In this episode we’re joined by Robert Mulcare and Julianne Horner. Robert explains how he started a Medicare division within a larger P&C agency, Simmons Insurance, and built out an entire team. Both he and Julianne belong to the Oregon NABIP chapter. They talk about the importance of finding community as an independent agent and why Medicare has become an important focus of their chapter.  

The Medicare Agent Podcast is hosted by Sarah Jacobson, CEO and Co-Founder of FairStreet. In each weekly episode of this podcast, you’ll hear from experienced Medicare agents about how they built their successful Medicare businesses and how they get new clients for their Medicare businesses.

FairStreet is a startup FMO and CRM for Medicare agents to run and scale their businesses. You can collect prescriptions, quote & enroll, create custom intake forms, record calls and so much more. FairStreet is free to use.

Learn more at - https://www.thefairstreet.com/

Key takeaways:

[03:57] Medicare's impact on the broader insurance landscape

[08:42] The business case for adding a Medicare division

[12:09] Medicare legislative changes

[18:07] What it takes to run a Medicare conference

[20:37] Conference planning and collaboration

Host Bio:

Sarah is the co-founder and CEO of FairStreet, a startup powering top independent Medicare insurance agents. FairStreet’s all-in-one platform enables agents to grow efficiently by streamlining the process of enrolling clients into Medicare and supercharging how agents interact with their clients year-round. Before FairStreet, Sarah led technology teams at Square and Stride Health. Sarah completed her undergrad and MBA at Stanford University.

Entities mentioned:

Medicare, Property and Casualty, NABIP, Medicare Summit, FairStreet, Aon, business development, Medicare Agency, turning 65, insurance

Synopsis of the episode:

Medicare is becoming increasingly important for insurance agencies and industry professionals. It serves as a driver for other areas of health insurance, and agencies must stay informed and adapt to changes in order to meet the growing demand for Medicare coverage. Cross-training agents in Medicare is crucial for agencies to better serve their clients and stay competitive. Additionally, being involved in Medicare provides a significant business opportunity for agencies, allowing them to expand their client base and prevent clients from seeking services elsewhere. However, it's important to recognize the broader implications of changes in the healthcare industry and adapt accordingly.

Building a strong community is key to succeeding in the Medicare industry. Joining associations and participating in community events allows agents to gain support, knowledge, and resources. It also combats feelings of isolation and provides opportunities for collaboration and advocacy. Attending conferences like the Medicare Summit facilitates knowledge sharing, networking, and staying up-to-date with industry developments. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for success in the healthcare industry and contribute to the growth and success of the field.

Lastly, agents are encouraged to register for the Medicare Summit to stay informed, connect with peers, and learn from industry experts. The conference provides informative sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities to improve agents' knowledge and skills. By attending the Medicare Summit, agents can enhance their service to clients and contribute to the growth of the industry. Registration is available through the Oregon Association of Health Underwriters website, so listeners are encouraged to register now.