Navigating Through the 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: Valuable Tips for Independent Agents Starting shortly, hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent by insurers and major marketing organizations designed to generate Medicare AEP leads. AEP is the Annual Enrollment Period during which tens of millions of seniors with Medicare plans can freely switch coverage. The 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins October 15. Expect record-setting spending on cable television ads, online banners and click-through ads, as well as direct mail. Independent Medicare agents simply can’t compete with the amount…
Read MoreAuthor: Jesse Slome
Good News Long-Term Care Insurance Agents Should Be Sharing
Agents tired of the seemingly endless negative news that has plagued the long-term care insurance industry finally have some good news to share. Actually, two pieces of welcome news. Costs for long-term care insurance protection are down from the prior year. In some instances, costs are as much as 15 percent lower. Considering all the negative news focused on rising prices and their impact on consumers, especially older Americans, this is a bit of welcomed, good news. The data comes from the just released 2023 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index…
Read MoreWill Secure Act Increase Long-Term Care Insurance Sales?
Contained within the just-signed SECURE Act 2.0 is a provision that potentially benefits those considering the purchase of long-term care insurance. While any legislation that includes some incentive to purchase LTC insurance should be seen in a positive light, it is my belief that in the absence of change this legislation will likely be of little value. I hate to throw a wet blanket over any legislation that seems to give long-time LTCi advocates a glimmer of hope today. And, after decades of advocating for the importance of an often-maligned…
Read MoreTips For Agents Marketing Medicare Solutions In A Recession
A slight variation of the old joke goes, what’s the difference between a recession and a depression. The answer is simple, when my portfolio is down 30% it’s a depression; when yours is down it’s only a recession. Ask most Medicare eligible seniors and chances are you’ll hear worries about their current financial situation. And while consumer confidence rose for a second straight month in September, the nation’s collective mood is concerned. Markets rise and fall. Recessions come and then they pass. Consumer confidence measures a rather specific set of…
Read MoreGood Time for Agents to Look Into Long-Term Care Annuities With Equity Performance Potential
It’s not news that the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index have both plummeted since the beginning of the year. Consumers are understandably worried. Financial advisors and insurance agents are fielding calls from clients concerned about what’s to come. When financial markets decline and uncertainty pervades, it is logical the consumers are wary about big ticket purchases. And, admittedly, long-term care insurance today can be considered one of those big-ticket purchases. LTC is a ‘should have’ rather than a ‘must-have’ purchase. When stock markets…
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