"AEP Begins...Work It The Right Way...The CMIP Way!"

10/15/2021

To: To all CMIP®, CMIS™, CMIR™ Designation Holders and Subscribers

RE: AEP Begins...Quality over Quantity

We're here again! AEP is upon us.

Let us remember who we are this AEP. We are the elite of the industry. We take pride in being professional. We always put the client first. We don't shorten required presentations, we don't don't omit pertinent information so we can make a sale. We are compliant and complete. We treat every client how we would treat the loved ones in our lives.

Being in the life and health business for 30 years, I know the temptation to walk the broad line (with broadened regulation, especially in the Medicare Advantage insurance industry, the ethical grey thin line has broadened ) of ethical grey areas; especially when you are trying to feed a family on a commission only basis...I get it.

I spent the first few years of my career as a health and life agent, as a commission only captive agent. My wife was staying home to raise our infant and 2/12 year old sons. I was given one county to work and it was one hour away and also had the distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the state of Oklahoma. Their marketing strategy was to give me a county map, and my job was to pick a road and knock on every door on that road (obviously before Medicare Advantage was around). If I didn't sell, it was difficult to feed my family. As tough as those times were, I learned a lot about people and the business.

I learned during those times that you have to genuinely put the interests of your clients first. People have an innate sense that you are treating them fairly and honestly. If you do this and don't quit, you will succeed.

So, I know, as the elite in our industry, during this AEP and every one thereafter, you will genuinely put your clients first. This is who we are.

We are CMIPs, CMISs, and CMIRs. We are the elite in our industry!

Here's to a blessed AEP! Go get em...the right way, the CMIP way!

Thank you for all that you do!

Blessings!

Kevin Firth - President

Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™, DBA

Don't skip the basics.

Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Venus and Serena Williams, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, Ray Lewis, Jerry Rice...when you hear these names you think of some of the most successful athletes of all time.

What else are they known for? They are known for their incredible work ethic, going above and beyond their peers in working hard and constantly working on their basic fundamentals. This is what made them some of the greatest of all time.

The same is true in the insurance industry. No matter how professional we think we've become, or how experienced we are, we can't forget the basics. We've got to continually hone our presentation skills and continue in the pursuit of product and industry knowledge and education.

So, during this pre-AEP, while studying and taking your 2022 MA/PDP certification exams, if allowed, don't skip over the basics. Review and study them. By working on the fundamentals of our industry, studying your products, and continually honing your skills, you'll find yourselves rising above the competition.

If this type of dedication describes you, and you qualify, we want you to join our family of professionals by becoming a Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™- CMIP®. The professional designation for MAPD/PDP producing agents.

Give your clients the peace of mind knowing their agent is qualified to help them make the right decisions. Give them the CMIP®, "K.E.E." difference...Knowledge, Experience, Ethics.

To our current CMIPs, CMISs, and CMIRs, thank you for your dedication to excellence!

Kevin Firth - President

Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™, DBA

As we slowly get back to normal...thank you CMIP®, CMIR™, and all MA/PDP agent Heroes!

As state and community restrictions and guidelines are easing from the pandemic, we still need to be sensitive to those around us. No matter your viewpoint on masks, social distancing, vaccinations, etc., we should have respect for the concerns or non-concerns of others. When communicating with clients, allow them to take the lead in determining how they would like to meet. If meeting in person, do they want you to wear a mask? Do they want to social distance? Would they rather meet with you online? While things may be slowly getting back to normal, our clients may still have fears that we need to be sensitive to.

MA/PDP producing agents went above and beyond the call of duty last AEP, during the worst part of the pandemic, by putting their own health at risk in order to educate and assist their clients in choosing vital health care coverage. I commend you! You are unsung heroes! You are essential workers by any definition!

While the challenges from this pandemic are not over, and unseen dangers from future pandemics or disasters may be lying in wait, I have no doubt you will step up to the challenge, adjust again if needed, and serve your clients admirably and professionally.

CMIPs and CMIRs, you really are the elite in our industry!

My hat goes off to you!

Kevin Firth, President

Certified Medicare insurance Planner™