2020 has presented many challenges but also opportunities. In particular, opportunities to expand and grow with technology. We are fortunate today to have great, easy-to-use technology at our fingertips, ready for when clients are unable to meet with us face-to-face. A bonus for agents is that it will eliminate your travel time. Imagine having four or five appointments each day without ever leaving the comfort of your home or office!
Virtual meeting platforms such as GoToMeeting, Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, make it easy to schedule and hold virtual meetings with clients. An agent can set the virtual meeting day and time then email or text the client a link to the meeting. The client, in turn, simply clicks on the link to join the meeting. These platforms are user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to use.
While that sounds great for presenting to a client, you may be wondering how you’ll get their signature on the paperwork. This, too, can be done electronically now. After client options have been presented and the client has chosen a plan, agents can use these three simple steps to enroll the client electronically.
1) The agent retrieves all the required information from the client.
2) Agent emails the client the application for review and signature.
3) Client reviews and signs application, the application will be sent to the Medicare carrier automatically for processing. Agent can check the status of the submitted enrollment in the carrier’s portal.
Medicare carriers have been perfecting electronic applications to make them more user friendly for both the agent and the client. They also provide agents with resources to practice so they are comfortable with the application process before the appointment begins. There are many advantages to using electronic applications, such as fewer mistakes and immediate confirmation of receipt of the application. Using electronic applications during this Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) as well as throughout the year, will help eliminate lost paperwork and worry that a client’s paperwork is not received and processed timely.
With the AEP right around the corner, now is the perfect time to brush up on virtual appointment procedures and electronic application processing. At Hovis & Associates, we want our agents to be comfortable working through these processes. So, we are providing webinars on September 1st, 14th, 16th, and 23rd, to assist agents with virtual appointments and electronic applications. Are you ready to become more knowledgeable with all things virtual? Call (888) 613-6196 or email laceyrobertson@hovisandassociates.com to register for a class today.