The Perfect Storm: AEP 2025
Taryn Mott
Director of Provider Referral Operations & Training, MedicareCompareUSA
P 405.757.5321 | 855.735.6392 | taryn.mott@medicarecompareusa.com
This AEP is unlike any we have seen before!
The changes CMS has imposed and the fact that it is an election year make it noisy and high-energy! RETENTION is the eye of the storm. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the eye of the storm is, “The calm region at the center of a storm or hurricane.” By preparing and reaching out to your current Book of Business October 1st-15th ahead of new leads and prospects, you are ensuring your clients that they are essential to you, and that builds trust.
Client Retention involves reminding your clients about AEP. Review their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which arrives in their mailboxes in early October. Remind your clients to be aware of scammers in the months ahead and to discuss plan changes with you only! You can do this via eblasts, mail, or newsletters.
One of the most crucial aspects of client retention is your availability. Strive to answer as many calls as possible from your clients. If you miss a call, make it a priority to return it within 24 hours. This level of responsiveness is a key factor in building trust. Save your clients’ names in your phone so that you are prepared when the call comes in, further demonstrating your commitment to them.
Make AEP about the client. Schedule time to review their medications, physicians, and hospitals. Ask if anything has changed with their health and needs over the past year. This approach not only helps you understand their needs better but also strengthens your relationship with them. This is a year where there will likely be many plan changes, and you want to be on the receiving end!
As Agents, you are in the middle of a storm this year! The eye, if you will. Find your peace, comfort, contentment, and strength no matter what category you belong to in this Perfect Storm.
“The smaller the eye, the more intense the winds.” — Unknown author