Protecting Personal Data in Healthcare: The Importance of Cybersecurity Measures

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As a health insurance agent, you play a critical role in ensuring the protection of the personal data of your clients. Consumers share a vast amount of important information when enrolling for health insurance. This includes social security numbers, citizenship papers, passport info, and banking numbers.

However, the ongoing threat of cyber attacks in the healthcare industry highlights the need for increased cybersecurity measures to safeguard such sensitive information of Medicare beneficiaries.

The recent CMS ransomware attack and subsequent data leak in 2022 is a clear example of how serious this issue is. Unfortunately, this is not the first time such an attack has occurred. In 2015, HMS Medicare suffered a data breach that exposed the personal data of nearly 400,000 beneficiaries. In 2018, a CMS data breach compromised the personal information of nearly 75,000 individuals on the Healthcare.gov website.

The potential consequences of these data breaches are significant, and the loss of sensitive medical information can severely impact individuals, including reputational damage and emotional distress. Health insurance agents need to ensure that their clients’ data is protected at all costs.

To prevent data breaches from occurring, healthcare providers, including insurance agents, must implement more robust cybersecurity measures. This can include regular security audits, encryption of sensitive information, and employee training on data protection best practices. Organizations must also have a response plan in place in the event of a data breach to minimize the impact of the breach.

The challenge is that as the healthcare industry continues to digitize, the risk of cyber attacks will continue to increase. Agents must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity to stay ahead of these threats. This not only ensures the safety and trust of consumers but also protects the reputation of your organization.

The CMS ransomware attack and subsequent data breach are a clear reminder of the importance of cybersecurity measures in the healthcare industry. Health insurance agents have a critical responsibility to safeguard their clients’ sensitive information. By implementing strong cybersecurity measures and staying ahead of potential threats, you can protect your clients’ data and ensure their safety and trust in the healthcare system.

Learn why so many agents love being a part of the Agility family!

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

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Understanding the Biden Administration’s Medicare Advantage Cuts as an Agility Agent

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The Biden Administration has proposed reductions in spending for Medicare Advantage plans, intending to redirect funds towards other healthcare initiatives. These cuts could have significant implications for Medicare Advantage customers, the future of Medicare Advantage plans, and the entire Medicare Advantage market.

The Administration’s proposal would reduce spending for Medicare Advantage plans by 1.25% in 2022. This would translate to an estimated $8.3 billion in cuts for Medicare Advantage plans. The Administration hopes that these cuts will fund other healthcare initiatives, such as expanding home health services and expanding access to long-term care and hospice services.

The proposed cuts would primarily affect the Medicare Advantage market, which is already facing a period of uncertainty due to the pandemic. These cuts may lead to fewer plans being offered, higher premiums, and reduced benefits. This could create particular hardships for Medicare Advantage enrollees, especially those with lower incomes.

These cuts have also led to a decrease in Medicare Advantage plan enrollment. This could be due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Medicare Advantage plans, as well as the potential for higher premiums and reduced benefits.

The Biden Administration has argued that the reductions are necessary to fund important healthcare initiatives. However, it might be difficult to assess the implications of the cuts without knowing the details of the Administration’s plans. Nevertheless, these cuts could have a significant impact on Medicare Advantage coverage and the future of Medicare Advantage plans.

It remains to be seen how the Biden Administration’s suggested cuts to Medicare Advantage plans will ultimately affect the Medicare Advantage market. In the meantime, it is important to keep a close eye on the situation and stay informed about any potential changes that may be on the horizon. As an agent, you need to understand the effects these cuts may have on your clients’ health insurance policies. You need to know what your Medicare Advantage customers should expect and adequately keep them informed.

Need to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in Medicare? Attend one of our live training sessions!

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

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Growing your online audience after ACA OEP 2023


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

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Devoted Health announces external weekly commissions

In January 2023, Devoted Health will begin to pay external commissions weekly. 

If you’re not certified to sell Devoted Health yet, now is the best time to do so. With this new incentive on the horizon. Devoted Health agents will have even more opportunities to earn with this new roll out! 

If you aren’t yet familiar with Devoted Health Plans, this is the best time to get started and join the Devoted Health family. 

Reach out to Agility Insurance Services to learn more about selling Devoted Health and getting that bag! With Devoted’s new weekly commissions starting in January, this is the best time to get certified and share Devoted Health with your audience! 

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

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5-Star Ratings for UnitedHealthcare

 

Announcing a 5-Star Rating in Texas!

I am excited to share that ALL 4590 plans received a Star Rating of 5 out of 5 stars for 2022 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)!

 

Star Ratings are one of many tools available to help Medicare beneficiaries evaluate the quality and performance of their Medicare plan. You can find more information on Medicare.gov. 

 

Beginning December 8, 2021, consumers have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in this 5-Star plan through Nov. 30, 2022, using the 5-Star SEP. This SEP applies to all Medicare beneficiaries – just use the 5 Star SEP dropdown in LEAN at enrollment!

 

This plan also provides the largest Medicare Advantage network that gives members access to over one million providers in our national network at network costs.

How You Can Impact Star Ratings

You can influence our Star Ratings by supporting a positive experience for our members during sales seasons and by encouraging them to take advantage of their covered services to live healthier lives. Here are some direct ways agents can make an impact:

 

  • Collect all information on the enrollment form to ensure completeness and accuracy.

  • Help your member to complete a Health Assessment following a LEAN application.

  • Explain thoroughly the benefits and copays of the member’s plan.

  • Communicate to members how to contact their Primary Care Provider (PCP) to schedule an annual Wellness exam.

·       Reassure members that when UnitedHealthcare contacts them periodically, it is to assist with assessing preventive care needs, such as flu shots, mammograms and medication reconciliation.

Are you contracted with United Healthcare? Get contracted through Agility Insurance Services! 

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

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Kelsey-Seybold Team To Expand Humana’s Medicare Advantage Provider Network

 

Kelsey-Seybold team to expand Humana’s Medicare Advantage provider network

Major insurance hub Humana has partnered with multi-specialty group practice Kelsey-Seybold Clinic to sign an in-network agreement that Humana hopes will allow expanded access to value-based care through a broadening of its Medicare Advantage provider network in the Houston area. The insurer expects the move will expand access to care to include members of its Medicare Advantage HMO plans.

With this agreement that becomes effective Jan. 1, 2022, Houston-area members of Humana Medicare Advantage HMO plans will have in-network access to care at more than 26 convenient Kelsey-Seybold Clinic locations. They also will have access to more than 500 providers in 55 medical specialties across the Houston-Galveston region.

Humana has stressed that the new relationship will emphasize the insurer’s focus on value-based care, as well as access to proactive health screenings and programs focused on preventing illness.

The insurer has also promised to leverage technologies such as data analytics to connect physicians and facilitate coordination of care. They have also said it expects improved care for people living with chronic conditions.

Humana also said that solid fundamentals across its business lines have played a part to navigate the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

To learn more, visit our website for more information.

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

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Medicare Supplement Underwriting Rules

 Medicare Supplement Underwriting Rules 

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is approaching soon. It’s important to follow the Open Enrollment (OE) and Guaranteed Issue (GI) rules set by CMS and to prevent application processing delays: 

Clients who are eligible for OE or GI are not allowed to go through full medical underwriting for a Medicare supplement policy.

 Producers cannot choose how they want the application to be processed, we must follow CMS requirements.


To learn more, visit Agility’s Mutual Contracting page. 

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

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CMS Final Rule Extends Marketplace Open Enrollment to January 15, 2022

CMS Final Rule Extends Marketplace Open Enrollment to January 15, 2022

 

On September 17, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized changes that follow through on President Biden’s promise to build on the Affordable Care Act and expand health coverage access for Americans. The changes are the third installment of the payment notice for 2022.

 

There are many important policy updates that Marketplace agents and brokers should be aware of prior to the beginning of the plan year 2022 Open Enrollment Period (OEP). These include:

  • An extension of the OEP is extended from November 1, 2021, to January 15, 2022, annually for Marketplaces on the federal platform.

  • Clarification for Special Enrollment Period (SEP) rules regarding enrollees who qualify for a maximum advance premium tax credit (APTC) amount of zero dollars.

  • A monthly SEP for APTC-eligible individuals whose household income does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).

  • Clarification on the full range of Direct Enrollment (DE) and Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) options available for OEP. 


To ensure you’re ready for OEP, access the ACA contracting you need and complete your ACA Certifications to be ready to sell!

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

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Cigna IFP is Expanding!

 

Agents and Brokers:
Get Contracted & Appointed to Sell Cigna ACA & Dental Plans Today!


Cigna Is Adding 93 Counties – Increasing Customer Reach By Nearly 64% 


Cigna Individual and Family Plans is happy to announce an expansion to three new states and 93 new counties for 2022. This means more of your customers can access Cigna products and you can enjoy a more successful Open Enrollment Period. Register for the upcoming Market Launch Event Series to learn more about Cigna’s 2022 expansion and product options in your markets.


Our markets include: 


Markets:

Individual and Family


Cigna Products:

ACA On and Off-Exchange Health Plans, Dental


2022 ACA State Availability:

Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia


2022 ACA Expansion Areas:

Arizona – Expanding to Gila, Pinal, and Yavapai

Florida – Expanding to Miami-Dade

Georgia – 43 counties covering southeastern GA

Mississippi – 31 counties across Tupelo, Hattiesburg, and the Gulf Coast

Pennsylvania – Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia

Tennessee – Introducing a single network across Chattanooga, Jackson, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, and Tri-Cities service areas

Virginia – Expanding to Cumberland, Goochland, Louisa, Powhatan, Fauquier, Page, Rappahannock, and Shenandoah

2022 Dental State Availability:

All 50 States

Get Registered Today!

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

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Health Care Service Corporation Launches Biggest Expansion of Medicare Advantage Plans in Company’s History

 

Health Care Service Corporation Launches Biggest Expansion of Medicare Advantage Plans in Company’s History

Healthcare Service Corporation (HCSC), which operates health plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, announced the business is increasing its footprint in the Medicare Advantage market to serve in addition to 90 new counties, increasing access to new inclusion options for in addition to 1.1M additional Medicare-eligible people. The expansion is the business concern’s largest aid area and product growth in its record, particularly in rural and underserved areas.


HCSC’s Medicare Advantage plans grant Medicare-eligible individuals greater flexibility and choice fashionable coverage, offering enhanced benefits. Premiums can vary by geography, with some $0 premium HMO and PPO plan offerings. Medicare Advantage plans could also support additional benefits beyond usual Medicare, including (or the alternative to purchase) dental, vision, and hearing insurance at a variety of price points in a simple plan design.

Through this expansion, HCSC is concentrated beyond major city areas to specify needed access and choice to the climbing population of those aging into Medicare– plan to increase to nearly 80 heap people nationwide over the next ten years, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

To make room for the expansion, HCSC significantly expanded its broad network, adding 19,000 physicians and 2,800 hospitals and other medical facilities across its five states.

HCSC is in the process of seeking all essential regulatory approvals in its targeted states for 2022. The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period (AEP) starts October 15, 2021 and ends December 7, 2021. For more information, visit www.medicare.gov.

Health Care Service Corporation

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

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