How do you stay up to date with changes in Medicare policies and plan options each year?
Answered by 8 licensed agents
I listen to a weekly podcast that does a deep dive on the news and notes of the industry. I just got back from an insurance conference in Las Vegas to keep me up to date and make connections. Because of the way the industry is constantly changing you have to keep up to date of you will be left behind.
Answered by Jonathan Potter on April 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states
First, every August I must recertify with every Carrier in my area...so...as an Independent Broker after becoming able to enroll people in the Carriers they need...in September all Plans will be released for my chance to review them...and then in October I can meet with all clients to make sure they get the right Plan for their needs.
Well, hopefully you have an Independent Medicare Broker that does that for you...at no charge by the way. It's not easy to stay up with all of the nuances of Medicare and all of the plan options...that's why I HIGHLY recommend finding a broker that ONLY does Medicare.
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
I'm required to stay current Medicare publishes changes that they're going to make every year so we just review the bulletins and applied the changes. Most of the changes are pretty nominal. There might be an introduction or something here or there. Last year there was big changes to drugs plans which was very good. Dropped the max out of pocket down to $2,000 which it previously was $8,000 .
If you'd like to discuss this in more detail, contact me.
Answered by Gary Henderson on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
Having a licensed professional agent is the best way to stay up to date on changes to Medicare.
Feel free to contact me at 940-395-6572 with any questions you may have
Answered by Marcie Barnes on April 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states
I track Medicare news the way sports fans track scores... daily and with plenty of coffee! All year I sift through CMS updates, insurer trainings, and enough fine print to wallpaper the house. Then I run it through it again and translate it into plain English you can actually use.
Starting in October, I call each client to discuss what’s changing for the upcoming year. During Annual Enrollment (October 15th through December 7th), we huddle up, compare the new line‑up of plans, and pick the one that makes the most sense for you and your family. No acronyms, no guesswork, just clear choices. I stay on top of the rules so you can stay on top of life.
Answered by Joshua Filmore on April 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AR, GA & 6 other states
Every year I have to re-certify with Medicare. This is a multi-hour process of study and then a final exam which must have a 90% score to remain certified by Medicare to be an agent that can sell Medicare products. Additionally, each carrier I represent (about 12-15 each year) has their own compliance study and tests to certify knowledge to sell their plans each year. These also have to be completed with a 85-90% score. I complete all this over a 1-2 week period each year to be compliant for Medicare Annual Enrollment which runs from Oct 1-Dec 7.
Answered by Donald Heath on April 9, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & NM, NV, TX & WA
I believe it's important for a senior to have a trusted resource to guide them through the yearly changes in Medicare and Medicare plan changes, such as an independent licensed agent. An independent agent, such as myself, would know about these changes in Medicare policies and plan options and having yearly reviews would help you, the Medicare beneficiary, stay up to date with the latest changes. I hope this helps.
Answered by Joseph Lombardo on April 18, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, NJ & PA
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The Medicare System
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