Medicare Broker News Vol. 5 No. 5

5-Star Special Enrollment  Period        

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield HMO plans have once again earned 5 out of 5 stars from Medicare for 2023. What does that mean for you? It’s an opportunity to sell some of  the region’s highest-rated Medicare plans outside of AEP – and a win for clients looking to move into a higher quality plan right now.
 
Your clients can use the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period to make a one-time switch into one of our 5-star rated HMO plans now through November 30,  2023. Below are some resources to outline what you and your clients need to know about the 5-Star SEP. Log into the Medicare Sales Hub  to access them or download below.

‍5-Star SEP Resource For Brokers (PDF)                  

‍5-Star SEP Resource For Clients (PDF)                  

Please  note: PPO plans are rated 4 out of 5 stars for 2023 and do not qualify for the 5 Star SEP.

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Bill Pay Options For  Members        

Members have a new option for paying their Medicare Direct Pay  and Medicare Supplement premiums. They can now pay over the phone by calling 1-877-883-9577  (TTY 711). Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday –  Friday.
 
 Upon calling, members will be prompted to enter the last 4 digits of their  member ID and their date of birth. Members can pay their current or past due  balance, as well as future balances.
 
 Forms of payment accepted:

• Bank Account (Checking or Savings)
• Discover
• MasterCard
• Visa

*American Express cards are  NOT accepted for payment.
 
Learn more about Medicare  member bill pay options or download the "Easy Ways To Pay Your  Bill" (PDF) to share with your clients.

Learn More About Bill Pay Options                

‍Easy Ways To Pay Your Bill (PDF)                  

Spring Medicare Member Newsletter Is Here        

Check out the latest edition of Excellus' quarterly Medicare Member  Newsletter. Feel free to share with your Excellus BCBS clients and prospects.  
 
 The Spring edition covers topics such as:

• Tips on using your OTC benefits
• Part D Coverage Gaps FAQs
• A helpful preventive care checklist
• NEW! Recipe, crossword, and more

‍Read The Spring Member Newsletter (PDF)                  

REMINDER: Filed Event  Do’s and Don’ts        

With spring events ramping up for many of our broker partners,  we thought it was a good time to review best practices for educational and  sales events.
 
 For Educational  Events You may:

• Give away promotional items that include agent contact info.
• Use sign-in sheets that clearly indicate that providing contact information is optional.
• Provide meals or refreshments with light snacks (Max $15 per person combined nominal retail value when combined with any other gift).
• Invite a provider to speak at the event.
• Collect lead cards and business reply cards.
• Hand out your business card.
• Call attendees after the event has concluded (with written permission at the event).
• Obtain compliant permission to contact that is method-specific and event-specific.
• Ask attendees to fill out an SOA form for future appointments if the request is initiated by the consumer.

You may not:

• Discuss specific carrier plans/products/benefits.
• Distribute plan materials.
• Provide or collect enrollment forms.
• Discuss or cross-sell non-healthcare related products (e.g., annuities, life insurance)
• Use contact information provided by attendees for any other purposes.
• Give away cash, gift cards or other monetary rebates.
• Respond beyond a specific question a consumer asks.

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There are different rules for Medicare Sales Events. Excellus has outlined best practices in the attachment below.

‍Medicare Sales Event Resource (PDF)                  

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