The start of the new year is an ideal time to think about making a career change. If you don’t know where to look – or even what field you might be interested in – you should seriously consider a career as an Independent Medicare Sales Agent. It could be just the opportunity you’ve been searching for.
Who Should Consider a Career in Medicare Sales?
Medicare sales requires no previous insurance experience. It can be a lucrative and fulfilling career for people from all walks of life and from a wide variety of backgrounds. Many people have built a successful career and found sense of purpose by becoming a Medicare sales agent.
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? You:
- Feel stuck in a job that brings you no sense of fulfillment and little chance of advancement.
- Are working in a declining industry and your job may not have long-term viability.
- Are just starting out in the world of work and are looking for a job that offers long-term growth and income potential.
- Are retired but want a part-time job where you can remain engaged and productive.
- Are looking for a career that will give you the flexibility to balance your family and work life.
- Have always wanted to be your own boss, in full control of your destiny and earning potential.
Even if none of the scenarios above exactly matches your situation, Medicare sales could be right for you. If you’re motivated to make a change, there’s no time like the present to take the first step.
Why Medicare Sales Is a Good Career Choice
As the population ages, the market for Medicare sales is rapidly expanding. By 2030, all of the approximately 73 million Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) will be 65 or older. This means more than 10,000 people will become eligible for Medicare every day. In Texas, only 33% of those who are eligible for Medicare are enrolled. This kind of market potential means a career with long-term stability and growth for anyone working in the field.
Plus, with that growth potential comes income potential. The average salary for a Medicare Agent in 2022 was $75,000, but it’s not uncommon for experienced agents who have developed their businesses to earn six figures. Medicare agents earn a commission on the plans they sell, not a salary. This commission includes an initial payment for the first year a policy is in place and a payment for each subsequent year of renewal. In other words, you will begin to build residual income based on renewals after your first year, as well as initial payments for new sales. This puts you in full control of your earning potential.
What Does a Medicare Sales Agent Do?
Medicare sales agents help people who are eligible for Medicare find plans that meet their needs and help them with the enrollment process. They work with seniors who are 65 or above, those who will be turning 65, and individuals receiving Social Security Disability Income. They sell products including Medicare Advantage Plans, Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Specialty Needs Plans, and Medicare Supplement plans. Ancillary products can include hospital indemnity insurance, dental plans, and vision and hearing insurance. Agents can also become licensed to assist seniors with retirement income planning, life insurance and annuities, funeral and final expense planning, home care, and more.
Agents’ duties include prospecting, networking, marketing, and relationship management. They are responsible for new sales as well as implementing member retention strategies to maintain current enrollees.
Successful agents are motivated self-starters who find satisfaction and fulfillment from helping people, especially seniors. They are empathetic and customer service focused. They have strong time management and organizational skills as well as good attention to detail. They enjoy careers where they are continually learning and growing. If this sounds like you, becoming a Medicare sales agent could be the career for you’ve been looking for.
The Path to Becoming a Medicare Sales Agent
If you’re new to Medicare sales, you will need to meet some training and licensing requirements, but the barriers to entry are low and you can meet them in a short amount of time. PTT Financial can support and guide you through the necessary steps – not just when you’re getting started but throughout your career.
- Pre-Licensing Training – The best way to prepare for your state exam is to take a pre-licensing course.
- Pass Your State Exam – Once you’ve completed your initial training, you will take the Texas state exam. You’ll need to submit to a fingerprint and background check.
- Contract with a Field Marketing Organization (FMO) like PTT Financial – An FMO is licensed to disperse insurance plans for insurance carriers. Contracting with PTT Financial gives you access to better contracts and product offerings as well as connections with multiple carriers and higher commissions. You will have ongoing support with training, certifications, and marketing.
- Earn Your Certifications – Most insurance carriers require agents to have the AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans) certification to sell Medicare plans. You’ll also need to complete agreements with each of the carriers whose products you want to sell.
Now Is the Time to Start Your New Career
Don’t let another year go by without fulfilling your goals. Now’s the time to take the next step. PTT Financial makes it easy for you: register today for an in-person class and to begin your journey toward becoming a licensed independent Medicare agent in the state of Texas.
2023 Harlingen Class Dates:
- February 18-19
- April 15-16
- June 17-18
- August 19-20
- October 21-22
- December 16-17
Time: All classes are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: PTT Financial, 410 E. Harrison Avenue, Harlingen
Cost: Each training session is $289
To register, select “In-Person Classes” and enter “Harlingen” in the city search field. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A CLASS >
We know that making a career change can feel both exciting and a little intimidating. We are here to help you get started with the career you deserve. Call us today or learn more about careers at PTT