The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) put the industry in a minor panic when it announced that starting Oct. 1 agents must record all calls with Medicare beneficiaries and state a new disclaimer. Fret no more because YourMedicare SunFire has a solution, and you can use this new feature right now! On Sept. 20, YourMedicare launched its telephony system to agents nationwide. This new system gives agents the ability to make and receive calls through the YourMedicare SunFire platform. The system assigns agents a virtual phone number with a customizable area code, making the number more familiar for their clients. Wondering about a cost? We’ll cover that later. SIMPLE RECORDING SETUP If you’re already using YourMedicare for your quoting and enrollment needs, you’re a step ahead of the game. • From your dashboard, go to your profile Not a current user? Grab your National Producer Number and reach out to info@yourmedicare.com for login credentials. You do need to be licensed, appointed and fully certified with at least one Medicare Advantage carrier in order to get access. Once you’re able to login, follow the previous steps to get started. After the virtual phone number is created, select “Start dialer phone” at the top right of the dashboard. You’ll see the status change to available. The system records and stores every inbound and outbound call, saving them for the compliant ten years. MORE GOOD NEWS Let’s address the new disclaimer CMS requires agents to state during the first minute of each call. “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.” Think you’ll need to memorize this or have it on a nearby Post-It note? Not the case with YourMedicare SunFire. Each call starts with a recording of the disclaimer, so there’s absolutely no need to worry about it! With all these features, you may be thinking to yourself “That’s a huge burden off my back, but how much does it cost?” It’s a simple answer: it’s absolutely FREE. It’s YourMedicare’s way to thank agents for their dedication and partnership!
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Medicare Blog | Medicare News | Medicare Information
New YourMedicare SunFire Recording Capabilities are Live!
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Fri, Oct 14, 2022 @ 02:58 PM
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Tags: AEP, YourMedicare, Compliance
Avoid CTM Filings - Compliance Bulletin
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Oct 04, 2022 @ 04:23 PM
In just a matter of days, specifically October 15th, the two thousand twenty two AEP season will begin. As such, we felt this was a great time to discuss common causes that lead to a CTM filing. There are many reasons a beneficiary would file a CTM, but during AEP, more often than not, these complaints stem from an agent. • not building a rapport with the client Simply stated, building rapport with potential clients is a sure shot way of avoiding these common mistakes. Sell with your ears, not just your words Your sales script is an important part of any enrollment, but active listening is the key to a successful sale. Unfortunately, agents can be so focused on what they are about to say next that they actually fail to hear what their clients tell them. This inactive listening may lead agents to respond inappropriately to what they're being told by the client. Be ready to pause and listen throughout your call. Monitor yourself: Respond to your client's needs Listen actively and paraphrase what you hear. This technique works particularly well when your client expresses what benefits they are looking for. Your paraphrasing confirms for them that you have the same goal in mind and that you are working together to find the best plan. React appropriately to additional information The benefits your client is seeking may not be the only thing they share with you. Medicare beneficiaries are often experiencing major life changes. Acknowledging their concerns and showing appropriate sympathy is important. Some situations may be tough to address, such as the recent loss of a loved one or recent loss of mobility. You don't need to dwell on your client's news, but they will appreciate a few words of sympathy. Be comfortable with negative feedback Your client may raise a concern regarding the plan you present. For example, the plan has all the benefits they have been looking for but they are concerned because their specialist is not in the plan's network. It's important not to ignore or disagree with that objection. Instead, acknowledge the concern and talk through it with them. Give them ample time to consider the pros and cons - show them that you are in this together. Identify client cues Listening carefully to both what your client says AND how they say it is essential. As you review benefits with them: Do they like what they are hearing? Do they need anything explained or repeated? If they seem hesitant, explore where they may have concerns. It is important to consider these tips throughout all of your interactions with clients to ensure that they are happy with their selection and to encourage them to contact you if they have concerns. ![]() |
Tags: AEP, YourMedicare, Compliance
YourMedicare SunFire Daily Webinars
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Wed, Sep 28, 2022 @ 10:24 AM
YourMedicare SunFire Daily Webinars Starting this Wednesday, YourMedicare will be hosting daily webinars specifically going over the new call recording technology in YourMedicare SunFire. They will all be at 2:00 EST. YourMedicare will cover the setup process, how to use the new feature and answer all of your questions! This is a reoccurring event so there is no registration required. Join us every Wednesday at 2:00 EST. You can also learn more by attending one of our weekly webinars. View schedule
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Tags: Medicare Advantage, AEP, SunFireMatrix, Compliance, MyMedicareBot, call recording
Sunfire: Telephony System is LIVE!
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Fri, Sep 23, 2022 @ 09:56 AM
YourMedicare SunFire users, Today is the day! Be sure to log in and establish your new virtual phone number. Here is a step-by-step guide:
To register for a webinar go to https://yourmedicareresources.com/webinars/ To register for the SunFire Platform, request details here.
New CMS Requirement
Effective October 1, 2022 Field Agents will be required to record all sales and marketing calls in their entirety. The recordings must be retained in a HIPAA compliant manner for 10 years. View details on the new CMS rule here.
This pertains to calling leads, scheduling appointments, collecting drug and provider lists and conducting phone enrollments. ![]()
Only in person, face to face appointments are excluded, however any follow up calls related to sales and completing the enrollment process must be recorded.
Additionally, a new disclaimer must be verbally conveyed within the first minute of a sales phone call.
Now is a great time to make sure you have access to Sunfire's enrollment platform and have a solution in place for the upcoming 2023 AEP.
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Tags: Medicare Advantage, CMS, AEP, SunFireMatrix, Compliance, 2023
Mutual of Omaha: The Annual Enrollment Period Buzz is Getting Louder
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Sep 13, 2022 @ 02:12 PM
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Tags: AEP, mutual of omaha, 2023
YourMedicare Solutions for CMS's Call Recording & Disclaimer Rules
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Mon, Sep 12, 2022 @ 01:33 PM
As a friendly reminder, Precision Senior Marketing provides smart and efficient ways for you to stay compliant this AEP. In partnership with two of the industry’s leading technology companies, MyMedicareBot and SunFire, you have access to CMS-compliant call recording solutions.
You can also learn more by attending one of our weekly webinars. View schedule.
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Tags: Medicare Advantage, AEP, SunFireMatrix, Compliance, MyMedicareBot, call recording
Coming Soon for AEP! YourMedicareSunFire Recording Capabilities
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Fri, Sep 09, 2022 @ 10:29 AM
On that day, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2023 Final Rule, and in this extensive document, there are two important guidelines we’d like to highlight in a more simplified manner. New Required Disclaimer
Aside from that, this disclaimer needs to be added to any previously approved materials and resubmitted to CMS for approval. Calls With Beneficiaries Must Be Recorded Agents making calls to beneficiaries must record ALL calls in their entirety. In addition, This includes calls that are part of the chain of enrollment into a Medicare Advantage or This rule applies to telephonic conversations only, not face-to-face meetings. The YourMedicare team was well aware of this change and immediately took action in
This is just the beginning of what is to come. As new information becomes available, we’ll keep you updated on all new enhancements, news and more specific details ![]() |
Tags: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Prescription Drugs, AEP, SunFireMatrix, Compliance, 2023, call recording
Set for Launch - Compliance Tips for AEP
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Thu, Sep 08, 2022 @ 12:39 PM
As you are well aware, agents will juggle vast amounts of activity during this time. Unintended actions may be a pathway to making compliance mistakes, which may derail the AEP application process. Before we lift off into a new AEP season, let's consider a few significant points related to compliance in order to remain on the right trajectory for a successful launch. Scope of Appointments detail the exact topics beneficiaries would like to discuss with an agent. CMS requires agents to have beneficiaries sign an SOA prior to discussing Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription drug plans. Every appointment with a beneficiary requires an SOA and these forms must be kept on file for 10 years, even if the appointment doesn't result in a sale. Also, starting this year, a new CMS ruling requires agents to read a disclaimer to all potential clients at the beginning of a sales call. Reading this during the SOA process is an optimal time for this disclosure. These calls must be recorded and stored for 10 years.
Before agents can help a client with a Medicare plan, they must know the physicians and the specialists a client sees for their healthcare services. Many beneficiaries are happy with their healthcare providers and don't want to change. Compare their current providers with the providers in the plan's network to ensure there isn't a disruption in services. It's important to review a client's prescriptions in order to help them clearly understand the cost of drugs for a particular plan. An unexpected increase in drug prices can quickly turn an exceptional client experience into an unsatisfactory one. Make sure to review enrollment data with your clients, this way, if there is an error, you can fix it on the spot rather than having the application returned. Reviewing a client's prescriptions will ensure they are given options for the most comprehensive coverage for their individual needs. A Summary of Benefits must be provided to beneficiaries at the time of enrollment to provide clarity regarding coverage. Although beneficiaries will receive a hard copy of this document after enrollment, agents must summarize key features such as covered benefits and cost sharing. The Summary of Benefits needs to be thoroughly discussed prior to signature-collection and verification of intent-to enroll. Agents are certainly busy during AEP and sometimes put off submitting an application to a carrier. This can result in the application not being submitted in the required 24-48 hour time frame. An agent's primary responsibility is to ensure a clients' insurance needs are met. It's important to take the extra time and double check to make sure your clients' applications have been taken care of within this time frame. ![]() |
Tags: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Prescription Drugs, AEP, Compliance, 2023
Gearing Up for AEP - Compliance Bulletin
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Tue, Aug 23, 2022 @ 01:36 PM
As you'll recall, the annual enrollment period is a time when your clients can essentially make any change they are eligible for. Among other things, these changes may include enrolling in Medicare Advantage for the first time, switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or joining a Medicare prescription drug plan. As you may know, AEP only lasts from October 15 through December 7th. This only gives you roughly seven and a half weeks to close on sales. With such a small window of time to enroll potential clients, it's important to take care of all your contracting, certifications, and training as soon as possible. Here are a few important points to consider before you can jump into AEP.
Now that we've gotten the general information out of the way, let's look into a few tips regarding what to avoid saying to current and potential clients in order to stay CMS compliant. "Free premiums!" "Is your spouse eligible for Medicare?" - "How about your friends?" - "Can I have their number so I can call them?" "If you're liking this Medicare plan, you should check out this life insurance plan." "Let me get your contact information so that you are able to come to my event." "While you're waiting for your doctor, let me tell you about your Medicare options." As you are well aware, there are many other requirements to consider in order to remain CMS compliant. Our aim today was to help you gear up as October 15th quickly approaches. Remember to complete your contracting and certifications, order your supplies, read up on any compliance changes, and set your goals. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll see you next month with some more compliance tips. We hope you find this information informative and we are always happy to assist with any questions. You can review a video summary of this information here. ![]() |
Tags: Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Prescription Drugs, AEP, Compliance, 2023
Sunfire: Integrated Telephony for Field Agents
Posted by www.psmbrokerage.com Admin on Mon, Aug 15, 2022 @ 02:16 PM
REQUIREMENT
Effective October 1, 2022 Field Agents will be required to record all sales and marketing calls in their entirety. The recordings must be retained in a HIPAA compliant manner for 10 years. View details on the new CMS rule here.
This pertains to calling leads, scheduling appointments, collecting drug and provider lists and conducting phone enrollments. ![]()
Only in person, face to face appointments are excluded, however any follow up calls related to sales and completing the enrollment process must be recorded.
Additionally, a new disclaimer must be verbally conveyed within the first minute of a sales phone call.
Now is a great time to make sure you have access to Sunfire's enrollment platform and have a solution in place for the upcoming 2023 AEP.
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Tags: Medicare Advantage, CMS, AEP, SunFireMatrix, Compliance, 2023