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 Volume 14

Issue Six

May 2010

EZ Life Sales System

Affiliated Marketing Group

Expect Something Different

On a personal note I wish to acknowledge the  many courtesies extended by the membership of TAHU at their recent convention and the gift of their branded wine.

A special thanks to the people of Aetna who helped so much.

Ed Massey

 A Law With CLASS

Community Living Assistance Services and Support

Included in the recently passed "Health Care Reform Bill",  many are not aware of "CLASS",  but it will impact everyone who works when it is implemented in 2011/2012. 

This attempt to provide a Government run National Long Term Health Care Program is different in that everyone employed will be enrolled automatically.  It is necessary for you and/or your employer to "OPT OUT" not to be part of the program.  Payroll Deductions (they are tentatively scheduled to start in 2012) will have a projected average cost of $128 per month coming from your paycheck.

Like much the Federal Government does, it sounds wonderful in concept but if history is any measure the projected $128 per month deduction (Younger people will pay less and older workers will pay more) is likely to be way below what each of us will have deducted from our paycheck each month if we don't opt out.

This link will give some general information on the program and there are many other articles if you Google the name. 

At AMG, we see this as an opportunity to educate your clients on the associated costs of LTC and to offer quality alternatives to the limited government program with comprehensive policies underwritten by the LTC Carriers available to you from AMG. 

No Grandfathering on Annuity Continuing Education

To discuss or sell Annuity Products in Texas now requires that the broker have taken an Annuity Training Course.  Unlike the general Continuing Ed, there will be no exemption from the course due to 20 years are more with a license.

Contact  Steve Gresso via email or at 713.977.0611 if you need additional information.

Underwriting Changes Announced By United Healthcare

United Healthcare has announced several administrative changes including one in their quoting and enrollment procedures.  Effective July 1, 2010 dependent children will be priced by the number in the family unit.  If the number of children is not provided then all quotes will assume two children but final rates will be based upon the actual number submitted.

New Senate Bill 80 (SB80) Qualified Plans Offered By United Healthcare

Small Business with 2-50 employees can receive up to a 5% reduction of medical premiums if they qualify.

 Contact  Angela Moore or Heather Matias for more information.

United Healthcare/AMG Lunch & Learn

Join us on June 10th from 11:30 - 1:00 for a lunch & learn  about United's Ancillary products and how adding these benefits to your groups could save your clients premium on the medical side. 

Seating is limited so RSVP to  Angela Moore or Heather Matias to attend.

Starmark Transitions to CVS Caremark

On June 1st at 10:00 AM CT Starmark will hold a Webinar to explain the transition to CVS for pharmacy benefits.  Click here for registration or contact  Angela Moore or Heather Matias for more information

At AMG We've Got Everything You Need In One Place

Have You Received Your New Contract?

Many carriers have recently issued addendums or new contracts to the brokers who represent them.  These are to reflect the additional responsibilities of agents to protect client information as required by the recently implemented HITECH legislation.  With fines that can range as high as $100,000 per data breech and as much as $1,500,000 in penalties per year, failure to understand and abide by this Federal Legislation can have a significant impact on your business.

For those of you who are members or have an interest in becoming a member, the Houston Health Underwriters Association will have Ed Massey from AMG presenting a one hour CE course on the subject at their monthly meeting Wed. July 21, 2010.

AMG will also be offering this course at an upcoming Lunch and Learn. The date and time will be announced in the next news brief.

Website Marketing

As mentioned earlier, a website presence is going to be more critical to agents as a result of the new Health Care Bill.  If you don't have a site or the site you have is limited to providing contact information, now is the time to move forward in developing a system to compliment your marketing and personal relationship business. 

At AMG we assist our select partner brokers in developing a website; setting up links to provide quoting capabilities on life and health along with marketing tools to motivate potential clients to visit and use your website for their insurance purchases. 

See a preview of the various styles of website offered by AMG by Clicking Here. In addition you should visit the AMG website to learn about CLQ the Consumer Life Quote Engine and the EZ Life Sales system.

For additional assistance contact Ed Massey via email or at 713.977.0611