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Five Ways to Generate Medicare Leads

Getting Medicare leads can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Having more than one source for lead generation is best to create a steady stream of clients. Beyond the usual social media advertising, here are five ways to generate Medicare leads:

  1. Networking
    Try to create a network of people who can recommend you to prospects in need of Medicare. Start building partnerships with your clients to discuss opportunities and build a mutually beneficial relationship. Getting involved in your community is another way to generate leads. Participate in groups, meetings, etc., and try to get your name out as much as possible.
  2. Referrals
    One of the oldest tactics in the book, personal referrals make up a large part of business recommendations. Up to 92 percent of consumers trust referrals from people they know. It might be a more challenging path to cross, but it’s worth the effort. Online reviews and social media/website referrals count, too!
  3. Direct Mail
    Up to 70 percent of Americans think direct mail is superior to the Internet when it comes to personal relationships. Even in today’s digital world, direct mailers are one of the most effective ways to get Medicare leads. Contact information that will lead consumers to your website, landing page, or blog should be included.
  4. Print Advertising
    Still quite relevant in today’s digital world, more than 80 percent of consumers act on direct-print mail advertisements compared to only 45 percent for electronic advertisements. Online ads have a reputation for being misleading, so print remains the most trusted marketing information source. Since they are so straightforward, they give the business more credibility.
  5. Webinars
    An excellent way to demonstrate your expertise, webinars also let some of your personality shine through. If you have an e-mail database, send your webinar information to your ideal audience. They have already shown an interest in what your business has to offer. Webinars are ideal for solidifying that trust and closing the deal.

Omega Benefit Strategies provides seniors who are affiliated with credit unions, labor unions, and associations an educational resource for Medicare. Our turnkey marketing package seamlessly integrates with existing market strategies. We can help businesses increase new member acquisitions, bolster retention, cross-sell opportunities via our “scorecard” system, and even earn an ancillary revenue stream. Accommodating any size membership, we maintain exemplary member service and offer top-notch products. Contact us today by going to www.omegabenefit.org or call 888-404-5049.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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How Wearable Technology is Affecting Medicare

An emerging trend in the healthcare industry is wearable technology, which is reshaping how Medicare brokers advise their clients. Major carriers are not adopting policies that incorporate wearable technology.

Just what exactly is wearable technology? These devices are commonly worn as bracelets or rings and can monitor or track major health concerns among Medicare beneficiaries. Activities such as sleep health, eating habits, exercise, and more disease precursors are all monitored by the individual (and the app) who pays attention to trends and spikes.

Rosamaria Marrujo, a board member of the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU), says, “These factors could theoretically bring down insurance premiums and therefore change how clients choose their Medicare policies.”

Regulations on wearable technology are underdeveloped relative to the expansion they are seeing. Despite a rising concern for public health due to possible privacy violations, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not classify wearable technology as medical devices. In California, the Consumer Privacy Act went into effect in January 2020, allowing people to stop companies from selling their information upon request. With this implementation, a movement could be sparked, igniting stricter regulations for wearable technology in the health insurance market.

“Both the advancement in wearable tech and these new privacy chances are influencing how older clients are deciding on healthcare plans. The bottom line is, this trend is not stopping; it has already reached Medicare beneficiaries who have questions. The successful Medicare brokers will be able to anticipate this and explain the impact to their clients,” said Marrujo.

For more information about offering Medicare to your clientele, contact the experts at Omega Benefit Strategies today.
 

Omega Benefit Strategies provides seniors who are affiliated with credit unions, labor unions, and associations an educational resource for Medicare. Our turnkey marketing packages seamlessly integrate with existing market strategies. We can help businesses increase new member acquisitions, bolster retention, cross-sell opportunities via our “scorecard” system, and even earn an ancillary revenue stream. Accommodating any size membership, we maintain exemplary member service and offer top-notch products. Contact us today by going to www.omegabenefit.org or call 888-404-5049.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

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Who is Eligible for Medicare?

Medicare has been around for 55 years, providing health insurance to Americans 65 and older as well as those with disabilities. The process of qualifying for the program is not automatic. Read more to find out whether you are eligible.

People 65 or older

  • If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident for at least five years and
  • You are receiving Social Security or railroad retirement benefits or have worked long enough to be eligible but have not yet collected
  • You or your spouse is a government employee/retiree who has not paid into Social Security but paid Medicare payroll taxes while employed

People 64 and younger

  • If you have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months (inconsecutive is okay) or
  • You receive a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meet specific rules or
  • You have Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), which qualifies you immediately or
  • You have permanent kidney failure (regular dialysis or a kidney transplant), and you or your spouse has paid Social Security taxes for a period determined by your age

Other ways
If you are a legal U.S. citizen or have been a resident for at least five years, you can receive full Medicare benefits at age 65 or older. You have to buy into them by:

  • Paying premiums for Part A: hospital insurance. The amount you have to pay depends on how long you have worked; the more work, the higher your credit amount. The credits are based on your income and the amount of time it takes to earn a credit change every year. In 2020, one work credit was earned for every $1,410 in earnings, a maximum of four credits per year. The maximum premium is paid ($458 in 2020) if you accrued less than 30 work credits. If you have 30 to 39 credits, you pay less. If you gain 40 credits and continue working, you will no longer pay these premiums.
  • Paying consistent monthly premiums as other Part B enrollees: doctor visits and other outpatient services. In 2020, the amount totals $144.60 for those with an income of $87,000 or less. Those filing a joint tax return with $174,000 in revenue or less also have the same total amount. Rates increase for those with higher incomes.
  • Paying the same monthly premium for Part D: prescription drug coverage.

To enroll in Part B, you do not have to register in Part A. If you buy Part A, you must also enroll in Part B. Part D can be purchased if you are enrolled in either Part A or B. You cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or buy a Medigap supplemental insurance policy unless you are enrolled in both Parts A and B.

For more information, head to the Eligibility & Premium Calculator at Medicare.gov. To enroll in Medicare or learn about your options, contact the experts at Omega Benefit Strategies today.

Omega Benefit Strategies provides senior credit union members an educational resource for Medicare. Our turnkey marketing package seamlessly integrates with existing market strategies. We can help businesses increase new member acquisitions, bolster retention, cross-sell opportunities via our “scorecard” system, and even earn an ancillary revenue stream. Accommodating any size membership, we maintain exemplary member service and offer top-notch products. Contact us today by going to www.omegabenefit.org or call 888-404-5049.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.