CMS Newsroom 

News updates from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Read more.

Medicare Advantage enrollment up by 2.3M this year 

A Chartis Group study found that while overall Medicare enrollment growth slowed to 1.6% for the 2022 coverage year, growth in Medicare Advantage enrollment ranged from 5% to 59%, depending on the state. MA plans added 2.3 million members for 2022, and MA now accounts for 45% of total Medicare enrollment. Read more.

Aetna | Broker News 

In this edition see topics including: Goodbye Ascend; Hello Think Agent; Lead generation with MMS; OTC benefit & store locator; Compliance information; and Helpful links. Read more.

Anthem | The Anthem, Inc. Name is Changing

We are very excited to share the news that our parent company, Anthem, Inc., has filed a preliminary proxy statement to change its name. The new name, pending shareholder approval, will be Elevance Health. Please know this change will have no impact or changes to our plans, coverage, or level of support. We will continue to do business as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Read more.

Health Partners | Swipe with Confidence: HPM’s OTC Benefits

All Health Partners Medicare members can use their benefit allowance to purchase eligible over-the counter (OTC) medicines and health related items. With the Health Partners Medicare OTC card, members can use their OTC card at many participating retail locations, including several independent pharmacies, and for home delivery. Read more.

Highmark | Helping Clients Understand EFT and e-Bill

Electronic Funds Transfers and e-Bill are safe, secure, convenient ways for members to pay their monthly premiums. We've pulled together some talking points to ease concern and confusion about these payment options. Read more.

Wellcare | Introducing My Wellcare Rewards: A Refreshed Member Rewards Program

As we continue to integrate our systems, processes, and programs, we are pleased to inform you that starting March 2022, we are introducing the My Wellcare Rewards program, powered by Healthmine. This is a new program that encompasses all former member reward programs for Legacy WellCare and Legacy Centene Medicare Advantage members. This new program replaces previously offered member rewards programs for these plans. Read more.

Aetna | Healthy Rewards Program Flyers - Another Great Reason To Enroll In Our MAPD Plans (qualify through 12/31/22)

Yet another great reason to sell Aetna Medicare MA/MAPD/DSNP in 2022! Help members stay healthy and earn up to $200, redeemable for gift cards, by completing eligible health activities by December 31, 2022. Read more.

Webinar Wednesdays: Highmark Senior Markets Broker Trainings

Your local Highmark Medicare Broker Representatives will be offering monthly webinars starting in February and running through July. Register now.

3/21 GlicRX Onboarding Webinar

If you are an agent in the health insurance market, please join URL Insurance Group for a webinar on March 21st at 11am EST to learn how you can save your clients money on their prescription drugs costs. We have formed a relationship with GlicRX a discount prescription drug card. 

You will learn: 

• The history of GlicRX
• How it helps your clients
• How to get started

Register now.

3/24 GlicRX Training Webinar

Previously, URL Insurance Group hosted a webinar to introduce the new relationship with GlicRX discount prescription drug card. 

Join us on March 24th at 1pm EST for a follow up to show you: 

• How to sign up a client
• Resource center
• Reporting, and more

Register now.

3/29 Agency Builder: Structuring Your Agency

Now that you've started building your agency, it's time to figure out how to structure it. On March 29th at 10am EST join URL's Director of Licensing & Contracting, Tish Whitesel, along side Medicare Offerings VP, Christy Wilbert for a webinar on this topic.

In this installment of our Building an Agency series we'll discuss:

• Contracting downline agents (licensed only agent vs. independent), and
• Protecting your investment Compensation structure

Register now. 

4/5 Lunch & Learn with Wellcare

Join us for an in-house lunch and learn on April 5th at 11:30am EST. We'll meet Wellcare staff and learn more about the benefits they offer.

In this seminar we'll discuss:

• DSNP Lead opportunity
• Relationship between PA Health & Wellness and Wellcare Medicare (Allwell)
• All-star local sales support team
• Helping you grow & diversify your business
• Competitive compensation
• Strong products in DSNP, $0 HMO, and PPO markets
• PA market updates and what’s to come

Register now.

4/19 Agency Builder: Starting an LLC

Join us for a webinar on April 19th at 10am EST as Christy Wilbert, Medicare Offerings VP at URL Insurance Group and a special guest, discuss common questions about setting up a LLC. When you start to build your agency, it can be hard to know where to begin. We've put together a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get started. Come learn how. Register now. 

5/24 Get your foot in the door with Medicare

The great thing about selling Medicare is that it’s a need, not a want. You're not pushing or selling a product to your client. You're educating them and becoming a trusted resource in the process. Join us for webinar on May 24th at 10am EST.

During the webinar you will learn:

• Sales techniques
• Cross-selling techniques
• Best processes for retention
• How to get loyal clients

Register now.