We’re only 6 days away until the start of the 2019 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. Are you ready? Let us be a part of your AEP game plan! Below are a few tips for a successful season. Add these links to your internet browser toolbar:
How to reach URL
- In order to provide you the most prompt service, we ask that for non-urgent matters, you e-mail us at Medicare@urlinsgroup.com. This mailbox is handled by the entire Medicare Offerings staff and it will guarantee you that a response will be received within 24 hours (M-T 8:00am-4:30pm; Fri 8:00am-1:00pm).
- For calls to the Medicare Offerings department, please use 717-540-5690 ext. 5. This will ring to the entire department and whomever is available will answer the call.
Compliance reminders
- A Scope of Appointment is no longer required to be signed 48-hours in advance of an appointment, however, a scope is required for every appointment. For more rules regarding the Scope of Appointment, please refer to this SOA white page
- Please check with each carrier for their application submission deadlines. Not every carrier follows the same rules.
- Don’t forget to put your writing number on the application. https://www.urlinsgroup.com/agentresources/my-url.html
- We will continue to send out this newsletter bi-weekly with carrier updates throughout the AEP. Any urgent announcements will be sent out as a separate email. Please continue to check our website www.urlinsgroup.com for form updates as they become available from the carriers.
2019 Certification
Find out which carriers are coming soon, and learn more about those available now. Read more.
Expand your insurance services to better serve your clients
You worked hard all AEP to make sure that your clients Medicare needs are met. Don't lose them to another agent who offers products that you don't. URL has created our Orion Concierge Advisors program to help you retain your clients and you will be compensated for generating the opportunity! See details.
Why URL Should Be Your FMO
As you're gearing up for the Annual Enrollment Period it's time to re-evaluate your relationship with your current Medicare FMO. Watch our video.
ACTION NEEDED - Revised and New Rules for Marketing Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Plans
You have registered for AHIP's course, "Marketing Medicare Advantage + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse." Read more.
Highmark Medicare Network Update
Uniontown Hospital will terminate the Highmark Medicare Advantage contract effective
January 1, 2019. Read more.
Highmark | Network Update
We realize network changes on our Medicare products may create an increase in questions from your clients. To assist you, below are a few important reminders for frequently asked questions. Read more.
Highmark | Enrollment Kit Update
It has come to our attention that there is a minor error with the Freedom Blue PPO Select premium listed in a Plan Benefit Comparison that you recently received with Enrollment Kits. Read more.
IMPORTANT SilverScript Information
CVS Health and Aetna announced that Aetna has entered into an agreement to sell its standalone Medicare Part D Prescription business to WellCare Health Plans, Inc. Read more.
Aetna | Sell more this AEP: Enhanced provider search tools
Enhanced provider search tools for AEP success. Read more.
Aetna | 2019 sales presentations | How to submit enrollments | Provider look up tools
Individual MA/MAPD, PDP: October 02, 2018. Read more.
Manhattan Life - Rate Adjustment in Virginia
A rate adjustment for Virginia has been approved. There is a 3.0% rate increase for Plans A, C, F, G and N. Read more.
Important Announcement from Geisinger Gold
There was an error with Geisinger Gold’s filing this year which was just discovered. On the buy up option/OSB of Health+ it states it will cover crowns and root canals, it will NOT. All other plans with the embedded dental it WILL cover those costs up to the MOOP for dental.
AGAIN: Health+ optional supplemental benefit will not include coverage for crowns and root canals for plan year 2019.
Please include this insert into all of your 2019 Geisinger Gold Medicare packets.
Mutual of Omaha PDP and MA - Ordering Marketing Materials
Materials for our new Prescription Drug Plan and Medicare Advantage products are now available to order. Read more.
Mutual of Omaha PDP and MA - Registering on SPA and Completing Required Training
For all agents contracted to sell the Prescription Drug Plan and/or Medicare Advantage products, view our short video on registering for Sales Professional Access (SPA) and accessing the links to the appropriate product training. Read more.
WellCare | Agent Advisory
2019 Electronic Sales Materials. Read more.
Agreement to sell all Aetna standalone Medicare Part D business; all other plans, including our Individual Medicare Advantage (MA), integrated Medicare Advantage with Part D (MAPD) and standalone (MA-only) Group
On September 26, 2018, Aetna signed an agreement to divest all of Aetna’s standalone Medicare Part D business to a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (WellCare). Read more.
Cigna-HealthSpring | Maryland 2019 Broker Commissions
In the spirit of transparency and to help you plan for Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP), please be advised that Cigna-HealthSpring will not pay broker commissions for new Maryland customers in 2019. Read more.
Important information regarding UPMC access for Highmark Medicare Advantage members
In July, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court confirmed calendar year 2018 will be the last full year most UPMC hospitals and physicians in western Pennsylvania will be in-network for Highmark Medicare Advantage members. Read more.
Aetna | Enhanced provider search tools for AEP success
We’ve made BIG improvements to Aetna Medicare provider search tools. Read more.
GTL's Writing Agent 4th Quarter Bonus Programs!
For qualified Medicare Supplement and Hospital Indemnity applications submitted between October 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. Read more.
Show me the money! Lumico's Q4 incentive is huge!
5,000 Motivators for a Fourth Quarter Sales Push. Read more.
Aetna | Adventure awaits
Dental, Vision and Hearing Sales Incentive. Read more.
Union Security Insurance Company | Quarter 4 Incentive program
5,000 Motivators for a Fourth Quarter Sales Push. Read more.
NGL | Earning an extra $300 is easy as 1, 2, 3
Receive a $300 cash bonus by selling 3 NGL Medicare Supplement policies! Read more.
We bring you Thrivent's Agent Incentive Program!
Become one of the top 10 producers of Thrivent Medicare supplement insurance by January of 2019 and embark with us on an all-expenses-paid home building trip to Sebring, Florida! Read more.
New Era 2019 Winter Escape
Escape your Winter blues for some tropical views! Score a trip to set sail to Cozumel this Winter with New Era! Read more.
2018 Aetna Hidden Oasis Senior Supplemental Sales Contest | Spring 2019
Experience Hollywood's playground, Palm Springs... Aetna-style. Read more.
Win Big with Lead Concepts
Lead concepts - helping businesses find and retain customers since 1991. Read more.
Aetna | Want to earn some extra dough?
Your Medicare Supplement applications could earn you EXTRA CASH during 2018! Read more.
Mutual of Omaha | 2018 4th Quarter Broker Bonus Program
You can make even more bucks on your Medicare supplement and SELECT underwritten business through our 4th Quarter Broker Bonus Program from Oct 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018. Read more.
UnitedHealthcare October Training Calendar
Pennsylvania & Delaware. Read more.
Gateway Health | WEBEX 2019 Kickoff!
Didn't make it to a meeting, remember You're Good with Gateway! Read more.
Aetna | The New R.A.T.E Tool Through Ascend
New telephonic enrollment option through the Ascend Virtual Sales Office app. Read more.
HHS OIG Report Says Medicare Advantage Denies Too Many Claims
Private Medicare Plans Faulted by Watchdog Over Denials of Care. Read more.
Medicare spent $5.7B on unnecessary inpatient rehab in 2013
Hospital-based inpatient rehabilitation facilities received an estimated $5.7 billion from Medicare for medically unnecessary and unreasonable care in 2013, according to a new audit from the HHS Office of Inspector General. Read more.
CMS News
Medicare Advantage premiums continue to decline while plan choices and benefits increase in 2019. Read more.
Premiums For Medicare Advantage Plans To Drop To Three-Year Low In 2019, Data Show.
Modern Healthcare (9/28, Dickson, Subscription Publication) reported that average monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans will be $28 in 2019. Read more.
