TrendSource Trending Blog

As the CMS Annual Election Period for 2023 approaches, companies selling Medicare Advantage Plans are rightfully preparing their staff for a simultaneous influx of inquiries and enhanced scrutiny. This is the yearly reality of selling Medicare Advantage plans, and companies have long built in processes to ensure they are rising to the occasion each and every year.

Every year, even when you expect it, the CMS Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) CMS can sneak up on you. This leaves Medicare Supplement Providers asking, “When is AEP 2023?”

As the Annual Election Period (AEP) 2022 comes to a close, Medicare Supplement Providers are finally exhaling, having made it through the busiest and riskiest time of year. Their sales reps have given hundreds of presentations, fielded thousands of questions, and answered tens of thousands of inbound calls.

CMS formal events require Sales Reps to channel their inner toastmaster, giving a prescheduled presentation to Medicare-eligible attendees regarding a company’s Medicare Supplement plans. During these presentations, and the question and answer sessions that follow, they must provide accurate and accessible information while remaining mindful of strict CMS guidelines.

CMS informal events require Sales Reps to think quickly on their feet as they field inquiries from potential customers regarding Medicare Supplements. Unlike formal events—which have a prescribed start time and feature a planned presentation before a scheduled Q&A session—at informal events, Sales Reps must essentially engage in impromptu 1:1 conversations with consumers.