Anthem 2020 Product Training & AEP Updates

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It’s that time of year and the push to get ready for AEP is kicking into high gear. Anthem has a lot of great things going on in the Ohio market and  want to make sure you don’t overlook anything. Please read all updates below and register for one of their product training roadshows.

2020 Anthem BCBS Product Training – ATTENTION ALL AGENTS! This is the one class that Anthem asks you to attend each year.

You will need to RSVP for an event at https://www.anthembrokerconnection.com/home

August 27th, Columbus

August 28th, Toledo

August 29th, Cincinnati

September 4th, Cleveland

September 5th, Youngstown

September 6th, Akron/Canton

September 10th, Dayton

September 18th, Columbus

September 19th, Cincinnati

September 24th, Dayton

September 26th, Cleveland

 

2020 Certification Details

Getting Started

  • Visit http://www.medicaremegastar.com/  for details on this year’s Medicare Megastar Contest with the link to “Get Certified”
  • If you were certified last year, please use the “Sign In” section.
    • Your user ID is your email address OR your National Producer Number (NPN)
    • If you forgot your user ID or password, there are links below to regain access
    • It will ask you for an access code. Please use External-SelfReg and it must be typed EXACTLY as is it appears here.
    • It will take approximately 8-10 hours to complete re-certification.
  • If you are new to getting certified this year, please use the box on the right that says “First Time Visitor”
  • It will ask you for an access code. Please use External-SelfReg and it must be typed EXACTLY as is it appears here.
  • It will take approximately 14-16 hours to complete the entire training.

 

  • Please complete your certification by August 30th so you can pre-order your 2019 Enrollment Sales Kits!

IN ORDER TO SELL MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AND/OR PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS for 2020, YOU MUST COMPLETE CERTIFICATION for 2020.

YOU MUST BE THE ONE WHO COMPLETES THIS CERTIFICATION, NOT AN ADMIN OR ANY OTHER PERSON.

 

2020 Sales Kit Ordering – Once you have completed your certification, you will receive an email from Anthem within 48 hours. This email will contain your log in and password for Custompoint – where you can order your sales kits. The site is now open to order 2020 sales kits. If your orders are placed by Aug 30th, they will be delivered to you no later than Oct 1st.

 

Anthem BCBS Agent Business cards:

Anthem Giveaways and Apparel:

  • Check out this website: Anthem Promo Store
  • You will be able to browse before purchasing. However, Anthem suggests clicking on the link “My Account” and setting up a profile before you shop.
  • Please use your initials as the purchase order number

 

Looking to Do Online Enrollments? Anthem has some exciting enhancements coming to MProducer. Their online application process is as simple as taking a picture of the Scope of Appointment and signing a signature with a stylus or mouse! Are you looking for an easier way to submit applications other than faxing? Register for a demonstration webinar below:

Friday, August 23rd at 9:30 AM Eastern

Register at https://www.anthembrokerconnection.com/home

www.mproducer.anthem.com

 

Medicare Supplements

  • Plan F can be sold through 12/1 effective dates
  • Anthem Extras can be sold with supplement plans to provide dental and vision coverage
  • Anthem currently has  a bonus contest for 09/01, 10/1, 11/1, and 12/1 effective dates. You can make big $$$!!

 

Anthem’s 2020 Medicare Certification Info & Product Training Meetings

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Anthem 2020 certification opens on Wednesday, June 26th 

  • Completed certification taken after June 26, 2019 allows you to sell for the remainder for 2019 AND 2020.
  • Certify by August 1, 2019 and you will be entered into a drawing to win a $1,000 Visa gift card.

Getting Started

  • Visit http://www.medicaremegastar.com/  for details on this year’s Medicare Megastar Contest with the link to “Get Certified”
  • If you were certified last year, please use the “Sign In” section.
  • Your user ID is your email address OR your National Producer Number (NPN).
  • If you forgot your user ID or password, there are links below to regain access.
  • It will ask you for an access code. Please use External-SelfReg and it must be typed exactly as is it appears here.
  • If you are new to getting certified this year, please use the box on the right that says “First Time Visitor”
  • It will ask you for an access code. Please use External-SelfReg and it must be typed exactly as is it appears here.

AHIP

  • If you go through Anthem’s website, there is a discount on the standard cost of $175; it will cost the same as last year, $125.
  • AHIP requires section 4 & 5 this year to be taken and then the exam.
  • To download the slides, click into the module, then on left side click download slides. Click the save button and save to a file folder for this year’s AHIP.
  • If you are re-certifying, you only have to complete sections 4 & 5, but the exam includes all 5 sections.
  • There are Continuing Education credits that you can purchase for an additional cost PRIOR to taking the exam.
  • Anthem Modules – Please complete all until you have green checkmarks for everything listed for 2020.

Once your certification is complete, you will receive an email within 48 hours informing you that you are Ready To Sell. This email will also include the link to Custom Point and your login information.   If you do not receive this email and you show green status bars on all modules for 2020, please contact Broker Support at 800-633-4368 or email them at medicareagentsupport@anthem.com

 

Below are dates for 2020 Product Training Meetings. Please sign in to http://anthembrokerconnection.com to register. Seating is limited so early registration is recommended. Anthem Broker Connection is not supported in Internet Explorer. Please use one of the following browsers to view the Anthem Broker Connection website:
Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox

August 27th, Columbus

August 28th, Toledo

August 29th, Cincinnati

September 4th, Cleveland

September 5th, Youngstown

September 6th, Akron/Canton

September 19th, Dayton

September 18th, Columbus

September 19th, Cincinnati

September 24th, Dayton

September 25th, Cleveland

 

Meeting locations, times, and presenters can all be found on the Anthem Broker Connection site: https://www.anthembrokerconnection.com/home

 

Important Enrollment Form Update from Anthem- Please Read!

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We recently received important information from Anthem regarding the submission of PAPER applications.

For agents that are NOT using mProducer to submit their enrollment forms, please include BOTH your encrypted TIN and Cornerstone Senior Marketing’s encrypted TIN on all paper applications!

Cornerstone Senior Marketing’s Encrypted TIN is:

CKHJQPKSMY

Below are examples of how the agent page of the enrollment form should be completed if you are submitting paper applications.

Agent Page of MS Enrollment Form: 

Agent Page of MAPD Enrollment Form:

 

If you have any questions or concerns please contact your CSM Representative.

Anthem’s MS Bonus Extended Through Dec. 2019!

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Anthem’s Medicare Supplement Bonus Program has been such a success, they are extending it through December 1, 2019 effective dates! We want to help you maximize your earning potential; along with 21% commission (years 1-6; 4% years 7+), you can earn up to $250 per Medicare supplement application per month. Below is an overview of each tier and earning potential. Full details can be found here.

Anthem’s July 1, 2019 rates were released last week and will be available to quote on https://shop.anthem.com/medicare/ on May 11th. Kits are available to order on Custom Point

How Does it Work?

  • If you sell 3-4 approved Medicare Supplement plan enrollments, you’ll receive an additional $100 bonus per sale!
  • If you sell 5-9 approved Medicare Supplement plan enrollments, you’ll receive an additional $150 bonus per sale!
  • But if you sell 10 or more approved Medicare Supplement plan enrollments, you’ll receive an additional $250 bonus per sale!

 

If you have any questions please reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative.

Anthem’s Broker Connection is Now Available

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The new Anthem Broker Connection is now up and running! This is the NEW website that will have any webinar, class, and/or social events that you can register for.

Please use Chrome, safari, or Firefox and visit https://www.anthembrokerconnection.com/home and click “Start Here” to register your profile. After that, click the “Events” tab to find events that interest you. Anthem has 10 CEs to offer this year with the various classes, plus other sales based trainings and webinars.

Topics include:

  • How to Have the Sales Conversation
  • Fundamentals of the Senior Market (2 CE)
  • Understanding LIS and DSNP (1 CE)
  • mProducer and online tools
  • Silver Sneakers Updates
  • Anthem Essential Extras
  • Medigap reform (1 CE)

If you have any questions, reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative.

Anthem Medicare Training | CE Credit Offered!

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Please join Cornerstone Senior Marketing and Anthem for a Medicare training series with a continuing education course discussing “Supplemental Health Benefits: What you need to know”

This will be a 2 hour CE credit course providing an understanding of the changes impacting Medicare Advantage Plans in regards to Supplemental Health benefits.

After the CE course, Anthem’s Amanda Brewton will be reviewing marketing techniques, and explaining the enrollment of Anthem’s Essentials Extras.

Register below for dates and locations for a training in your area. Please only RSVP to one location/date; each training is the same content.

RSVP to Danielle Flesch @ Danielle.Flesch@cornerstoneseniormarketing.com 

CINCINNATI

TUESDAY, FEB. 12

TIME: Registration 8:30 AM – 9AM  Class starts 9AM – 12PM

LOCATION: CBISA’S MEDIA CENTER 2101 FLORENCE AVE.

CINCINNATI, OH 45206

DAYTON

WEDNESDAY FEB. 13

TIME: Registration 8:30 AM – 9AM  Class starts 9AM – 12PM

LOCATION: THE GOLF CLUB AT YANKEE TRACE

10000 YANKEE STREET CENTERVILLE, OH 45458

COLUMBUS

THURSDAY FEB. 14

TIME: Registration 8:30 AM – 9AM  Class starts 9AM – 12PM

LOCATION: WEDGEWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

9600 WEDGEWOOD BLVD. POWELL, OH 43065

TOLEDO

TUESDAY FEB. 19

TIME: Registration 8:30 AM – 9AM  Class starts 9AM – 12PM

LOCATION: CIFT CONFERENCE CENTER

5555 AIRPORT HIGHWAY, SUITE 100 TOLEDO, OH 43615

LIMA

WEDNESDAY FEB. 20

TIME: Registration 8:30 AM – 9AM  Class starts 9AM – 12PM

LOCATION: HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL

1920 ROSCHMAN AVE. LIMA, OH 45804

CLEVELAND

THURSDAY FEB. 21

TIME: Registration 8:30 AM – 9AM  Class starts 9AM – 12PM

LOCATION: HOLIDAY INN INDEPENDENCE

6001 ROCKSIDE RD. INDEPENDENCE, OH 44131

Anthem’s 2019 AEP Medicare Megastar Incentive

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Anthem’s 2019 AEP Medicare Megastar Incentive: Sell 19 MA Apps during AEP 2019 and become a Medicare Megastar!

Here’s how YOU can be a Medicare Megastar and get FREE AHIP certification!:

Sell 19 approved Medicare Advantage policies (including D-SNP plans) with 1/1/19 effective dates during this AEP season and YOU can become a Medicare Megastar!

As a Medicare Megastar you’re entitled to SUPERHERO benefits like getting your 2020 AHIP certification at no cost! That’s Anthem’s way of showing their appreciation for your hard work and dedication.

Questions? Contact your Cornerstone Senior Marketing sales representative for more information!

Anthem’s First Looks Are Here: Don’t Miss Your Chance At A Sneak Peak!

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Anthem has released their Medicare plans for 2019. Don’t miss your chance for a sneak peak at their plan benefits!

Click here to request a first look.

*If you would like to request a different state other than Ohio or in addition, please state in the email button above

Not contracted with Anthem? Reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing Sales representative to get appointed!

Anthem BCBS 2019 Medicare Certification is NOW OPEN!

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Anthem’s start of the 2019 AEP is finally here!

There are SIGNIFICANT CHANGES to the 2019 AHIP.  Please make sure to read this in its entirety.

Here’s what you need to know…

Certification opens TODAY, June 27, 2018!

  • Completed certification taken after June 27, 2018, allows you to sell for the remainder for 2018 AND 2019.
  • AHIP has UPDATED the information in various sections to include new legislation. So please add more time. See below for more details.
  • If you are looking to submit applications online, register for one of Anthem’s webinars on mProducer by clicking https://brokertraining.anthem.com.

 

Getting Started

  • Visit http://www.medicaremegastar.com/  for details on this year’s Medicare Megastar Contest with the link to “Get Certified”
  • Anthem highly recommends that you take a section or two at a time over a couple of days, rather than completing this all at once.
  • The test is OPEN BOOK. Please use your slides as ALL MODULES have updates in them.
  • If you were certified last year, please use the “Sign In” section.
    • Your user ID is your email address OR your National Producer Number (NPN)
    • If you forgot your user ID or password, there are links below to regain access
    • It will ask you for an access code. Please use External-SelfReg and it must be typed EXACTLY as is it appears here.
    • It will take approximately 8-12 hours to complete re-certification. There are significant changes which is why it takes so much time.
  • If you are new to getting certified this year, please use the box on the right that says “First Time Visitor”
    • It will ask you for an access code. Please use External-SelfReg and it must be typed EXACTLY as is it appears here.
    • It will take approximately 15-18 hours to complete the entire training.
  • Please complete your certification by August 30th so you can pre-order your 2019 Enrollment Sales Kits!
  • IN ORDER TO SELL MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AND/OR PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS for 2019, YOU MUST COMPLETE CERTIFICATION for 2019.
  • YOU MUST BE THE ONE WHO COMPLETES THIS CERTIFICATION, NOT AN ADMIN OR ANY OTHER PERSON.

 

AHIP – if you go through Anthem’s website, there is a discount on the standard cost of $175; it will cost the same as last year, $125.

  • AHIP requires section 4 & 5 this year to be taken and then the exam.
    • To download the slides, click into the module, then on left side click download slides. Click the save button and save to a file folder for this year’s AHIP.
  • Section 1 and 3 have been updated with new legislation and regulation information. Please make sure to spend some time reviewing Section 3 as it pertains to Part D.
  • Section 5 talks about the Open Enrollment Period in detail.
    • Please make sure to download the slides in each section
    • The exam is open book and these slides will help you.
    • These slides and information are great reference tools throughout the year.
      • To download, click the link on the left side of the page
      • A new browser will come up with the document. Move your mouse and you will see a save button that looks like a floppy disk.
      • Click that save button and save the file to your desktop or a folder.
    • You have 3 attempts to pass the exam.
  • If you are re-certifying, you only have to complete sections 4 & 5, but the exam includes all 5 sections.
  • There are Continuing Education credits that you can purchase for an additional cost PRIOR to taking the exam.
    • Cost is $26.00
    • 6 CE credits are available with a passing grade
    • You can only have one course apply within your renewal period.
  • Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training – Nondiscrimination Training
    • New module has quiz questions. Quizzes are not pass/fail.
    • Final exam requires 70% to pass module
  • FWA module now has 5 quizzes, plus a final that you need to score 70% to pass.
  • General Compliance has quizzes and a final that you need to score 70% to pass.

 

Anthem Modules – Please complete all until you have green checkmarks for everything listed for 2019.

  • These Modules include HMO, PPO, Part D, AND SNP plans. Please complete all Modules.
    • All modules now have downloadable slides
    • Product Basics (appeals, enrollment, etc.) 10 question exam must score 90%
    • Risk Prevention – 20 question exam must score 100%
    • Sales Event Reporting –  10 questions must score 90%
    • Tools for Compliant Selling –  15 questions must score 100%
    • HMO – 10 questions must score 90%
    • PDP – 10 questions must score 90%
    • PPO 10 questions must score 90%
    • SNP – 10 questions must score 90%
  • YOUR 2018 CERTIFICATION IS COMPLETE WHEN IT SHOWS SOLID GREEN BARS AT 100% FOR THE FOLLOWING:
    • 2019 Compliance Training
    • 2019 HMO
    • 2019 PDP – Anthem offers stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans in all 88 OH counties. ALL agents should take this module.
    • 2019 PPO –Anthem offers  Regional PPO plans in ALL 88 OH counties. ALL agents should take this module.
    • 2019 DSNP (Anthem highly recommends taking this module in the event you run across an opportunity mid-year. If you do not take this training BEFORE SELLING a DSNP HMO plan, the policy is NON-Commissionable, it is a CMS violation and you are out of compliance.)

 

Product Training Meeting – This meeting is the ONE meeting each year that Anthem wants you to please attend. There will be some great news to share this year so you will WANT AND NEED to be at this meeting! You can have your administrative team attend, but they do need to RSVP!

You can register for the Product Training Meeting  NOW at https://brokertraining.anthem.com

  • 8-28 Hilton Garden Inn – Mayfield (AM and PM)
  • 8-29 Hilton Garden Inn – Miamisburg
  • 8-30 Hilton Garden Inn – Perrysburg
  • 9-6   Dave & Buster’s –  Springdale (Cincinnati)
  • 9-11 Dave & Buster’s Hillyard – Columbus
  • 9-18 Holiday Inn – Boardman
  • 9-19 Holiday Inn – Lima
  • 9-20 Courtyard Marriott – Akron/Canton
  • 9-25 Dave & Busters – Westlake
  • 9-27 Dave & Buster’s –Springdale (Cincinnati)

 

Information You Need to Know

  • Once your certification is complete, within 48 hours, you will receive an email informing you that you are Ready-To-Sell. This email will also include the link to Custom Point and your login information.
    • If you do NOT receive this email, AND you show green status bars on all modules for 2018, please contact Broker Support at 800-633-4368 or email them at medicareagentsupport@anthem.com
  • You will be able to pre-order Sales Kits ONLY if your certification is completed by August 31st.
    • Pre-ordering will start August 7th.
    • Anthem will NOT have Enrollment Sales Kits at the Product Training meetings.
  • If you do not make the August 31st deadline, you will NOT be able to order kits and have the GUARANTEED to be at your home/office by October 3rd.

 

Marketing

  • Did you know that Anthem BCBS has FREE approved marketing materials for you to use to support your sales efforts?
    • These materials can be customized with your personal contact information including: name, phone and email!
    • The materials can be found on Custom Point in the Sales Toolkit. ALL MATERIALS WILL BE UPDATED OCTOBER 1ST AND ALL MATERIALS DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED BEFORE THAT DATE MUST BE THROWN OUT AND DISCONTINUED.
    • Please take 5 minutes RIGHT NOW to set up your profile in the Sales Toolkit! Doing so will allow you to download materials quickly once they become available.
      • Visit Custom Point (You must use a PC based Internet browser)
      • Click on the button across the top that says Sales ToolKit
        • Make sure your pop-ups are enabled.
      • On the left side, click on My Profile
      • Start completing the fields in each section exactly how you would like the information to appear on your materials.

 

Medicare Supplements

  • There is a NEW plan F available in Ohio. YOU MUST GET APPOINTED WITH THE NEW COMPANY, AICI, IN ORDER TO SELL IT.
    • To get appointed, please reach out to your Cornerstone Senior Marketing sales representative.
  • All Medicare Supplements in OH refresh on July 1st.
  • You can run quotes, download new PDF materials at http://shop.anthem.com/medicare
  • To check rates, look up doctors, check medications, please use http://shop.anthem.com/medicare

 

Not contracted with Anthem or have questions about the 2019 certification? Contact your Cornerstone Senior Marketing representative today!

Anthem BCBS Medicare Sales Important Reminder: Helping Your Clients Find In-Network Providers

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When selling a plan that uses network providers, make sure you explain to your clients that providers may join or leave the network at ANY time – without notice to the members. Before they seek care, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office directly to make sure they accept the specific plan your client chooses. And make sure they are in-network for that plan at that location. Some providers with multiple offices may only accept certain networks at some of their locations.

To help your clients locate in-network providers:

  • Agents must use the Find a Doctor tool located on the Shop Medicare plans website listed below. The website is updated weekly: ABCBS Medicare Shop
  • When searching for in-network providers, it would be helpful to select a specific plan first, and then select the other search criteria to narrow your results list down.
  • Ensure to use the ‘Advance Search’ option, or use as many filters as possible when searching for specific in-network providers, hospitals and specialists. Some doctors and facilities are in-network for some locations and out-of-network at other locations.
  • Enter the PCP ID # in the Find a Doctor tool to confirm the specific provider at that specific office participates in the selected plan.
  • Once you select a PCP in the Find a Doctor tool, click on the ‘Details Link’ to find a list of all hospitals for which the physician is associated.

Remember that HMO plan members should coordinate their care with their primary doctor before seeing other providers. HMO members who use non-network providers in non-emergency situations will pay for the full cost of their care. Encourage your clients to contact Customer Service at the number on their ID cards if they have any questions you can’t answer for them.

 

Contact your Cornerstone senior service representative for more information