top of page

SO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
I KNOW ITS A LOT
OF INFORMATION

FAQ

WHAT IS MEDICARE?

Medicare is a U.S. federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and for some younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions.
 

WHAT IS A MEDICARE AGENT?

A Medicare agent or broker is a licensed professional who helps individuals choose and enroll in Medicare plans by providing information and comparing options.
 

HOW MUCH DO AGENTS GET PAID?

Medicare agents get paid through commissions from insurance companies when they help someone enroll in a Medicare plan.

  1. Captive Agents:

    • Work for one insurance company.

    • Get paid a salary plus commissions from that company.

  2. Independent Agents:

    • Work with multiple insurance companies.

    • Get commissions from any company whose plan they sell.

Commissions vary but typically include an initial payment for enrolling a new client and smaller renewal payments each year the client stays with the plan.

​

HOW DO I BECOME AN AGENT?

To become a Medicare agent, follow these steps:

  1. Meet the Basic Requirements:

    • Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

    • Pass a background check.

  2. Obtain a Health Insurance License:

    • Complete a pre-licensing course specific to your state’s requirements.

    • Pass the state insurance licensing exam.

  3. Complete Medicare Training:

    • Take additional courses focused on Medicare plans and regulations.

    • Get certified annually through the America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) program.

  4. Apply for an Agent Appointment:

    • Apply to insurance companies to become an authorized agent to sell their Medicare products.

    • Complete any additional training or certification required by these companies.

  5. Maintain Your License and Certifications:

    • Complete continuing education (CE) courses to keep your license current.

    • Recertify with AHIP and other relevant certifications each year.

​

HOW DO I CHOOSE AN AGENCY?

To choose the right agency as a Medicare agent, consider the following steps:

  1. Research Agencies:

    • Look for agencies with a good reputation, strong support system, and positive reviews from other agents.

  2. Evaluate Training and Support:

    • Ensure the agency offers comprehensive training programs, ongoing support, and resources to help you succeed.

  3. Compare Commission Structures:

    • Compare the commission rates and payment structures of different agencies to ensure competitive earnings.

  4. Assess Product Range:

    • Choose an agency that offers a wide range of Medicare plans and products from multiple insurance carriers.

  5. Consider Technology and Tools:

    • Check if the agency provides modern technology, tools, and systems to streamline your work and help manage your clients.

  6. Look for Growth Opportunities:

    • Select an agency that offers career advancement opportunities and encourages professional development.

  7. Check Contract Terms:

    • Carefully review the contract terms, including any non-compete clauses and the process for switching agencies if needed.

By following these steps, you can find an agency that aligns with your goals and supports your success as a Medicare agent.

​

WHY BECOME AN AN AGENT?

Becoming a Medicare agent offers several benefits:

  1. Helping Others: You get to assist people, especially seniors, in navigating their health insurance options, ensuring they receive the coverage they need.

  2. Growing Market: The aging population creates a high demand for Medicare plans, providing a stable and expanding market.

  3. Flexible Work Environment: You often have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work independently.

  4. Earning Potential: Competitive commissions and renewal income can lead to substantial earnings.

  5. Personal Fulfillment: Many agents find personal satisfaction in helping clients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

These advantages make becoming a Medicare agent a rewarding career choice.

​

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO START?

Becoming a Medicare agent typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on various factors:

  1. Pre-licensing Education: 1-2 weeks, depending on state requirements and the pace of the coursework.

  2. State Licensing Exam: Scheduling and passing the exam can take 1-3 weeks, depending on availability and preparation time.

  3. Background Check and Application Processing: 1-2 weeks, depending on state processing times.

  4. Medicare Training and Certification: Additional Medicare-specific training and AHIP certification can take 1-2 weeks.

Overall, the entire process can be completed in about 4-8 weeks, but this timeline can vary based on individual circumstances and state-specific requirements.

​

CAN THE MEDICARE CLUB HELP ME?

Great question! The Medicare Club is a marketing, training, and technology provider for Medicare agencies specializing in Medicare Advantage. They can help in several ways:

  1. They can assist you with licensing, contracting and appointment to an agency that fits your needs.

  2. They also offer training, free marketing, and paid Errors and Omissions insurance.

  3. They work with a technology partner who can offer you 12-months free of a dialing and CRM system, so that you won't have to use any of your own money if you don't have to.

  4. They offer AHIP, CE, and Carrier Certification assistance, as well as compliance training, and assistance.

​

CAN I GET RICH?

While becoming a Medicare agent can offer a lucrative career with significant earning potential, "getting rich" depends on various factors:

  1. Effort and Dedication: Success requires hard work, persistence, and dedication to building a strong client base.

  2. Market Demand: The growing senior population creates a stable market, which can lead to steady income if you capture a good share.

  3. Commission Structure: Competitive commissions, including initial and renewal commissions, can lead to substantial earnings over time.

  4. Business Skills: Strong sales, marketing, and customer service skills can enhance your ability to attract and retain clients.

  5. Support and Training: Working with a supportive agency that provides good training and resources can boost your success.

While some agents can achieve high incomes and financial success, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that significant earnings typically come with experience and sustained effort.

​

IS IT DIFFICULT?

Working as a Medicare agent requires a specific set of skills, but with the right training and dedication, it is not overly difficult. Key skills include:

  1. Communication Skills: Explaining complex insurance options clearly and effectively to clients.

  2. Sales Skills: Persuading potential clients to choose the plans you recommend.

  3. Customer Service: Building and maintaining relationships with clients, addressing their questions and concerns.

  4. Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in paperwork and understanding the details of various Medicare plans.

  5. Time Management: Balancing multiple clients and administrative tasks efficiently.

  6. Adaptability: Staying updated with changes in Medicare regulations and plan options.

While these skills are important, they can be developed through training and practice. Many agencies offer training programs to help new agents acquire the necessary skills to succeed.

​

WHAT IS MEDICARE ADVANTAGE?

Medicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Here are key points about Medicare Advantage:

  1. Coverage: Medicare Advantage plans provide all benefits covered under Original Medicare, including hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). Most plans also include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs.

  2. Managed Care: MA plans often operate under managed care models like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), or Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans. These plans may require members to use a network of healthcare providers or allow them to see out-of-network providers at higher costs.

  3. Costs: While Medicare Advantage plans typically have premiums (in addition to the Part B premium), copayments, and deductibles, their out-of-pocket costs are often capped. Some plans offer lower costs for services compared to Original Medicare.

  4. Enrollment: To join a Medicare Advantage plan, individuals must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the plan's service area. Enrollment usually occurs during specific enrollment periods, such as the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or when eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

  5. Plan Variations: MA plans vary widely in terms of coverage, provider networks, costs, and additional benefits. It's important for individuals to compare plans to find one that meets their healthcare needs and budget.

Medicare Advantage plans are regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and must cover all Medicare-covered services. They offer an alternative to Original Medicare with potentially more benefits and coordinated care options through private insurers.

​

IS MAPD THE BEST TO SELL?

Whether MAPD (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug) plans are the best for an agent to sell depends on several factors:

  1. Commission Structure: MAPD plans often have competitive commission rates, which can be advantageous for agents looking to earn higher commissions.

  2. Market Demand: There is generally a strong demand for Medicare Advantage plans, including MAPD, due to their comprehensive coverage and additional benefits.

  3. Client Needs: If your client prefers the convenience of having all Medicare benefits (Parts A, B, and D) under one plan and values additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage, then MAPD plans may be a good fit.

  4. Agent Expertise: Some agents may specialize in Medicare Advantage plans and feel more comfortable selling MAPD plans due to familiarity and understanding of these products.

  5. Agency Support: The support and resources provided by your agency for selling MAPD plans, including training, marketing materials, and administrative assistance, can influence your success.

Ultimately, the best plan to sell as an agent depends on your client's needs, your expertise, the commission structure, and the support provided by your agency. Offering a range of options and helping clients find the plan that best meets their healthcare needs is key to building trust and satisfaction as a Medicare agent.

​

IS IT HARD TO GET FIRED?

Well, we recommend you try your very best not to get fired. To answer this question usually would depend on your specific agency you're appointed with. The Medicare Club has made this easy across the board. We equalize certain parameters that all of our agency partners must follow and these are the rules:

  1. All Captive Agents must hit a quota of 60 monthly active sales. If an agent does not hit their monthly quota, they will not be qualified for commissions for at least one month and be dropped back to part-time. They must stay above 30 active monthly sales or original submissions not to be terminated (resubmissions DO NOT COUNT). For those under 60 sales a month you will not be qualified to work during AEP. All agents who hit their monthly quotas will remain full time and qualify for health insurance after one year.

  2. All Captive Agents must use Picasso and must clock in and out on Picasso.

  3. All Captive Agents must start part-time if they lack proper experience.

  4. All Agents must follow the Medicare Club Handbook to stay compliant.

  5. All Licensed Captive Agents and Non-Licensed Captive Agents have a set hourly wage, controlled by the Medicare Club. Wages increased based on performance and will be considered yearly if you have hit your quota every month.

  6. The Medicare Club sets and pays out all commission incentives (Not Your Agency) not including Street Level Commissions.

  7. All agents are subject to CMS regulations and compliance. Carrier Termination is determined by individual carrier partners or CMS themselves. All agents are subjected to Contract Termination if not compliant or become liable.

  8. All Agents are subjected to sign a Terms and Conditions Agreement that outlines a strict non-compete clause and a strict non-disclosure clause. These agreements are meant to keep our partners and their data safe, as well, as validate the Medicare Club's promise to deliver quality marketing at no cost to our partners and their agents.

If any one of these rules are violated a Medicare Club agent may suffer possible legal ramifications, possible dismissal, and possible abonnement of access to their book of business and its' data.

​

WHAT IF I WANT TO MOVE AGENCIES?

Not a problem. Just make a request with your Agency account manager, and the Medicare Club will assist them in releasing your contract to another upline. We do not deny releases to anyone.  

​

WHAT ARE THE PERKS?

Easy enough answer! Here are the Perks:

  1. Everyone qualifies for Bonus Commissions regardless of your quota performance, seniority, experience, state, schedule, time-zone, training status, or retention percentage.

  2. All contract releases are approved.

  3. We pay commissions monthly.

  4. All contract requests are approved pending background check and release status.

  5. We pay your Errors and Omissions insurance for 1 agent only (Captive and Street Only).

  6. We offer you 12 months free of Picasso our dialer and CRM system along with discounted premium marketing leads directly from their website and transferred into your dialer system seamlessly.

  7. We train you until you are comfortable to be on the phones by yourself for free and the best part is your bonus commissions still apply.

  8. Frequent training group training sessions available.

  9. Compliance and training assistance.

  10. Back Office Admin Support is available.

  11. Medicare Eligibility software is available for purchase. 

  12. Free Help Desk is available for Medicare eligibility (See Hours).

  13. Street Level Agents make their own schedule (No Clocking In).

  14. Renewal and HRA Bonuses pay out every month.

  15. Free Leads up to $1,000 worth every month.

  16. $25 Monthly Marketing Allowance (MMA) for agents who have over 40 active sales every month, paid directly from our FMO. 

  17. Health Insurance for full-time Licensed-Captive agents after a year of consistently hitting their quotas with at least 300 sales for AEP alone. Must have worked at least 1 AEP and have not missed their quotas for 1 year straight. Once hitting this milestone and continue employment, the health insurance stays until there is a lapse of employment. At that point you must start all over. 

  18. 50 Free Business Cards for 1 year of solid loyalty. Must have worked at least 1 AEP and gotten at least 1 sale.

  19. Quarterly Happy Hour functions available around the home office. 

  20. We pay all licenses, state fees, appointment fees, E&O, continuing education, AHIP, and 12 months free of Picasso for Captive Agents only.

  21. 72-Hour Contracting in over 20 states, no monthly fees, dedicated support team, and a custom Medicare Agent Handbook that includes a complaint call guide.

​

WHAT WOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR?

Captive Agents must be prepared to pay for the following:

  1. 52 Hour Pre-Licensing Training with promo code (2020)

  2. Life, Health, and Accident state test ($95).

  3. Picasso after 12 months (Must use Picasso to receive free leads)

  4. Medicare Agent Hand Book (Available Online)

  5. Medicare Eligibility Software (Optional)

  6. Requires a computer, monitor, mouse, and keyboard with at least 8GB of Ram

  7. Headset is required, wire or Bluetooth is okay

  8. You will need internet and electricity

Street Level (Independent) Agents, GA, MGA, must be prepared to pay for the following:

  1. 52 Hour Pre-Licensing Training

  2. Life, Health, and Accident state test

  3. Picasso after 12 months (Must use Picasso to receive free leads)

  4. Medicare Agent Hand Book (Available Online)

  5. Medicare Eligibility Software (Optional)

  6. Leads (Optional)

  7. E&O Insurance for GA and MGA contracts

  8. Requires a computer, monitor, mouse, and keyboard with at least 8GB of Ram

  9. Headset is required, wire or Bluetooth is okay

  10. You will need internet and electricity

  11. Continuing education every 2 years

  12. Appointment fees and State License fees

  13. Medicare Agent Assistance Program (Optional)

  14. AHIP Certification

  15. Premium CRM - Medicare Pro, Salesforce, etc. (Optional) 

​

DO I HAVE TO BE A U.S. CITIZEN?

No, you do not have to be a U.S. citizen to become an insurance agent, including a Medicare agent, but you must meet certain requirements:

  1. Legal Residency: You must be a legal resident of the United States. This typically means having a valid visa, green card, or other proof of legal residency status.

  2. State Licensing: Each state has its own requirements for insurance licensing, which you must meet. This usually includes completing pre-licensing education, passing a state licensing exam, and undergoing a background check.

  3. Work Authorization: You need to have authorization to work in the U.S., such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you are not a citizen or permanent resident.

As long as you meet these requirements, you can pursue a career as a Medicare agent in the U.S.

​

TELL ME MORE ABOUT MEDICARE?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States primarily for people aged 65 and older. It also covers some younger people with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant). Here's a breakdown of the main parts of Medicare:

Part A: Hospital Insurance

  • Coverage: Inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

  • Cost: Most people don't pay a premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part B: Medical Insurance

  • Coverage: Certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

  • Cost: Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. The amount can vary based on income.

Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans

  • Overview: An alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) offered by private companies approved by Medicare.

  • Coverage: Includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B. Most plans also offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and many include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).

  • Cost: You still pay the Part B premium, plus any additional premium the plan may charge.

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

  • Coverage: Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

  • Cost: Part D plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. You pay a monthly premium, which varies by plan, and may also have other out-of-pocket costs.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)

  • Overview: Extra insurance you can buy from a private company to help pay your share of costs in Original Medicare (like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles).

  • Cost: You pay a monthly premium for a Medigap policy in addition to your Part B premium.

Enrollment Periods

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins three months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after you turn 65.

  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): If you didn't sign up for Part A and/or Part B when you were first eligible, you can sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1.

  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you didn't sign up for Medicare Parts A and/or B when you were first eligible because you had group health plan coverage through your job or your spouse's job, you can sign up for Part A and/or Part B during the SEP.

Costs and Assistance

  • Premiums: Monthly payments for Parts B, C, D, and Medigap policies.

  • Deductibles: The amount you pay for health care services before Medicare begins to pay.

  • Copayments/Coinsurance: Your share of the cost for services after you’ve paid your deductible.

  • Financial Assistance: Programs like Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and Extra Help can assist with costs.

Understanding Medicare involves knowing which parts are mandatory, which are optional, and what each part covers. This helps in making informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

​

IS THE FRANCHISE MODEL INHERENTLY PREDATORY?

NO!! But there are frequent miscalculations that new franchisees make.

  • Overestimating the support they will get from the franchisor, how busy their store will be, and the level of profitability.

  • Underestimating the time, capital, and effort it will take to get the store profitable.

  • Not realizing that it may take $750k to launch that new pizza location before it’s profitable, for it to only be worth $500k when it’s fully functional and time to sell. To come out ahead, the owner needs to keep the store for several years to collect the profits.

  • The inability to exit the business before the first 3 years or so.

  • The high failure rates of new locations.

  • Just because a bank gave you a loan to launch your new location, doesn’t mean it’s a good investment.

Solving Questions
bottom of page