Happy Independence Day!

/in /by

James Gramp

RBI Senior Sales Coordinator

With his signature common sense, quiet good humor, and brilliant customer service, Jim is the other half of the RBI phone answering dynamic duo! An Arizona native, Jim manages agent relationships for the East Coast and specializes in the RBI agent tools, especially the Agent Market Edge. Jim has been a licensed health insurance agent for over a year, and has worked at RBI for 2 years. An accomplished bassoonist, he is known around the office for his amazing musical skills. In addition to keeping busy around the office, Jim frequently contributes to our blog, bringing a new agent’s perspective to the RBI online presence.

Happy Independence Day!

I don’t know about you, but it’s my favorite time of year!  You get to enjoy all the BBQ’s, fireworks, delicious in-season watermelon, and depending on where you live, warm weather.  I say depending on where you live because during the summer time in Phoenix you can literally cook an egg on the sidewalk while you have cookies baking on the dashboard of your car.  Don’t believe me?  You’re one google search away from enlightenment…

July fourth is the day we stuck it to the Brits and made our Declaration of Independence.  We basically told them to “keep your tea and your taxes!”  Alright, I might be embellishing a little with that last line, but taxes were a big part of why we declared our independence.  The famous phrase “no taxation without representation” comes to mind.

The colonists didn’t have direct representation in British Parliament and so they believed Britain didn’t have a right to levy taxes onto the colonies.

Little known fact:  It took Congress 94 years to officially declare July 4th Independence Day in 1870.

fourth of july AHIP

If you’re really a go-getter, it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the long weekend and knock out all of your certifications!  Haven’t taken your AHIP yet?  Click Here to claim your $50 discount and have the opportunity to get the total cost of your AHIP reimbursed!

Celebrate this Fourth of July with RB Insurance Group and give us a call to make sure you have the most competitive Medicare products in your portfolio. 1-800-997-3107!

2022 AHIP

2023 AHIP Certification

2020 ahip discount certification

2020 Medicare Agent and Broker Compensation Announced | CMS | RBI

OEP

MA-OEP is back!

Halloween Fun Facts!

2018 Anthem Certification

/in , , , , /by

2018 Anthem Certification2018 Anthem Certification

Ready to jump head-first into your Medicare Advantage certifications?  

Today’s big news is that the 2018 Anthem Certification launched on Wednesday, June 28th, and is now live! Have you taken your certification yet? A couple things to keep in mind as more carrier certifications become available:

  1. Get them done as soon as they come out!  Yes, this includes your AHIP too – Click Here to claim your $50 discount and have the opportunity to get the remaining cost of your AHIP reimbursed!
  2. “Do I have the most competitive products in my area?” Have you evaluated your portfolio recently? If the answer is no, now’s the time to get moving on research for the cornerstone carriers in your area. It’s time to get started on contracting!
  3. “What is my Upline doing to help me be a more successful Medicare broker?” – There are 5 criteria for a truly successful FMO-agent partnership. Learn how RBI is a “Different Kind of FMO” today!
  4. Think about your marketing strategy going into AEP.  Do you have a marketing plan laid out that is Measurable, Actionable, Profitable, and Scalable? If you said “no” or that you didn’t know, it’s time to call and get an appointment with our Sales and Marketing team. We can help your AEP be the best yet!


2018 Anthem Certification Portal


Webinar Wednesday + Thursday:

Stressing out about taking the 2018 AHIP certification?  Join RBI National Sales Manager, Charlie Ferrell, on July 13th at 9:00am PST and learn how you can ace your AHIP on the very first try – Click Here to register!

Curious to know how RBI can take your Medicare business to new heights? Join Onboarding Manager, Rebecca Howard, on July 6th at 9:00am PST and learn about all of our proprietary tools, technology, and outstanding service – Click Here to register!

Want to find out how Anthem fits in your portfolio?  Give us a call today to get contracted and learn how our RBI will take your Medicare business to new heights! 1-800-997-3107



2022 AHIP

2023 AHIP Certification

2020 ahip discount certification

2020 Medicare Agent and Broker Compensation Announced | CMS | RBI

OEP

MA-OEP is back!

Medicare cost-sharing

2019 Medicare Cost-Sharing

2018 Amerigroup Certification

/in , , , , /by


2018 Amerigroup Certification

I bet I know what you’ll be doing over this 4th of July weekend.  Taking your 2018 Amerigroup certification!  All kidding aside, it’s always best to get your certifications done as they are released.  Not only will you rest easy in September, knowing that all of your certifications are done, but it will also let you finalize any last details of your marketing plan.



2018 Amerigroup Certification


Don’t have a marketing plan you say?  Look no further!  When you partner with RB Insurance Group, we will sit down with you and develop a customized marketing plan with you.  We will evaluate your current business and help you reach your sales goals by developing a plan that plays to your strengths!  RBI truly is a “Different Kind of FMO.”

Webinar Wednesday + Thursday:

Stressing out about taking the 2018 AHIP certification?  Join National Sales Manager, Charlie Ferrell, on July 13th at 9:00am PT and learn how you can ace your AHIP on the very first try – Click Here to register!

Curious to know how RBI can take your Medicare business to new heights? Join Onboarding Manager, Rebecca Howard, on July 6th at 9:00am PT and learn about all of our proprietary tools, technology, and outstanding service – Click Here to register!

Looking to grow your Medicare business?  RB has the tools, technology, and more importantly the expertise that you need to take your business to the next level! Call us today at 1-800-997-3107

Cigna-Healthspring Sanctions Lifted

/in , , , , , /by

It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for: 

Cigna-Healthspring Sanctions have been lifted! 

Cigna-Healthspring Sanctions Lifted!

For other great Carrier news as it happens, subscribe to our blog today. Oh, and as a bonus, if you use this link to subscribe, you can get $50 off the cost of your AHIP! It’s all part of how RBI makes it happen for you!

Cigna-Healthspring Sanctions Lifted as of June 16, 2017



Great news for all you Cigna-Healthspring contracted agents out there: the Cigna-Healthspring Sanctions have been lifted!

As of Friday, June 16, 2017, Cigna-Healthspring has returned to active marketing and enrollment.

What does this mean for you?

Any Cigna-Healthspring Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D prescription drug plans can be sold for effective dates on or after July 1, 2017.

How do I get started?

To be ready to sell or receive sales materials, you will have to go thru a CMS required Certification Refresher Course. If you do not complete this course, you will not be able to pick up sales materials, and you will not get paid on any new sales.

Cigna-Healthspring Sanctions Lifted

What about Sales Materials for the rest of this year?

Contact your local sales manager for sales materials after you complete the refresher course.  (If you live in AZ and are contracted with RBI, then you would let us know if you want materials).

Here are a few FAQ’s for your reference:

  • The CMS certification is separate from any product certifications you’ve already completed, and separate from the 2018 product certifications.
  • If you would like to sell 2018 Cigna-Healthspring MA plans, or PDP plans, you would still need to complete the 2018 certifications that will be released in the next couple of months.
  • The CMS Refresher Certification can be found on the Cigna-Healthspring Producers website, the same as you would find any other Cigna product certifications.
  • Cigna is now a 4.5 Star Plan, so it can only be sold outside of Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) to people who have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Legally Cigna can’t have a 5 star plan as they come out of sanctions.

Don’t yet have Cigna but want to pick it up? Click here to request the contract today! And don’t forget about our great $50 off AHIP discount!



CMS call recording

CMS Call Recording Guidelines For 2023

2022 AHIP

2023 AHIP Certification

2020 ahip discount certification

2020 Medicare Agent and Broker Compensation Announced | CMS | RBI

Medicare cost-sharing

2019 Medicare Cost-Sharing

S.S.D.Y. – Same Stuff Different Year – Here’s Your 2019 AEP Checklist

2017 Medicare Advantage Update

/in , , /by

This just out from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Their 2017 Medicare Advantage update highlights the growth in the Medicare Advantage program.

2017 Medicare Advantage Update

Kaiser Family Foundation

On June 6th, 2017, the Kaiser Family Foundation came out with their 2017 report on Medicare Advantage enrollment details and statistics. A couple of key takeaways are Medicare advantage is still growing in both numbers and share of the market. More than 33% of all Medicare Beneficiaries have chosen to get their coverage through the Medicare Advantage program. That is  over 19 million members now enrolled in the Medicare Advantage program as compared to roughly 12 million members choosing a Medicare supplement plan to cover the gaps in original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage and retiree plans

Group plans are a surprisingly large contributor to Medicare advantage growth with 19% of the market. Group MA membership has more than doubled since 2008 growing from 1.7 mil members to over 3.7 mil members in 2017. 5 states have over 40% of their MA enrollees in Group plans. (AK, WV, MI, IL and KY) Some employers and unions are ending retiree group coverage and enrolling their members into a group Medicare Advantage plan to help control runaway retiree health coverage costs.

Dual Eligibles

Another interesting statistic is the number of dual eligibles enrolled into Medicare Advantage plans. Over 10% of all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are enrolled in D-SNP plans with Arizona and Hawaii having the largest market penetration at 42% and 53% respectively. Third place is Florida with 32% and fourth place belongs to Tennessee with 31% of duals enrolled into D-SNP plans.

Not surprising, United Healthcare (24%) and Humana (17%) account for 41% of all Medicare Advantage enrollment with Blue Cross close behind (13%). If you include Anthem plans their market share is 16%. More than 54% of all Medicare Advantage enrollees are enrolled in the top 3 plans nationwide. Kaiser Permanante (8%), Aetna (7%), Cigna 2%) and WellCare (2%) round out the rest of the top 8 plans. All other plans combined together contribute the remaining 22% of enrollees.

More detailed information is available on the Kaiser Family Foundation 2017 Medicare Advantage Update by clicking here.

For more information about how you can get contracted with the top carriers in your area give us a call at 1-800-997-3107 or click here for our Fast track contract.

2018 Certification: Humana MAPD

/in , , , , , /by

2018 certification Humana2018 Humana Certification

Ready to jump head-first into your Medicare Advantage certifications?  

Humana has announced the release of their upcoming Medicare Advantage/PDP 2018 certification.  When that date is depends on if you are certifying with Humana for the first time, or if you’re a returning agent.  Humana has closed their 2017 certification on June 16th.  Click the button below to access the 2018 certification after it goes live.

Don’t wait to finish your 2018 certifications until the last moment!  By the time September rolls around you should be finalizing your MAPS Marketing Plan for the Annual Enrollment Period.  Click Here for the latest information on Medicare Advantage certifications as they’re released! Check out this article from RBI Sales Coordinator, Jim Gramp AKA the Medi-Gramp, to see how he prepares for AEP.

2018 certification for newly contracted agents will launch on July 11th.

2018 certification for returning agents will launch on July 18th.

2018 Humana Certification

After you have login to Humana’s agent portal, click on the “Humana MarketPoint University” button under the “Education” header that is pictured below (middle of the screen, towards the bottom).

2018 certification Humana

Upcoming Webinar Wednesday’s:2018 certification

June 14th @ 12pm EST – Join Director of Marketing, Justin Bever, to Eliminate the Stress, Fear, and Anxiety of AEP and Certification Planning.

June 21st @12pm EST – Join National Sales Manager, Charlie Ferrell, and learn how you can Ace the AHIP on your FIRST attempt while saving $50!

Looking to take your Medicare business to new heights?  Give us a call today to learn about how RB Insurance Group will make it happen for you!  1-800-997-3107

CMS call recording

CMS Call Recording Guidelines For 2023

2022 AHIP

2023 AHIP Certification

2020 ahip discount certification

2020 Medicare Agent and Broker Compensation Announced | CMS | RBI

The Latest: 2019 Medicare Advantage Certifications

/in , , , , , , /by

 2022 Medicare Advantage Certifications

It’s that time of year again, folks! Time to dust off the keyboard, brew a strong pot of coffee, and plow through the annual Medicare Advantage Certification training! As dull and monotonous as it can be, certifications are critical part of keeping up to speed on the most recent plan and policy changes. (Also, you won’t get paid if you don’t complete them!)

Every MA carrier likes to do things a little bit differently, so in an effort to make your life a little easier, we’ve rounded up the most current information available to us. Check back frequently, we will continue to update as more plans release their 2022 certifications!

Medicare Advantage Certifications by Plan

Click on a Carrier or Scroll Down

Aetna  | AllWell | Amerigroup | Anthem | Bright Health |  Cigna Healthspring  |  Gateway  |  Humana | SilverScript | United Healthcare  |  WellCare

2022 Aetna Certification

Product Training: Released June 29th, 2021

 Click Here for Aetna’s Certification site

Compliance Training:

Click here to register and save $50 on your AHIP

Carrier Support:

1-866-714-9301

2022 AllWell Certification

Product Training: Available July 7th, 2021

Click here to access AllWell’s Certification portal

2022 Amerigroup Certification

Available in: NJ, NM, TN, TX, WA

Product Training: Released June 30th, 2021

Click Here to access Amerigroup’s certification portal

Compliance Training:

Click here to register and save $50 on your AHIP

Carrier Support:

1-800-633-4368

2022 Anthem Certification

Avialable in: CA, CO. CT, GA, IN, KY, ME, MO, NV, NH, NY, OH, VA, WI

Product Training: Released June 30th, 2021

Click Here to access Anthem’s certification portal

Click here to register and save $50 on your AHIP

Carrier Support:

1-800-633-4368

2021 Bright Health Certification

Product Training:

Click here for certification login

Compliance Training: 

Click here to register and save $50 on your AHIP

Carrier Support: 

1-888-325-1747

2022 Cigna HealthSpring Certification

Cigna HealthSpring Medicare Advantage Certifications

Product Training: 2022 certification TBA

Cigna’s training site

Compliance Training:

Click here to register and save $50 on your AHIP

Carrier Support:

1-800-973-9183 opt 2

2022 Gateway Certification

Product Training:

TBD

You should receive instructions from Gateway.

We will update all agents as soon as we receive the new contracting and certification information from Gateway.

Target Certification Release Date is August.

If you receive an error or do not receive the email, please contact agent support

Click here for instructions

Compliance Training:

Click here to register and save $50 on your AHIP

Carrier Support:

1-888-871-0417

2022 Humana Certification

Product Training: Released June 29th, 2021

 Humana Broker Portal

Compliance Training:

Click here to register and save $50 on your AHIP

Carrier Support:

1-800-309-3163

2022 United Certification

Product Training: Released June 28th, 2021

 United Health Producer Portal

Compliance Training:

Click here to register and save $50 on your AHIP

Carrier Support:

Producer Help Desk: 1-888–381–8581

2022 WellCare Certification

Product Training: Available July 7th, 2021

All agents should have received an email with Username and password

Compliance Training:

 WellCare Certification Portal

Click here to register and save $50 on your AHIP

Carrier Support:

Wellcare Producer Contacts

United Healthcare 2018 Certification

/in , , , , , , /by

RBI Senior Sales Coordinator/Independent Agent: James Gramp

With his signature common sense, quiet good humor, and brilliant customer service, Jim is the other half of the RBI phone answering dynamic duo! An Arizona native, Jim manages agent relationships for the East Coast and specializes in the RBI agent tools, especially the Agent Market Edge. Jim has been a licensed health insurance agent for over a year, and has worked at RBI for 2 years. An accomplished bassoonist, he is known around the office for his amazing musical skills. In addition to keeping busy around the office, Jim frequently contributes to our blog, bringing a new agent’s perspective to the RBI online presence.

United Healthcare 2018 Certification

Last year we created a super handy master certifications page on our blog so that agents could easily access all of their certification portals from one spot.  Fear not!  As we draw closer to AEP and more carrier certifications become available we will update our 2017 certifications page for the 2018 certification season.  United Healthcare is the first Medicare Advantage carrier to announce the opening of their 2018 certification, which will be June 26th.  Click the button below to access the UHC certification once it has been released.


2018 United Healthcare Certification


Five reasons to not procrastinate this certification season!

If you’re like me, you are going to get your AHIP out of the way as soon as possible.  For me, that’s the day it comes out, June 19th.  I know what you’re thinking, “it’s your job to get it done ASAP,” and you wouldn’t be wrong.  So here are the top 5 reasons to knock out AHIP and carrier certifications as they become available.

  1. The closer you get to AEP to do your certifications, the longer it takes carriers to process paperwork and background checks.  I’ve seen it take up to 6 weeks before agents got their “Ready to Sell” status.

    2018 - Ace the AHIP Live Workshop

    Get ‘er done!

  2. The sooner you get your certifications done, the sooner you can start crafting your marketing plan for AEP (sending ANOC letters, calling all clients, scheduling events and so on).
  3. If you plan on doing any kind of events during AEP, the sooner you have your certifications done, the less likely the locations you have picked out will be booked.
  4. You will not be able to order or pick up any Sales Materials until you are marked as “Ready to Sell” with that particular carrier.
  5. And finally, the last reason you shouldn’t procrastinate when it comes to Medicare certifications: PEACE OF MIND.

That moment an agent tells me they finished AHIP before August

Webinar Wednesday – June 14th

Join RBI Director of Marketing, Justin Bever, on June 14th at 12pm ET to see how RBI Eliminates the Stress, Fear, and Anxiety of Certification and AEP Planning to learn how we’re going to approach the 2018 certification season.

If you don’t want to be frantically running around before the Annual Enrollment Period, then do yourself a favor and don’t procrastinate.  Just get it done, start planning for your AEP, and let RB Insurance Group make this your most successful Annual Enrollment Period yet!


Want to learn how RBI can take your Medicare business to the next level?  Get contracted today, or give us a call at 1-800-997-3107!



CMS call recording

CMS Call Recording Guidelines For 2023

2022 AHIP

2023 AHIP Certification

2020 ahip discount certification

2020 Medicare Agent and Broker Compensation Announced | CMS | RBI

Medicare cost-sharing

2019 Medicare Cost-Sharing

S.S.D.Y. – Same Stuff Different Year – Here’s Your 2019 AEP Checklist

2018 Medicare Broker Compensation Limits Now Released!

/in , , /by

AHIP Certification 2020 discount training medicare

2018 Medicare Broker Compensation Announced!


The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a memo on May 30th, 2017, detailing the compensation limits for 2018.

The CY 2018 FMV cut-off amounts for all organizations are as follows:

2018 Medicare Broker Compensation

CMS’s 2018 Medicare Broker Compensation

Policies sold for a January 1st, 2018 effective date will be eligible for this new compensation as long as the selling carrier decides to pay the Maximum CMS Allowable Commission.

Needless to say, Medicare Advantage is more attractive than ever to sell as a Broker. If you’ve never thought about selling Medicare Advantage, it’s a good time to consider getting into this side of the business. The 2018 Medicare Broker Compensation is more robust than ever with this new memo. Many beneficiaries prefer a Medicare Advantage plan, and with the new broker compensation for 2018, the gains for brokers are obvious.

Give us a call at 1-800-997-3107 to find out which carriers pay Top Commission in your market! Click here to contract now!

See below for the entire actual memo entitled “Contract Year 2018 Agent and Broker Compensation Rate Adjustments, Submissions, and Training and Testing Requirements.”

CY 18 Agent Broker CompensationTraining Testing Requirements



CMS call recording

CMS Call Recording Guidelines For 2023

2022 AHIP

2023 AHIP Certification

2020 ahip discount certification

2020 Medicare Agent and Broker Compensation Announced | CMS | RBI

Medicare cost-sharing

2019 Medicare Cost-Sharing

S.S.D.Y. – Same Stuff Different Year – Here’s Your 2019 AEP Checklist