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Senior market agents faced unprecedented challenges at the start of this AEP because of the unexpected Plan Finder changes. But our agents were still able to hit the ground running.

OMAHA, Neb. (PRWEB)
October 28, 2019

When an intended upgrade to Medicare’s Plan Finder website left insurance agents across the country scrambling at the start of their busiest season, Senior Market Sales® (SMS) quickly provided a solution with two important enhancements to its Lead Advantage Pro® platform.

“The controversy over Medicare.gov’s quoting tools demonstrates the critical role that technology plays for agents, especially with a commoditized product like Medicare insurance where volume matters,” said Dwane McFerrin, Vice President of Medicare Solutions at SMS. “Agents who figure out how to leverage tools to create efficiencies, strengthen their process, and make better recommendations will win.”

Agents are flocking to SMS’ technology solutions in numbers the company has never seen before, McFerrin said. And the industry is taking note. SMS made industry news for its ability to provide a quick solution to the controversial changes.

While consumers and agents welcomed the long-overdue redesign of Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder, both protested some of the changes when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced details just weeks before the start of Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP), which is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Agents who for years had relied on the Plan Finder were suddenly left with no way to access drug lists for their clients.

With just days to find a solution for agents, SMS was the first insurance marketing organization to integrate data from Medicare’s Blue Button 2.0 into its own technology. Blue Button 2.0 is a new feature that allows consumers to select who may access their Medicare information to help them find a plan. SMS innovated to integrate that data — including clients’ prescription drugs, provider(s) and pharmacy information — into Lead Advantage Pro. The integration allows agents to save time while running the most accurate quotes possible, largely by eliminating the need to re-enter prescription drugs for each client. While CMS did restore accessibility to drug lists for this open enrollment only, SMS’ quick action provided an immediate fix as well as a permanent solution for agents.

Also this AEP, SMS expanded Lead Advantage Pro’s quoting capabilities from only SMS carriers to all Part D Prescription Drug plan carriers, providing agents a superior quoting alternative. While thousands of agents have relied on the SMS tool for years, this enhancement elevates its real-world usefulness even more. Lead Advantage Pro now allows agents to manage leads, run multi-carrier quotes and facilitate quick online enrollments all in one platform.

“During AEP, every minute counts,” McFerrin said. “Senior market agents faced unprecedented challenges at the start of this AEP because of the unexpected Plan Finder changes. But our agents were still able to hit the ground running.”

SMS’ ability to anticipate and adapt quickly to changing forces in the insurance industry has made it a leader in the senior market, providing technology that supports agents in the field. In addition to being first to roll out Blue Button 2.0 integration, SMS was first to introduce technology that:

•     Eliminated agents’ manual entry of drugs in drug lookup tools
•     Allowed agents to enroll clients in Medicare by iPad
•     Queried multiple carrier provider directories
•     Provided a fillable PDF on carrier applications
•     Enabled an electronic Scope of Appointment process

“Our mission at SMS is to help insurance and financial planning professionals leverage time, make more money and put their business in a position of distinction,” McFerrin said. “Today and in the coming years, that means our technology must deliver real-world solutions that make a difference in the lives of our agents and in the lives of their clients.”

About Senior Market Sales, Inc.

Senior Market Sales® (SMS) supports independent insurance and retirement planning professionals so they can focus on growing their businesses and building meaningful client relationships. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, SMS provides everything from proprietary technology and expansive products to expert training and marketing programs. By providing big-picture perspective and strategies and all-in-one place efficiencies, SMS has helped thousands of health and wealth planning professionals for nearly four decades reach new levels of success. Visit http://www.SeniorMarketSales.com for more information.

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“Being a teen usually means more expensive car insurance premiums. However, there are few ways to keep premiums under control and even lower them”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB)
October 27, 2019

Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com has released a new blog post that explains how to get better car insurance premiums as a teen.

Teens are unanimously considered high-risk drivers by all insurance companies. However, not all insurers treat teens the same way. Some insurers offer access to more discounts, devices that will lower the costs or customized contracts. It is important to get online quotes and compare prices. This is the only way to shop around for cheaper car insurance.

For more info and free car insurance quotes online, visit http://cheapquotesautoinsurance.com/teen-drivers-and-car-insurance-rates/

Smart ways to reduce car insurance costs;

• 
      Enroll in defensive driving courses. Getting more knowledge about traffic hazards and proper defensive driving techniques and tips will help the driver get better rates. The insurance company must be notified after graduating. When getting online quotes, the questionnaire will also ask about recently graduated courses. If the answer is “yes”, the user will receive a discount. Furthermore, some states allow those who graduated to offset a number of license points.
•     Get a safe car to drive. A car with a powerful engine is expensive to insure. And combining that with a relatively inexperienced driver will make premiums sky-rocket. As a rule of thumb, teens who want better rates should avoid sports car, powerful SUV cars and performance-boosted, customized cars. Medium-sized models, with some safety features included, are more suitable.
•     Sign a customized contract. Some insurance companies allow teen drivers to sign a customized contract, with specific rules exclusions. The teen will be obliged to always wear a seatbelt, to avoid DUI/DWI, avoid speeding, customizing the car without insurer’s approval and many other terms.
•     Use telematics. Some prestigious companies also enable their teen drivers to join their usage-based programs. If the policyholder shows good driving habits, his premiums will be customized and lowered, so they can reflect better his skills and driving habits.

Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

For more information, please visit http://cheapquotesautoinsurance.com

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“Preventing car theft is easier than it may seem. Follow the tips we have offered and you will not have to worry about your car being stolen”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB)
October 27, 2019

Compare-autoinsurance.org has released a new blog post that explains how to protect a car against theft, thus reducing car insurance premiums.

Car theft is still a major problem in the United States. Although the number of stolen cars has decreased (due to modern devices and tracking systems), there are still hundreds of thousands of cars reported stolen each year. Drivers should take preemptive measures in order to reduce the risk of having their cars stolen. Find out more and get free car insurance quotes from https://compare-autoinsurance.org/6-steps-to-lowering-your-risk-of-car-theft/

• 
      Equip the vehicle with loud alarms. A noisy alarm system is a strong deterrent to thieves. Rookie-thieves will certainly get scared.
•     Install mechanical immobilizers. There are many systems on the market that will make the car inoperable without the proper remove control or access card. Look for killswitch systems or systems that require smart keys. Furthermore, some car manufacturers have developed biometric reading systems, like fingerprint entry or ignition start with fingerprint reading.
•     Stop the engine before leaving the car. Do not let the car with the engine running while unattended, even for a short time. A car with the running engine is a top target for vigilant thieves

.

•     Do not let valuables exposed to plain sight. Cars with really valuable belongings exposed suddenly become more appealing to thieves. They will certainly do their best to reach expensive smartphones, jewelry or really price entertainment systems.
•     Park the car in a safe spot, preferably in a garage or well-monitored parking lot. It is recommended to park the car in areas under camera surveillance and with proper public lighting.
•     Install tracking systems. Modern GPS tracking systems will help police officers track a car with pinpoint accuracy, should it be stolen.

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

For more information, please visit http://compare-autoinsurance.org

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The 2020 Open Enrollment Period runs from Friday, November 1st to Sunday, December 15, 2019

The Open Enrollment Period provides consumers the ability to shop for new plans and enroll for coverage. This is the only time consumers can purchase a qualified, guaranteed issue, Major Medical Health Plan, without a qualifying event

BEDFORD PARK, Mass. (PRWEB)
October 27, 2019

“In order to prepare for the approaching Open Enrollment Period, consumers should begin by reviewing their current health plan. This is the first, but critical step, to ensure that their new health plan best meets their current budget and health insurance needs,” began Bob Dial, vice president, Preferred Health Insurance Solutions (PHIS).

The 2020 Open Enrollment Period runs from Friday, November 1st to Sunday, December 15, 2019. Individuals that do not enroll by December 15th cannot get a marketplace health insurance plan unless they qualify for at least one of the criteria outlined in the Special Enrollment Period. In order to help individuals begin this process, Dial outlines some critical first steps and important deadlines.

Begin by reviewing your current 2019 health insurance plan.

Important information to think through include:

1. Does my current health insurance plan still meet my individual or family needs?

2. Since selecting my 2019 health insurance plan, have there been any new health challenges my family or I now face?

3. Has there been any financial changes?

4. Are the doctors my family or I receive care from still within network or covered on my 2019 health insurance plan?

Work with a licensed health insurance agent that can help you select a policy for the new calendar year. After this evaluation step is completed, seek out the direction of a licensed health insurance professional that is trained to walk a client through the entire process of selecting a healthcare plan and enrolling for coverage. Additionally, a licensed health insurance agent will be able to respond to any questions you may have regarding your new 2020 health insurance policy.

Be aware of important deadlines and dates outlined by the federal government. These dates include:

a. November 1st: marks the first day you can enroll, re-enroll, or change a 2020 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

b. December 15th: Open Enrollment Period closes.

c. January 1ST 2020: The date when 2020 health insurance plan coverage begins.

Dial added, “It is forecasted that 2020 plans and benefit information will be released at the end of October. Selecting the right health insurance plan is a complex decision. In addition to budgetary considerations, it is vital that a plan be selected that provides the necessary health insurance coverage an individual and their family may need.”

Gather all necessary documents that are required in order to complete the health insurance registration process. The following documents will be needed for each member named in the policy:

1. Prior to starting the application, determine who in your household needs to apply or re-enroll for coverage.

2. Information about everyone applying for coverage such as home address, Social Security Numbers, birthdates,

3. For re-enrollees, policy numbers and plan IDs, for any current health plans covering members of the household.

4. Document information for legal immigrants.

5. Information about how taxes are filed. To reference, having past tax documents available will help ensure financial information is entered correctly.

6. Employer and income information for every member of your household that will be included on the policy. Pay stubs or W2 forms will need to be provided.

Dial explained, “Purchasing health insurance through the Marketplace is a complicated process. There are a number of factors, government rules, and provisions to take into account before purchasing health insurance. The Open Enrollment Period provides consumers the ability to shop for new plans and enroll for coverage. This is the only time consumers can purchase a qualified, guaranteed issue, Major Medical Health Plan, without a qualifying event.”

The insurance professionals at PHIS are prepared to assist consumers with all their enrollment needs. The dedicated PHIS Call Center consists of a team of multi-lingual, health insurance professionals, that are trained to walk a client through the entire process of selecting a healthcare plan and enrolling them for their coverage, as well as responding to any questions they may have regarding their new health insurance policy. The PHIS Call Center will be available to assist consumers enrolling for their 2020 health plan. Consumers can call the PHIS Call Center at 800-342-0631 or access the company’s website at http://www.PHISonline.com.

About Preferred Health Insurance Solutions:

Headquartered in Bedford Park, Illinois, Preferred Health Insurance Solutions (PHIS) is a national enrollment firm specializing in the Health Insurance Marketplace as well as a variety of other ancillary health insurance products, including Dental, Critical Illness, Short Term Medical, and others. PHIS, formerly known as ACA Marketplace Enrollment Solutions (ACAEnroll.com) provides enrollments services throughout the country, through national and regional insurance carriers. The PHIS Call Center will be available to assist those enrolling for their 2020 health plan. Consumers can call the PHIS Call Center at 800-342-0631 or access the company’s website at http://www.PHISonline.com.

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“Getting car insurance discounts is the best way to save money. But you must carefully analyze not only the value but also how long it lasts and overall, how much money you can save”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB)
October 25, 2019

Compare-autoinsurance.org has released a new blog post that explains how drivers should select their car insurance discounts

For more info and free quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/how-to-compare-car-insurance-discounts/

Being eligible for car insurance discounts will help drivers save a lot of money. Some discounts can offset the expenses with as much as 35%. Overall, a driver can save hundreds of dollars each year. This is why it is recommended to investigate more about available discounts provided by the current carrier. We also recommend policyholders to periodically check the market offers and use http://compare-autoinsurance.org to compare prices.

• 
  The first thing to check is the prerequisites for each discount. And each company may have different prerequisites for the same discount. For example, one company may impose a 13.000 miles a year for a low mileage discount, while another one may impose 10.000 miles. Carefully read the terms for being approved and compare with the terms of multiple companies. Keep in mind that lax conditions do not necessarily mean a good discount.
• Check the value of each discount. If two discounts have the same pre-requisites, then they should offer the same discount. If not, may sound logical to go with the discount that saves more money. But only if the discounts are for the same product, require the same things and have the same availability period. That’s the next thing to verify.
• Clients must also check the availability period of the discount. A discount may be greater in savings value, but if it lasts only 2 or 3 months, in the long run it would be a bad choice. In this case, a smaller, but a longer-lasting discount would provide better savings

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

For more information, please visit http://compare-autoinsurance.org

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LAKE SAINT LOUIS, Mo. (PRWEB)
October 25, 2019

Stuckey & Company has introduced an innovative new service model that gives insurance agents commissions of up to 90%, even faster turnaround times on quotes & binding–and a personal in-house representative dedicated to their account, among other benefits.

“Nothing is more important to Stuckey & Company than our agency partners. We developed this new program to set the gold standard for the services and benefits agents can expect from any MGA, wholesaler or aggregator. No other MGA can match Stuckey’s combination of high commissions, great service and flexibility,” said Tyler Bechtold, Head of Business Development at Stuckey & Company.

Bechtold says he encourages agents to think the Stuckey Membership Program as a concierge service. Agents get to pick the level of commission and service they want and simply pay a monthly fee for the service. The monthly fees range from $0 for basic access to $129 per month for Elite Service.

With Elite-level membership, agents get the following benefits for a $129 monthly fee:

• 
  90% Commission
• Nationwide, excluding AK and HI
• Admitted and Surplus Lines
• 60+ National A Rated Carriers
• 151 Promise
• Assigned Stuckey In-House Rep
• 1-on-1 Underwriters Support
• Dashboard Access
• Free Product Training
• Marketing Newsletters
• Data API Integration
• Online Rating
• Lead Generation
• Co-Branded Marketing Material
• Social Sharing
• Carrier Sub-Coding

With VIP-level membership, agents get this slightly scaled-back set of benefits for just $59 per month:

• 75% Commission
• Nationwide, excluding AK and HI
• Admitted and Surplus Lines
• 60+ National A Rated Carriers
• Quick Turnaround
• Assigned Stuckey In-House Rep
• 1-on-1 Underwriters Support
• Dashboard Access
• Free Product Training
• Marketing Newsletters
• Data API Integration
• Online Rating

Stucky has also introduced a free basic membership that offers basic access to the program. The Access-level membership includes:

• 50% Commission
• Nationwide, excluding AK and HI
• Admitted and Surplus Lines
• 60+ National A Rated Carriers
• Quick Turnaround
• 1-on-1 Underwriters Support
• Dashboard Access
• Free Product Training
• Marketing Newsletters

The Stuckey & Company Membership options available provide turnkey access to several National A-Rated insurance carriers with no premium volume commitments.

“Our goal in developing this program was to give our agency partners access to the services and commission levels they need to be successful in an easy, straightforward manner,” said Bechtold. “Simply put, Stuckey is focusing on further expanding available resources to our agency partners, by providing clear-cut membership options that work precisely for them…especially when it comes to commissions.”

Bechtold said agents frequently ask how they can qualify for larger commissions…but the answer is always writing more business with a specific carrier. The Stuckey Membership Program makes that unnecessary and gives agents access to higher commissions with every carrier Stuckey represents.

“Improving commission opportunities for our clients was the single-most important aspect of this program,” he said. “But right behind that is continuing to provide professional service by building relationships and offering a clear strategy that our agents need to ensure the long-term growth and success of their insurance businesses. As always, we put our agents first, and are committed to helping them from start to finish.”    

About Stuckey and Company

Founded in 1991, Stuckey & Company is a Specialty insurance provider based in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. For 28 years, Stuckey & Company has provided their agents with turnkey access to exclusive specialty products and wholesale access to National A Rated Carriers for Personal, Commercial, Professional, and Surplus Lines insurance carriers. With over 9,000 Insurance Agencies and 16,000 Independent Agents, Stuckey continues to be driven to provide resources and specialized knowledge in exclusive specialty insurance programs for our independent licensed agents.

Stuckey & Company has become one of the fastest growing insurance providers emphasizing hard-to-get specialty insurance programs. While Stuckey excels as a Specialty MGA, offering Specialty coverage that requires in-depth industry knowledge and experience, you can also depend on Stuckey & Company as a National Wholesale Broker for Commercial, Personal, Professional, and Surplus Lines insurance coverages. With over 9,000 Insurance Agencies, 16,000 Independent Agents and backed up by A+XV Insurance Carriers, Stuckey & Company continues to be remained dedicated to their capable and growing agency network.

For more information, visit http://www.stuckey.com/memberships or contact Tyler Bechtold at 314-282-9295 or tyler@stuckey.com.

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