Medicare’s annual enrollment period is over. After all the hard work you did helping clients and making sales, you’re probably ready for a well-deserved holiday break. Go ahead and take it, but remember – Medicare sales can continue year-round. This is especially true for clients with chronic conditions.
Enrollment Opportunities Beyond AEP
AEP is a huge event with a high volume of enrollments, but it’s not the only time people enroll in Medicare. Every day, approximately 10,000 people age into Medicare, and these people need help selecting the best plan. Other people need help from a Medicare agent when they lose their health care for various reasons, such as moving to new area or no longer qualifying for employer-based health insurance.
In addition to these reasons, individuals with chronic conditions may qualify for Medicare enrollment outside the normal enrollment period.
Medicare Special Needs Plans
Medicare Special Needs Plans, or SNPs, are a special type of Medicare Advantage plan. SNPs are designed to meet the needs of individuals suffering from specific conditions, and only those individuals can enroll.
Different SNPs will serve people in different situations. Dual Eligible SNPs are for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, while Institutional SNPs are designed for individuals who require nursing care. Other SNPs are for individuals with specific chronic conditions. These conditions may include the following:
- Cancer
- Chronic heart failure or cardiovascular discovers
- Dementia or other mental health conditions
- Diabetes
- Lung disorders
- Neurologic disorders
- Stroke
This is not a complete list. Any Medicare recipient with a chronic and disability condition should check for an appropriate SNP.
In addition to the regular services covered by all Medicare Advantage plans, SNPs may provide extra services commonly required by the group the SNP serves.
Enrolling in an SNP
When individuals are diagnosed with a condition that a local SNP caters to, they may be eligible to enroll outside of the annual enrollment period. Additionally, if the individual no longer has the condition, he or she may be able to leave the SNP and enroll in a different plan.
If one of your clients is diagnosed with a chronic condition, search for any SNPs for that condition in the area.
Medicare needs don’t end with AEP. This is another reason to stay in touch with your clients throughout the year. Also check in with your clients to see if they know anyone who may need help enrolling in an SNP. If they do, ask for a referral.
