Navigating Industry Volatility: How Insurance Agents Can Thrive in a Changing Medicare Landscape
The latest episode of the Insurance Business Babes podcast brings together host Kathe Kline, co-host Joanna Wyckoff, and industry powerhouse Neil Reich for an honest discussion of the current turbulence in the Medicare insurance world. With plan exits, shrinking commissions, regulatory uncertainties, and unprecedented price hikes, agents must now adapt, diversify, and deepen relationships to stay successful.
Industry Upheaval: What’s Changing in Medicare Advantage
According to guest Neil Reich, the past year has brought volatility unlike anything he’s seen in his 27-year career. Major Medicare Advantage carriers like Humana and Aetna have pulled out of some markets due to soaring medical loss ratios, leaving consumers scrambling for alternatives and further concentrating business among remaining giants like United. Commission structures are shifting, and the legal landscape is uncertain, with the Department of Justice and new CMS rules causing ongoing anxiety about the future of FMOs (Field Marketing Organizations).
Diversification Is Essential
Neil isn’t deterred by the disruption—instead, he emphasizes the need for insurance agents to diversify their offerings. His new agency, Care Connect Advisors, has quickly added Medicare Supplement plans, Index Universal Life, final expense, hospital indemnity (with popular guaranteed-issue options for ages 64-70), cancer, dental, and even annuities to the product mix. This mirrors Kathe and Joanna’s advice that now, more than ever, agents should be “multi-product” — cross-selling to better serve clients and protect their own earnings in the face of shrinking Medicare Advantage opportunities.
Relationship Building and Technology: The Agent’s Goldmine
Staying connected to clients is a major theme. The podcast highlights how agents are successfully blending manual outreach (calls and texts to educate and cross-sell) with automation (drip campaigns, retention videos, and CRM tools). Touchpoints aren’t just for selling—they reinforce trust, increase retention, and open natural conversations about needs like hospital indemnity or annuities.
The Path Ahead: AI, FMOs, and the Advisor Mindset
While regulators mull the impact of overrides and marketing practices, agents are also looking to the future with AI poised to disrupt the sales process. Still, both Neil and the hosts remain optimistic: FMOs like Spark are evolving, offering powerful tech and support. The key message? Agents must evolve from “order takers” to true advisors—guiding clients comprehensively through industry changes and personalized solutions.
In summary, claim your power as an agent by diversifying your product line, leveraging smart tech, nurturing relationships, and embracing your advisory role. In a shifting Medicare world, these strategies are more essential—and more rewarding—than ever.
This episode is sponsored by CertifiedMedicareAgents.com. Use the coupon code BABES2024 for a free lifetime BRONZE membership.