With the health insurance industry’s busiest sales season just around the corner, now is the time to get organized for your best year yet.
Here are some important dates and details to know:
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare coverage begins Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, 2024. During this time, your Medicare clients can make changes to their existing coverage, switch plans, or disenroll altogether.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is scheduled to run from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, 2025.
During the ACA enrollment period, anyone under the age of 65 can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) through the ACA Marketplace, as well as make changes to existing plans. Short of a qualifying life event or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), folks who miss this window can’t make changes again until the next OEP rolls around.
Whether it’s your first time at the rodeo or you’re a seasoned agent or broker, this year’s Open Enrollment Period and Annual Enrollment Period guarantee unique challenges and opportunities. There is a lot of work ahead of you, but we’re here to help.
Maximize your opportunities and set yourself up for a smooth and profitable sales season using our AEP/OEP checklist!
2024 AEP/OEP Checklist
Plan to set aside time, get organized, and accomplish the following critical tasks well ahead of this busy healthcare insurance open enrollment season.
Ensure You Have the Right Certification & Training
First on your list is making sure you’ve completed the necessary certifications, licensing requirements, and training prior to AEP and OEP.
Because these can take time, it’s best to get started sooner rather than later so you can focus on selling when enrollment windows open up.
✓ Healthcare Marketplace Training. According to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, new and returning agents and brokers must undergo training either through the Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS) or a CMS-approved vendor to be able to assist clients with Marketplace needs.
✓ Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Training. To sell Medicare and remain in CMS compliance, you’re required to receive or renew certification from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).
✓ State Health Insurance Producer License. You will need to attain or renew your resident state health insurance producer license as well as licensure in other states where you wish to sell.
✓ Individual Carrier Certifications. You’ll also need to undergo training from individual carriers to get certifications to sell their products.
Utilize the Top Tools of the Trade
During annual enrollment, Medicare requires you to be on top of your game. Are you armed with the tools, supplies, and collateral you will need to answer client questions?
Before you send emails, schedule meetings, or quote prospects, review your portfolio of carrier product offerings and ensure you have enough supporting materials. Make sure you have, at a minimum, the following:
✓ Digital and leave-behind information about you, your services, and your products.
✓ Educational information about Supplemental Medicare Policies.
✓ Information about dental, vision, and accident coverages you offer.
✓ A lead management system that will support your selling strategies and streamline your processes.
✓ An insurance software solution that can handle enrollments for clients both over and under 65.
✓ Referral rewards program details (the rewards need to be tailored based on the rules of the state each client resides in). This is one of our top insurance prospecting tips.
✓ Welcome packages containing valuable information and a branded item or two for onboarding newly signed clients.
Stay Current With New Changes
One thing remains the same about our industry – it is always changing. That’s why you should create a plan today to stay current with applicable information and changes.
Your plan should include time to check what’s happening in local and emerging markets. This includes new carriers entering the market, Marketplace changes by state, new product offerings from carriers, and any new or pending legislation that may impact Medicare or ACA Marketplace activity.
✓ Bookmark relevant informational sites like CMS and AHIP.
✓ Set aside “learn up” time every day – even if it’s just 15 minutes – to invest in yourself and review at least one of your bookmarked sites.
✓ Subscribe to our blog to stay up to date on the latest in health insurance marketing and technology.
✓ Sign up for CMS email updates.
✓ Add a recurring calendar event so you can spend 30 - 60 minutes each week on improving your skills by watching webinars, reading books, and doing deep dives into your bookmarked sites.
It’s Time To Get Ready for AEP and OEP
As October creeps closer on the calendar, you’ll have less time to organize yourself and your business. Keep this old saying in mind. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
So, take action today. Print this AEP/OEP Checklist, get started on the tasks, and check them off as you finish them.
We’ll even get you started with your first learn-up resource. Check out these Top 12 Tips for Insurance Agents During OEP.
