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Welcome to November!

November is the month that starts with eating leftover Halloween candy and ends with Thanksgiving Dinner. We’ve entered the season for health clubs across the country to urge their members to “maintain, don’t gain”.

Those of us in the Medicare Industry are working toward the exact opposite goal: to “maintain AND gain” the number of clients that we have in our books of business.

Below are a few of the important reminders during this vital stretch of AEP.

· Remember that Thanksgiving falls on November 28th this year, which will leave only one final week of AEP after the Holiday. Plan accordingly!

· By providing an excellent level of service to your clients you can encourage a higher percentage of prospective referrals this AEP and beyond.

· Don’t forget about taking care of your own well-being. Be sure to schedule time away from client appointments for yourself and your family and make sure you take time for a walk or some other type of exercise regularly during the AEP Season.

Stay healthy and have a successful November!

How to Stay Healthy During AEP

Staying healthy during busy work periods is crucial for maintaining productivity and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you practice healthy habits effectively even when your schedule is packed:

1. Prioritize Your Tasks: Focus on the most critical tasks first. This can help reduce stress and prevent burnout.

2. Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle at your desk and drink regularly. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased focus.

3. Take Short Breaks: Brief breaks can help refresh your mind and improve productivity. Try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

4. Eat Nutritious Foods: Opt for snacks and meals that are rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar.

5. Exercise Regularly: Even short amounts of exercise can boost your mood and energy levels. Consider morning stretches or a quick walk during lunch.

6. Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to ensure you are well-rested and alert throughout the day.

7. Set Boundaries: Be clear about when you’re working and when you’re off. This helps to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Remember, your health is your most valuable asset! For further reading on maintaining health during demanding work periods, the CDC offers excellent resources on workplace health promotion. CDC Workplace Health Promotion provides guidelines and tips for staying healthy at work.

Stay healthy and have a great AEP!

Sales Integrity Reminders

2025 STAR Ratings

On October 1st, 2024, CMS released the STARS ratings for all 2025 plans.

Please remember, when presenting plans to your members, that you are quoting the correct 2025 STAR ratings.

CMS publishes the Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and Medicare Part D Star Ratings each year to measure the quality of health and prescription drug services received by consumers enrolled in MA and Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs or Part D plans). The Star Ratings system helps people with Medicare compare the quality of Medicare health and drug plans being offered so they are empowered to make the best health care decisions for themselves. An important component of this effort is to provide people with Medicare and their caregivers with meaningful information about quality, alongside information about benefits and costs, to assist them in comparing plans and choosing the Medicare coverage option that best fits their health needs.

For more information, please click the link below to view the full information on CMS.gov. 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Star Ratings | CMS

Large Print Format (LPF)

Carriers give their members an opportunity to receive sales materials in a large print format (LPF). LPF is not a minimal size increase but can significantly enlarge text font, and also results in oversized documents for the beneficiary. Not only does this increase printing and shipping costs but many beneficiaries are dissatisfied with their sales materials and often call into the carrier to request a regular font size option. To help ensure member satisfaction, a best practice would be to ask the beneficiary on the font size they are needing and details of LPF materials prior to requesting LFP. Highlighting the specifics will result in an elevated and more positive experience for your members.

Call Center Two-Agent Enrollment

IFG is reminding call center agencies, agencies are not to be utilizing a two-agent enrollment process. One licensed, certified and appointed agent is to conduct the full sales presentation and enrollment with a beneficiary. This will create a better experience for the beneficiary.

Please refer any questions to Compliance@teamifg.com.

IFG Thanksgiving Initiatives

Wilmington, NC – Innovative Financial Group (IFG) is excited to announce that they have partnered with the Good Shepherd Center (GSC) again this year to bring Thanksgiving dinner to families in need. Innovative Financial Group will be donating Turkey Dinner bags that will be distributed to the public during Good Shepherd’s weekly Grocery Giveaway on November 20, from 12-1:00 PM. IFG employees and the GSC staff are preparing the bags this month containing all the nonperishable ingredients needed for a Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, a Butterball turkey voucher redeemable at local grocery stores.

Happy Thanksgiving from Team IFG!

Medicare in the News

CMS Proposes Rule That Targets Rogue Brokers Switching Obamacare Plans - KFF Health News
October 7, 2024

Amid Medicaid ‘Unwinding,’ Many States Wind Up Expanding - KFF Health News
October 2, 2024

The Medicare Advantage Influence Machine - KFF Health News
September 30, 2024

FOR AGENT USE ONLY | MULTIPLAN_IFG_GHOSHGAEN_24_C