned. Attempts must be made to ensure that it has up-to-date contact information using the National Change of Address Database Maintained by the United State Postal Service, other public program information, or other reliable sources of contact information. Additionally, the state may not disenroll anyone on the basis of returned mail until the state has made a good-faith effort to contact the individual using more than one communication mode.

Congress establishes state unwinding data reporting requirements and establishes penalties for non-compliance. If a state does not meet specific reporting requirements, it will be penalized with a reduction in its FMAP. Furthermore, CMS guidelines have been given additional authority to hold states.

Let Agility help you work with potential clients that may be losing their Medicaid.

Agility Producer Support
(866) 590-9771
support@enrollinsurance.com


The IRS just made a final ruling regarding the ACA “Family Glitch”. Here’s everything you need to know about it as a health insurance agent, and what this will mean for your customers.

The Final Rule addresses the “family glitch” in the Affordable Care Act by basing the affordability of employer-sponsored coverage for a family member on the cost of family coverage, rather than self-only coverage. 

This means that some dependents who have or have eligibility for a premium tax credit or for group health plan coverage may now be eligible for premium tax credits to purchase a subsidized Marketplace plan and may switch their coverage as a result, if permitted by plan rules. 

Starting in 2023, family members who currently do not meet the qualifications for premium tax credits may become eligible when purchasing health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This change does not affect the employer mandate penalty. 

Producers can help members who may be newly eligible for premium tax credits or refer them to another health insurance agent/broker qualified to sell health insurance plans through the Marketplace for more assistance. 

Group producers who want to help members get individual coverage must meet certain requirements, including registration, training completion, and agreement signing. 


Are you contracted yet to enroll your consumers in ACA health insurance plans?

Agility Producer Support
(866) 590-9771
support@enrollinsurance.com