Carrier Updates
Tracking medical bills and managing the associated paperwork can be daunting. To reduce the amount of paperwork received and to stay organized, New Era Life Insurance Companies now provide Episodic EOBs.
If you’re not already using F&G’s Illustration Software for your business, there has never been a better time to get acquainted with F&G and the software product that aligns with writing annuity business.
Automated Underwriting at Mutual Trust: What to Expect
From Mutual Trust: "This Friday morning, Automated Underwriting and Risk Analysis (“AURA”) is launching at Mutual Trust for all states except California and Florida. AURA will automatically and seamlessly integrate with easy@pp. For a sneak peek of the enhancements you can expect to see throughout the process, click here.
The many benefits of AURA include:
- Faster Paid Commissions – reduces the time between application submission and policy issue.
- Increased Consistency – treatment of underwriting rules will be consistent for every case.
- Technological Advancement – demonstrates our commitment to our goal of straight-through processing!
If you are not yet taking advantage of our easy@pp electronic application platform, a new application and associated underwriting questionnaires will be accessible through the Agent Website on Friday, March 8. We will not accept prior versions of the application after April 30, 2024. Producers who plan to complete the fillable applications must review important updates to the process here.
If you have any questions, contact Sales Development at (800) 323-7320, option 1, or email
Aetna Dental Coming to Montana on March 15!
Dental, Vision and Hearing Plus Insurance Plans!
From Aetna: "Sales materials are now available to download/order. Just go to the agent side of AetnaSeniorProducts.com and click Products > Order Supplies.
You can start submitting applications through Aetna Quote & Enroll on Friday, March 15.
Because their senses are important to their overall health
Our Protection SeriesSM Dental, Vision and Hearing Plus insurance covers expenses such as routine exams, fillings, eyeglasses and hearing aids, so your client doesn't have to. The “Plus” plan covers a wide range of services including orthodontics and implants. It can help reduce or even eliminate your client's out-of-pocket costs for preventive care for their teeth, eyes and ears.
Plan features:
Issue ages 18-89
Choose $1,000 – $5,000 maximum benefit (in $500 increments) per person per policy year that covers dental, vision and hearing
Plan deductible=$100 per policy year per person
Coverage begins day one on all preventive, basic and major dental services
Freedom to choose any provider or get even better pricing if you go in-network"
New SureCare Short-Term Plans Coming Soon!
From Pivot Health: "Offer your clients more options for coverage with SureCare short-term medical plans! Short-term plans fill coverage gaps due to job transitions, bridging the gap to Medicare, or simply providing a temporary coverage solution.
NEW SureCare Plan Features:
- Unlimited doctor office visits - $40 Primary Care/Specialist
- No emergency room copays
- No hospital copays
- Preventive annual exam $50 copay
- Prostate, ovarian, mammograms and OB-GYN annual exams
- Child immunizations paid at 100%
- Physical, speech and occupational therapy, mental/nervous pay up to $100 after deductible
- All provider access without network restrictions available through reference-based pricing
Continue to serve your customers in need of temporary coverage. Our array of products can help you customize a plan that fits their needs and budget.
SureCare plans require additional contracting through Pan-American Life Insurance Company.
Start your contract now to offer these plans to your clients beginning on 3/28/24!
Please note: E&O coverage is required to sell SureCare plans.
Reach out to your agency contracting department or
Have you heard? Pivot provides more than just STM, introducing access to a robust health product suite for clients in need of health insurance where STM is not available as well as innovative gap plans, Critical Illness and Accident plans to help mitigate out of pocket medical expenses. Ask me how you can gain access:
Robin Depenbrock | Vice President Sales & Marketing
Direct 727-788-4400
Email
Aetna Medicare Update: Now processing D-SNP enrollments
From Aetna: "As previously communicated, there has been a delay in verifying eligibility for D-SNP enrollments over the past few weeks, due to the Change Healthcare network outage. At this time, so we can proceed with processing D-SNP enrollments, we will be using another company to verify Medicaid eligibility. Here’s what you need to know.
Key points
- Your previously submitted applications: All D-SNP enrollments submitted during the outage will go through an eligibility check. They will not be denied before eligibility is checked.
- Submitting verification documents: You no longer need to proactively submit eligibility verification documents to us after submitting new D-SNP enrollments.
- Update for Ohio, Nebraska, Mississippi: We’re now able to verify eligibility for all of our D-SNP states, including Ohio, Mississippi and Nebraska.
- Requests for information (RFI): If new enrollees receive an RFI letter, they must still supply whatever documentation is requested.
- Think Agent functionality: The Medicaid verification option isn’t available yet but we’re working to add it back as soon as possible.
- ID cards: Member ID cards are generated and mailed after enrollments are processed.
- Call the Broker Services Department for help: If there are any questions about eligibility, the line is open and able to be used. Please select prompt #7, though please be aware that long wait times are possible right now."
Sonder Health New Email Inbox!
From Sonder Health: "We have successfully launched a new enrollment email box totally dedicated to applications. This new email is to be used solely for the submission of new applications. A response will be sent for each application received once the application has successfully been entered for processing.
New Email:
Thank you,
Sonder Healthcare Plans"
Wellabe MyEnroller® updates happened this weekend!
From Wellabe: "You will now be required to provide the Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all new Final Expense and Health insurance applicants. This requirement will help streamline the application process by improving instant-decisioning and straight-through processing.
Also, the voice authorization signature option will be going away at this time. When you’re submitting an application, you have the following signature options available for authorization:
Sales presentation in-person
eSignature
Sign on a touch screen device
Sales presentation via phone
eSignature (emailed or texted documents to review)
eSignature when applicant is not present"
New Era: New States Available for Specified Disease Plus
From New Era: "Important Note: Due to the availability of Specified Disease Plus in South Carolina and South Dakota, the current Specified Disease plan will no longer be available for sales in South Carolina and South Dakota beginning April 4, 2024.
We understand the critical role our Specified Disease plan plays in financially protecting our policyholders from common and expensive life-altering conditions.
That's why we've redesigned the plan, introducing Specified Disease Plus with more options for affordability and budgets.
We did this by offering...
More deductible options
More Calendar Year Maximum options
PAL's Specified Disease Plus Plan is available for sales in:
Alabama - Arkansas - Florida - Georgia - Louisiana - Mississippi - Nebraska - Nevada - North Carolina - Oklahoma - South Carolina - South Dakota - Texas - West Virginia - Wisconsin - Wyoming"
New Medicare Supplement Charter in AR, AZ, GA, IN, MS, NM, NC & TX!
From Bankers Fidelity: "Bankers Fidelity is pleased to announce the launch of Atlantic Capital Life Assurance Company™.
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans A, F, G, High Deductible G, K and N are currently available to write in Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi,
New Mexico, North Carolina and Texas.
A new 7% Household Discount Rider is available for qualified individuals. For information on our new Roommate definition for Household Discount eligibility, login to our Agent Portal.
All applications, forms and brochures are available for download and online ordering in ADDS®. The eApp is also available for this product to help you get a quote and submit an application quickly and easily.
For more information on how to add ACLAC, click here."
New security feature on Aetna Quote & Enroll
From Aetna: "We have partnered with LexisNexis to validate basic demographic fields on ancillary applications (first name, last name, date of birth, Social Security Number, etc.). This feature was initially launched in August 2023 for our Final Expense applications.
Starting April 5, if LexisNexis is not able to validate the applicant's demographic information, you must upload proof of the applicant's identity in the Review and Signature section of E-Apps.
In addition to preventing fraud, this solution will ensure these basic fields are entered correctly before you submit the application, which should prevent delays in processing applications.
This feature is part of a series of practices we are implementing to reduce fraud and maintain the security and confidence of our agents, applicants, and policyholders.
Technology is playing a larger role in addressing fraud as we rely less on traditional methods, such as monitoring reports and retroactively investigating agents, and more on predictive modeling and vendor solutions. Fraud has a negative financial impact on consumers and agents, as well as increases costs for insurance companies.
By working to eliminate fraudulent applications and deceitful agent practices, we can ensure the security of our policyholders, the trust of your clients, and the protection of the insurance industry for the future.
Required training for agents selling Final Expense
In order to sell our Final Expense whole life insurance plans, you are required to submit a certificate showing that you’ve completed Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Training.
Starting April 5, if you haven’t submitted proof of your AML training and you try to enter a Final Expense application on Aetna Quote & Enroll, you will receive an alert.
This message will remind you that you are required to submit your Anti-Money Laundering Training certificate in order to sell Final Expense insurance plans.
For now, you can click OK on the alert to close this message and continue to enter your application details. In the near future, your AML course completion will be mandatory in order to submit Final Expense applications on Aetna Quote & Enroll.
How to submit your Anti-Money Laundering proof of completion
Save your document as a PDF file
Make sure you’ve saved your proof of completion document or certificate as a PDF file, including your agent writing number and the date of the certificate.
Use this naming format: YourAgentWritingNumber_AML_cert_MMDDYY.pdf
Example: GNW9999999_AML_cert_011223.pdf
The PDF file size must be less than 2MB. If your PDF file size is greater than 2MB, you’ll need to reduce the file size before uploading it. If you’re using Adobe, go to File, then choose either Compress PDF or Reduce File Size. If you’re converting a Word document to a PDF, in the Save As menu, select “Minimum Size” option under the Save As Type section.
If you need help reducing the file size of your certificate, you can call Agent Services at 866-272-6630 or email
Note: Agent Services is not able to submit this certificate on your behalf.
Upload your training completion document
Go to the agent side of AetnaSeniorProducts.com, select the Training tab, then click Agent/Agency Training. Enter the required information, including the training vendor and completion date. The expiration date will be auto-filled. Then, upload your PDF of the training certificate by choosing Drag & Drop or Browse. Check the Acknowledgement box, then click Submit to complete the process."
Washington Autopay Issue for March Payment
From Molina Healthcare: "Dear Brokers, We wanted to bring to your attention an issue with AutoPay for the March premium cycle. Due to a system error, WA Marketplace members were not drafted during the February autopay cycle for March premiums. We are working closely with our vendor to resolve this matter swiftly. We will run an off-cycle autopay in the coming days. Members DO NOT need to take action at this time: • Impacted members will receive a communication. • Members that had a financial change will receive a draft notice prior to any off- cycle autopay draft. • Members may make a one-time payment by visiting www.molinamarketplace.com. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Questions? Please contact the Molina Marketplace Broker Support Unit at:
Phone: (855) 885-3179 -
Hospital Indemnity Flex guaranteed acceptance coming to PA
From Aetna: "We will offer guaranteed acceptance to qualifying applicants for our Protection SeriesSM Hospital Indemnity Flex plans in Pennsylvania starting April 5. This addition brings our total to 39 states where guaranteed acceptance is available for this product.
Who qualifies for guaranteed acceptance?
Applicants qualify for Guaranteed Acceptance if they apply for coverage anytime during the month in which they turn 64 and through the month in which they will turn age 68.
That means no health questions, medication or physician information will be required for this age group.*
The application signature date is used to determine qualification.
*Unless applying for the Lump Sum Cancer Rider. Section 3, question 10 is required for all applicants who select the Lump Sum Cancer Rider.
View complete details
We've updated our application and sales materials - You can now order updated Hospital Indemnity Flex sales kits, which include the new application."
American Benefit Life is The Primary Medicare Supplement as of April 1, 2024!
Liberty Bankers Insurance Group (LBIG) thanks you for being a part of the Liberty Bankers Insurance Group family. In order to provide their agents with their most competitive offerings, Capitol Life Insurance Company's products will be withdrawn from the market effective Monday, April 1, 2024. This strategic decision allows them to better serve the market with a single leading Medicare Supplement product.
Appointment Terminations
As a result of this change, your health appointment for Medicare Supplement with Capitol Life will be terminated within 30 days in all states. Due to this closure, you can no longer submit applications for the Capitol Life Medicare Supplement product.
Selling Opportunities Await with American Benefit Life
Although submitting business with Capitol Life is coming to an end, there are many opportunities that await for agents who sell Liberty Bankers Insurance Group's American Benefit Life (ABL) product. Medicare Supplement plans issued by ABL offer a 10% household discount, plus very competitive rates. View all of the states that ABL Medicare Supplement plans have to offer in the map below.
Important Commission Update
Capitol Life Insurance Company will continue to pay any of your vested renewal commissions. If applicable, your commission statements can be found at www.lbig.com under MyLBIG Portal Med Sup Capitol Life.
If you have questions about these changes, please contact the Liberty Bankers sales team below.
About Liberty Bankers Insurance Group
Based in Dallas, Texas, Liberty Bankers Insurance Group (LBIG) is a nationally recognized and respected group of insurance companies that offers a variety of life, health, and wealth products. Rated A- Excellent by AM Best, LBIG is comprised of American Monumental Life Insurance Company, American Benefit Life Insurance Company, Capitol Life Insurance Company, and Liberty Bankers Life Insurance Company.
Voice authorization process is retiring
The current option for using voice authorization when submitting an application will no longer be available starting April 1, 2024. When submitting an application, you have these options for authorization:
- Sales presentation in-person
- eSignature
- Sign on a touch screen device
- Sales presentation via phone
- eSignature (emailed or texted documents to review)
If you need a refresh, you can access the tools on the MyEnroller page of the agent portal.
If you have any questions, please contact Wellabe at 866-252-5594, option 2.
Keep the business you’ve worked so hard to sell
One of your important roles in keeping your business active is reaching out to lapsed clients to keep their policies in good standing.
A policy lapses when the premium payment is missed and not paid within 30 days after it’s due. Your client has a grace period of up to 60 days beyond the due date to reinstate the policy without any additional requirements. That is your chance to help them get back on track and retain their policy.
A lapse notice will be sent once the 15 days of the grace period is reached.
You can proactively check your business by accessing the Quality and Incentive Reports on Wellabe’s agent portal.
Wellabe’s agent portal provides access to a variety of resources, reports, and marketing materials. Join us to learn all about what makes Wellabe’s agent portal your best resource.
Register for a Final Expense webinar
Final Expense insurance:
Preparing clients for tomorrow to live better today
April 17 at 3 p.m. Central time
It’s important for you to do business with a company that focuses on your clients’ well-being — and yours. Our three Final Expense insurance products help your clients and their families be well prepared and well protected. Our instant-decision underwriting and 3-in-1 e-application makes enrollment fast and convenient for you.
Click here to register!
Life agent portal: Access to resources 24/7
May 3 at 10 a.m. Central time
Wellabe’s agent portal provides access to a variety of resources, reports, and marketing materials. Join us to learn all about what makes Wellabe’s agent portal your best resource.
Click here to register!
Final Expense insurance:
Preparing clients for tomorrow to live better today
May 16 at 2 p.m. Central time
It’s important for you to do business with a company that focuses on your clients’ well-being — and yours. Our three Final Expense insurance products help your clients and their families be well prepared and well protected. Our instant-decision underwriting and 3-in-1 e-application makes enrollment fast and convenient for you.
Click here to register!
Life agent portal: Access to resources 24/7
May 22 at 10 a.m. Central time
Wellabe’s agent portal provides access to a variety of resources, reports, and marketing materials. Join us to learn all about what makes Wellabe’s agent portal your best resource.
Click here to register!
Questions?
If you need assistance, please call Agent Sales Support at 866-252-5594, option 2, Monday–Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time or email
Liberty Bankers Insurance Group
Enhanced Agent Portals Are Live
Effective Friday, March 15, the Agent Portals for American Benefit Life Insurance Company and Capitol Life Insurance Company have been updated. The redesigned interfaces have a fresh new look and serve as an excellent resource for all your business needs. Plus, they are easy to access on your desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone.
To view the enhanced Agent Portals, please click on the links below and login in with your Agent ID and password.
If you have questions, please reach out to a Liberty Bankers team member or visit www.lbig.com.
Advantages of New eSignature Process
Effective Monday, March 18, Liberty Bankers Life Insurance Company will introduce new updates to the eApp process including a new signature method.
The new signature method is safe and easy to use. Plus, it streamlines the process for you and your client. The process eliminates a voice signature and introduces a type-to-sign option.
Additional eSignature Details
Currently, you are asked whether your applicant is physically present with you during your appointment. When "yes" is selected, you are prompted with two options – Telephone Signature (two minute call during eApp) and Type-to-Sign (face-to-face only).
We are replacing these options by asking the applicant to give you the "secret code" that is emailed or texted to them. When the code is entered and validated by the eApp system, it serves as proof that the applicant received the authorization and agrees to the Rx check. After, an electronic signature is applied to the HIPAA authorization document which is available to download.
Additionally, our Telephonic application is a great alternative for applicants that do not have an email address or cell phone number.
If you have questions about these updates, please reach out to their Agent Support team at 214-245-5292.