Do you ever feel like you’re forgetting something important? There’s a lot to do in the leadup to AEP, and it’s easy to miss something. Don’t let any of your important prep fall through the cracks. Set yourself up for a great AEP with this AEP readiness checklist.
Certification
This is the most important item on your checklist. You cannot sell Medicare policies without meeting your annual training and certification requirements. Don’t put this off. If you haven’t completed your certificates yet, get that done ASAP.
Supplies & Marketing Materials
Reach out to your carriers are pre-order your enrollment kits and any other supplies you’ll need. Get your marketing materials ready and approved by CMS through the HPMS system.
CRM
Do you have a good CRM, and is it updated with all your current client information? If not, take care of this ahead of AEP. Although it may take some work, it will make the busy season go much more smoothly if you have all the information you need readily available at your fingertips.
Business Cards
Make sure your business cards have your current contact information and product offerings, and order extras so you can hand them out during AEP.
Online Presence
Many Medicare beneficiaries will be going online to look for enrollment help, and you want them to be able to find you. Make sure your online presence, including your website and social media profiles, are up to date.
Calendar
Soon it will be time to start scheduling appointments, so you need to clear your calendar. Check for any conflicts with your personal and family life and do whatever you can to free up as much time as possible.
Events
Start planning any sales and educational events that you’ll host during AEP. Think about where and when you want to have them, and how you’ll get the word out.
Transportation
You’ll need reliable transportation to get to all of your client meetings. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape and stocked with emergency supplies.
Tech Tools
Get all your tech in order. If you’ll be conducting remote appointments, you’ll need a laptop or other device with a good camera and microphone. If you’re conducting in-person appointments, you’ll probably need a laptop or tablet that you can take with you. Also think about the enrollment apps and other programs you’ll need.
Taxes
A lot of the expenses that you incur during AEP are legitimate tax write-offs, but if you’re not keeping good records, you may miss out on them. Get organized so you can record your mileage and other allowable deductions.
Other Products
AEP is all about Medicare, but your clients may need products outside of Medicare. Be ready for this cross-selling opportunity by making sure your portfolio has all the life, annuities and other insurance products your clients may need. Also brush up on CMS cross-selling rules, including sticking to your Scope of Appointment and not selling non-health products during a Medicare meeting.
Compliance
Don’t let a mistake jeopardize your ability to sell Medicare coverage this AEP. Brush up on CMS regulations and make sure you know how to stay compliant this AEP.
Personal Needs
Don’t forget about your personal needs during AEP. The enrollment period lasts for almost two months. It goes by quickly, but it’s also a long time to sustain high levels of energy. Take care of yourself so you can make it through to the end without experiencing burnout. Plan how you’ll relax and pamper yourself, and take care of as much as you can ahead of time, for example, by planning easy meals.
Support
The right support can make AEP much easier. PTT Financial is here to help. If you’re not contracted with us yet, read why agents choose PTT. If you are contracted with us, make sure you’re taking advantage of our agent support center.