Every day, 10,000 people celebrate their 65th birthday in the United States. That’s a huge number of people aging into Medicare each and every day – and a huge opportunity for insurance agents. Use these tips to tap into the T65 market.
Get referrals.
If you already have clients around this age, chances are they have friends who are about to turn 65. Don’t ignore this opportunity! Ask your clients about friends who are about to age into Medicare, and request a referral.
Don’t dismiss the internet.
Seniors are online, too. Among older adults, Facebook is especially popular. According to the Pew Research Center, 62 percent of people aged 65 and older use Facebook. For people between the ages of 50 and 64, that figure goes up to 72 percent.
In addition to social media, email lists can be effective. When people sign up for emails, make sure you get their birth date so you can send timely reminders.
Direct mail is still important.
Think of the internet as supplement, not a replacement, for other tactics. After all, while it’s true that most people in all age groups now use social media, there’s still a sizeable chunk of older people who don’t. Don’t neglect 38 percent of your potential audience! Postage doesn’t cost much, and it will help you to expand your reach.
Get out there.
The internet is convenient and free, and direct mail can be effective, but there’s no better way to make a connection than face-to-face. Many people feel more comfortable talking in person. Events can be a great way to provide information on Medicare, answer questions and meet people.
Be a source of knowledge.
People turning 65 are facing some major changes and decisions. Many of them have lots of questions and need advice. By establishing yourself as a source of information, you’ll become the first person people turn to when they’re ready to enroll in Medicare. This can be done online, through the mail or in person. Whatever medium you use, focus on helping people by giving them the information they need.
Don’t wait until people turn 65.
By then, there’s a good chance they’ll have made their Medicare decisions already. The Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before a person turns 65. Many people will start researching their options before this. This means you need to start marketing to people several months before their 65th birthday.
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