The ACA Open Enrollment Period is almost here, and we want you to be as successful as possible. Here are 5 items to mark off your checklist in preparation for the busy ACA selling season.
Complete Your FFM Certification
This certification is required by CMS if you want to sell products through the Marketplace.
The course covers key aspects of the Federal Marketplace, including operations and structure, CMS guidelines, marketing, the enrollment process, and more.
There is a free version (Marketplace Learning Management System) and a paid version (America’s Health Insurance Plans) that offers CE credits.
You must complete this certification in order to sell during Open Enrollment.
Practice Using HealthSherpa
The majority of ACA sales are done online and over-the-phone.
We partner with HealthSherpa to make the process easy for you to compare and enroll your clients online – all for FREE.
Are you confident in your ability to enroll your clients using HealthSherpa? We highly recommend that you learn how to use this tool.
No one wants to get in front of a health insurance prospect, present a plan, get ready to enroll, and then realize that you don’t actually know how to process their application.
Know Your Local Market
The Brokerage has recently introduced several new carriers, such as Christus Health, Friday Health, and Sidecar health. Depending on your location, these carriers might be a great alternative for your current clients, as well as a new opportunity for prospective clients.
You need to be an expert in the plans you sell. ACA premiums have finally leveled out, and there are still millions of people who do not have health coverage.
You should know your market’s plans like the back of your hand and be ready to guide your prospective clients in a professional and helpful manner.
Leverage Your Network
Selling ACA plans is a little different from other products because it applies to almost everyone under age 65. Most people know when Open Enrollment is here because the federal government and insurance carriers make this known through various mediums.
With this in mind, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
People will be looking for coverage. You have all the tools and resources needed to be successful on the sales side, so now it is up to you to leverage your network, both online and in-person.
For OEP social media ideas, check this out.
Know Your Retention Strategy
In the insurance industry, your real money is made through client retention.
You can hustle all day long during Open Enrollment, but if you are not prepared to service those new clients then you may not keep them in your book of business.
We recommend that you set up a 30, 60, and 90-day reminder to call your clients and make sure they are taken care of. For more ideas on how to increase your retention, read 5 Ways to Show Your Clients You Care.
