AHIP Survey: 9 in 10 Seniors Satisfied with their Medicare Supplement

Looking to sell a product that is simple, reliable and offers your customers good value for their money? According to a new survey from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), that's exactly how seniors feel about their Medicare Supplement insurance.

The survey, which was released earlier this month, found that:

• 88 percent of Medicare Supplement policyholders are satisfied with their coverage
• 62 percent say they are very satisfied
• 77 percent feel it provides excellent or good value for their money
• 87 percent would recommend Medicare Supplement to a friend or relative

Request Agent Tools Here

Or call 1-877-888-9996 to speak to a
Medicare Expert.

Overcoming the Cost Objection to Long-Term Care Insurance

Even in the best of times, consumers often balk at the price of Long-Term Care insurance. Here are some techniques for overcoming the cost objection even in an economic environment like this. Read More.

One technique is to quote products like Mutual Care My Way that allow you to customize a plan that specifically meets your client's needs and price range. Request a contract.

As part of the Mutual Care Plus portfolio that launched in 22 states on June 1, Mutual Care My Way is expanding to seven additional states on July 1. See State Availability.

Additional states to be released July 1:
Product	States for Release
Mutual Care Plus	AR, GA, ID, IN, KY, ME, NH
Mutual Care at Work	AR, AZ, GA, ID, IN, KY, ME, MI, NH
United LTCi Solutions	AR, AZ, KY, ME, NC, NH
United Workplace Solutions	AR, AL, AZ, KY, IN, ME, MI, NC, NH, SD

Request a contract online at LTCforAgents.com

Or call 1-888-456-8884 (Option 4) to speak to an
SMS Marketer.

M & N in 2010
We've received a lot questions about the changes to Medicare Supplement coming June 1, 2010.

We expect these new plans to be very competitive, so keep in mind that although they'll be available in June 2010, the kickoff for selling to those turning 65 in June will actually be January 1, 2010. Read more.

Online Medicare Supplement Sales
Right now, hundreds of SMS agents are enrolling their Medicare Supplement cases online using Mutual of Omaha's eSignature.

Available in nearly all 50 states, this Internet-based program will help you:

• Speed up your Medicare Supplement enrollments
• Expand your ability to reach new clients without increasing your gas bill
• Eliminate the hassle and cost of mailing and filling out applications

To start selling online,
view the on-demand eSignature training.

CIGNA Releases 2010 Plan Information
You can see the full plan overview behind the Agent Advantage login at SeniorMarketSales.com.

Some Highlights:

• 31 PFFS States
• 4 Plan Designs—2 MA-only and 2 MAPD
• 1,594 Counties served—including more than
  500 $0-premium counties
• MGA and FMO contracts available
• Maximum out-of-pocket as low as $2,000
• AHIP Certification Accepted

Health Care Proposal Takes Shape, Opposition Mounts
Senator Edward Kennedy released his landmark "Affordable Health Choices Act" earlier this month, taking health care reform debate to a new level. Some of the more controversial measures in the draft bill, such as a government-run insurance option, and mandates for individuals and employers to obtain health insurance, are sure to spark heated objections from Republicans.

The plan already took an early hit with the release of the Congressional Budget Office analysis, which said the plan would cost $1 trillion over 10 years and still leave millions without insurance.

Check out a summary of the 615-page bill here.

Medicare in the News

Obama proposes $313 Billion in Medicare Cuts

Will Seniors Get Coverage in the Donut Hole?

Medicare Supplement Revival

Travel Protection and the Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Forecasters are predicting at least nine storms this season and as many as 12 or 13. A travel protection policy is a wise investment if you've scheduled a vacation to the southern United States, Caribbean, Mexico or Central America.

Remember: You must purchase a travel protection plan before the storm is named. Once a storm has been named, hurricane coverage is not available for that particular storm.

Check out our recommended plans

The word Hurricane comes from 'Hurakan,' the Carib god of evil which has its roots in a name from Mayan folklore. Hurakan was the ancient Mayan god of wind and storm. He was a creator god who breathed on the water as wind to dry it out and form the land. When the gods became angry with the first human beings, Hurukan unleashed the deluge which destroyed them in a flood.

Call Brandon, Alan or Dan at
1-866-979-6753 or 1-402-343-3699 info@TravelInsuranceCenter.com

The SMS Agent Advantage newsletter is posted on the homepage at www.SeniorMarketSales.com

Send contact changes to sms@seniormarketsales.com

Quote of the Week
“The worst form of bankruptcy in the world is the person who has lost his enthusiasm.”
H.W. Arnold

20 Tips to Maximize Your Book of Business
Senior Market Sales has listed 20 ideas to help you not only increase client retention, but also cross-sell and up-sell your clients and generate more referrals. Read More.

For tips on Prospecting download our free white paper—
Recession-Proof Your Business: An Agents Guide to Marketing During the Downturn

How Many Carriers
Do You Offer?
Senior Market Sales has relationships with more than 40 respected carriers across 7 product lines.

See them Here.

Call 1-800-786-5566 to request a contract.

Discounted E&O Insurance — As Low As $30 a Month

If you write business through Senior Market Sales, you have access to E&O Coverage at a fraction of the cost you're currently paying. Pricing depends on coverage limits and products sold. Life and Annuity options are available. Get details below.

Request Pricing and Coverage Information

Online Enrollment Available for SMS Agents

SMS Now Has RBC Insurance
Find out how you can Triple Your Client's Money in 14 Years.

RBC Insurance, a 139-year-old company with $724 billion in total annuities, brings a strong portfolio that includes the Enhanced Choice 10 fixed indexed annuity with 5% premium bonus (no recapture).

Its Enhanced GLWB Income Rider features an 8% roll-up and offers an additional 5% bonus. Combine the Enhanced GLWB rider with an Enhanced Choice product and your client gets a 10% bump in premium immediately. With the 8% roll-up on the income rider, you can triple your client's money in 14 years.
Learn More Here.

No capital constraints; RBC actually wants your business!

To be the first to submit an app with RBC call
1-877-645-4939.

Check out the RBC Extra Individual Incentive Program.

Serving the Over 80 Market
For a long time 65 has been a sort of magic number in the retirement and personal finance industry. It's when you're supposed to retire and it's also when many advisors seem to think you're no longer entitled to decent returns on your savings and investments. Read More.

Annuity News Bulletin
New product announcements, promotions and sales ideas from our carriers.

Premium Financing
Web Workshop
Look at real life examples of premium finance cases, ask questions and receive feedback.

June 25, 2009 10:00AM, CST
Register for this event

This presentation is limited in size to encourage feedback and discussion. Register early to reserve your spot.

Article: Premium Financing 101

Underwriting Headaches? The Doctor Is In . . .
We've talked a lot in recent weeks about the opportunities annuity producers have to sell more life insurance in this market. Concepts such as Annuity Maximization and Wealth Transfer are sound and often make sense for both the client and the producer, but if annuity producers are really going to embrace the life market, one issue that has to be addressed is underwriting. Read More.

Fit: Mutual's New Underwriting Credit Program
For cases that are moderately rated, Mutual is now offering extra mortality credits for individuals who have positive Medical or Lifestyle health factors. This applies to all Term and Universal Life policies offered by United of Omaha and Companion

View this short presentation for more details

Online Training for LTCi Agents
Hagelman Barrie Sales Training Solutions is now offering a six-week program to teach agents to successfully sell Long-Term Care insurance.

The summer semester starts July 6 and features eight courses and three live webinars over six weeks.

This program is designed for four levels of producers:

• Agents who have never sold LTCI, but want to enter this lucrative market
• Agents who have sold a few policies, but want to expand their practice
• Returning veterans who want to polish their skills and see what is new
• Agents wishing to expand into the multi-life and group market

Enroll at www.HBLTCI.com.

If free online training is what you're after, visit Senior Market Sales' new online training center, LTCForAgents.com, where we offer sales ideas, webinars, Brainshark presentations and sales materials.

Visit the LTC Cafe to preview Phil Sullivan's Simplifying LTC course.

Senior Market Sales Launches LTCForAgents.com
Our newest web site, LTCForAgents.com, offers LTCi training, sales ideas, monthly webinars, news and updates to help Long-Term Care agents increase sales and streamline production.

Read the Press Release

Visit LTCForAgents.com

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