Want to have a great annual election period this year? If you do – and of course you do – the secret is to start now. Yes, it’s early, but that’s the point. Once AEP starts, you’ll be too busy to get a handle on things if you haven’t already prepared.
Here’s a checklist of tasks you should accomplish before the annual election period for Medicare begins on October 15.
1. Complete your contracting. You want to offer your clients the best plans to meet their specific needs. Even if you’re already contracted with multiple carriers, you may be able to improve your services by obtaining additional contracts, possibly including ones that weren’t available to you last year.
For example, did you know that Clover Medicare Advantage contracts are now available in Bexar Country through PTT Financial? Learn more about this new opportunity.
2. Complete required training and certifications. Agents will generally need to complete their annual AHIP certification, as well as any other training required by the carriers they’ve contracted with.
You can complete these requirements as early as July. The sooner you do it, the less you have to worry about. Don’t put this off!
3. Stay in touch with your current clients. Don’t let your clients forget you. Otherwise, they might not remain your clients during the next AEP.
You can reach out to clients in a number of ways:
- Check in with them to see how they’re doing and if they need anything.
- Make sure they know about the new Medicare cards, as well as how to avoid scams.
- Wish them a happy birthday.
4. Keep a list of your prospective clients. You’ll want to have this handy when AEP rolls around.
You can find leads in a number of ways:
- Ask your current clients for referrals.
- Use a contact form on your website.
- Participate in events and seminars, and let people leave their contact information if they’re interested.
However you obtain leads, make sure you keep the information well-organized and ready to use.
5. Get your materials ready. You can’t start marketing for AEP until October, but you can start preparing before then.
Don’t wait until the last minute to get organized. Prepare your marketing campaigns now. You should also get the supplies you’ll need from the carriers you’ve contracted with.
And don’t forget about your business card, which you’ll be using a lot during AEP. Make sure you have plenty on hand, and that they contain the right information. Get more business card tips here.
6. Review plan changes for your clients. You’ll need to know whose plans are changing and how so you can discuss this with your clients.
Once again, it pays to be organized. Keep a spreadsheet of the important information and what you want to recommend – staying on the current plan or changing plans.
Get your letters ready early so you can send them out in October. Not contracted with PTT Financial yet? Click here to download more information on the many perks of working with PTT.