Social Security (SS) now requires you to open a “My Social Security” account to file an online application. Previously, you could file an application online with a special application number so you could start an application online, save it, and return later to complete it. Now you must get to the online application through your “My Social Security” account. The process is similar to credit card and bank procedures. You will log into your account with a user ID and password and then SS will send a special code to your cell or email. You need this code before completing the online application. The SS website also recognizes IP addresses, so you must start and finish the application from the same IP address. If logged on from a different IP address, you will be locked out and must restart the application.

This new process is beneficial to you! ID theft has led to more fraudulent Social Security retirement claims filed online in recent years.

So open your “My Social Security” account at www.ssa.gov and keep it up to date every six months.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

About Dennis Heywood

Denny’s career with Social Security provides an in-depth, working knowledge of the Social Security Administration’s internal organization and processes. An expert in all phases of SSA programs: retirement, survivor, disability, and Medicare, Denny has expertise with the complex Social Security regulations based on more than 40 years of experience.

ss-help.com

Once again AEP is upon us and Cornerstone Senior Marketing would like to provide you with some helpful tips on how you can make this AEP your most successful!

Check out our Broker Centric repository for the latest carrier information and how tos.

Submitting Applications:

• Electronic submission is preferred
• Submitting Direct to the Carrier
  • When you fax your applications to the carriers you must submit 1 application at a time and keep your fax confirmation for each app. If an application becomes lost or is not received, you may need your backup documentation to prove the initial submission date.

Carrier Fax Numbers:

Medicare Supplements WITH CHECKS only:

Top Reasons an Application Will Pend:

• INVALID MEDICARE CLAIM #
  • It’s always best that you request to see a copy of the beneficiaries Medicare card to ensure the claim number you are putting on the application is correct.

• INVALID ELECTION PERIOD
  • While most elections will be marked AEP this time of year, it’s still important to make sure you are using the correct election period for age-ins or other special circumstances.
• MISSING SIGNATURES / INVALID SIGNATURE DATES
  • Always make sure you and the applicant sign and date the application. Remember, you should not sign and date the application until it is in your possession.
  • Double check that all signatures are complete and the dates are correct (we see a date of birth or effective date listed as a signature date frequently).

Other Helpful Tips:

• • 48 HOUR VIOLATION
    • Please remember, CMS states that you have 48 hours from the time YOU sign the application to get it submitted to the carrier. Some carriers now require receipt in 24 hours!  Electronic submission is safest.
  • CARRIERS THAT REQUIRE ONLINE ENTRY
    • Don’t forget that you have to enter Gateway, Meridian, Mutual of Omaha Med Advantage and SilverScript enrollments online through their agent portals to receive commissions!
  • INVALID WRITING NUMBERS
    • This is very important as this is how you are paid! In cases when the incorrect writing number is listed on the application the carrier will drop the policy as a house account until a correction is processed.