AEP is Over. What Should Insurance Agents Do Now? Use this Ultimate Post-AEP Checklist!

First, we want to give you a big pat on the back and let you know how much we appreciate all your hard work. We understand how hectic and demanding the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period can be for everyone. Even though AEP is over, we suggest keeping up the momentum just a little longer.

We've put together something to guide you through your next steps but you will want to download the guide for all the scripts and templates.

☐ Step 1: Analyze Your Performance 

• Review Sales Metrics: Take a look at how many enrollments, leads, and applications you managed to gather.

• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Think about which marketing and sales strategies were a hit and which ones might need a little tweaking.
• Compare to Goals: See how your results stack up against the goals you set before AEP.

☐ Step 2: Process Applications and Follow Up 

• Verify Submitted Applications: Double-check that all applications were processed smoothly and take care of any little hiccups or follow-up requests from carriers.
• Check Commissions: Make sure your commissions are spot-on and note any differences.
• Client Follow-Up: Give your clients a friendly call or email to confirm their plan enrollment and make sure they know to watch their mailbox for member ID cards and welcome kits.

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☐ Step 3: Organize Your Book of Business

• Update Your CRM: Jot down all the new client details, any policy changes, and little notes about their preferences or special needs.
• Segment Clients: Sort your clients into groups (like Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, life insurance) so you can tailor your marketing to them later.
• Flag Retention Risks: Spot clients who might be thinking about switching plans next year and come up with a plan to keep them happy.

☐ Step 4: Communicate with Your Clients

• Send a Thank-You Note: Show your appreciation to clients for choosing you during AEP.
• Create a Year-End Newsletter: Offer helpful tips on making the most of their benefits, remind them about preventive care, and let them know you're always available for any questions.
• Set Up Reviews: Plan annual check-ins for Q2 or Q3 to chat about their satisfaction and any changes in their health needs.

☐ Step 5: Build Relationships with Leads

• Reconnect with Cold Leads: Reach out to those who didn't enroll or make a decision during AEP. [ Must have valid PTC. ]
• Stay in Touch with Drip Marketing: Use friendly emails or direct mail to keep your name fresh in their minds all year long. Remember, you can't 'market' during OEP/ROY without specifically targeting valid SEP individuals. Also, those communications and marketing must be compliant.

☐ Step 6: Prepare for SEP & OEP Opportunities

• Keep Learning: Make sure you're in the loop with the latest Special Enrollment Period (SEP) rules.
• Reach Out to SEP Prospects: Pay special attention to chronic individuals, those new to Medicare, or clients going through life changes.
• Brush Up on OEP Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with what’s possible during OEP, like switching MA plans or returning to original Medicare with or without a Part D plan. Remember, you can't use the OEP to advertise additional enrollment opportunities, clients must initiate those conversations.
• Stay Informed: Join carrier webinars to discover the plan options available during SEP and OEP.

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☐ Step 7: Expand Your Product Portfolio

• Explore Additional Products: Consider offering dental, vision, hospital indemnity, cancer, or final expense plans to boost your value.
• Emphasize Cross-Selling: Look for clients who might benefit from life insurance, annuities, or ACA coverage.

☐ Step 8: Plan for Next Year

• Evaluate Your Marketing Strategies: Think about which marketing campaigns worked well and which ones you might want to tweak for the next AEP. Getting approval for "marketing" materials can take 6-8 weeks so better to plan ahead.
• Plan Your Training: Join some carrier webinars or get certified to stay updated on the latest products.
• Polish Your Strategy: Set some SMART goals for the new year and pinpoint areas where you can shine even brighter.

☐ Step 9: Strengthen Your Brand and Online Presence

• Spruce Up Your Website: Pop in some testimonials, refresh your plan details, and make sure your site shows off your professional flair.
• Boost Your Social Media Presence: Share some helpful tips, AEP stories, and posts that build trust and show your credibility but are also compliant.
• Invite Reviews: Kindly ask your happy clients to leave some online reviews to help bring in new business.

☐ Step 10:  Take Care of Yourself

• Celebrate Your Success: Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for all your hard work during AEP.
• Rest and Recharge: Make sure to set aside some time to relax and get ready for the exciting year ahead.
• Plan a Routine: Create a daily schedule to smoothly handle post-AEP tasks and keep up with your leads.

Your success is our success, and we want you all to know that we value each and every one of our agents as a partner. We want to also take this opportunity to express our sincere THANKS. Eldercare has been experiencing another outstanding AEP thanks to all of you!

Thank you,

Your Eldercare Family

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Trainings in reference to the above:

• Cross-Selling to Maximize your Success: 

• Everything You Need to Know about OEP:

• Organizing Your Client Data on MedicareCENTER: