AEP 2025: How to Prepare and Succeed as an Agent
With Medicare’s AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) just around the corner, running from October 15th to December 7th, it’s time for agents to ensure they’re fully prepared. Whether you’re an experienced agent or new to the field, having everything in place ahead of time is crucial for success. Here’s an essential AEP countdown checklist to help you stay organized and ready to provide the best service to your clients.
1. Complete Your Certifications
Before the AEP season begins, ensure that all your certifications are current and complete. This includes your AHIP certification and any carrier-specific certifications required to sell Medicare plans. Every carrier has its own certification process, so it's important to check each one to avoid delays during the busy season.
2. Review Carrier Plan Changes
Medicare carriers often update their plans each year, introducing new benefits, adjusting premiums, or discontinuing certain plans. Taking time to review these changes is key to being able to confidently guide your clients through their options. Make note of any changes in drug coverage, co-pays, or network providers so that you’re ready to discuss how these adjustments could impact your clients' decisions.
3. Refresh Your Compliance Knowledge
Compliance with CMS guidelines is critical, especially during AEP. Make sure you’re up to speed with all relevant compliance regulations, including marketing guidelines, client communications, and proper enrollment practices. For agents across the board, understanding these rules ensures a smooth AEP season and helps protect both you and your clients.
JAR agents can find helpful compliance guides and resources in the JAR agent portal to ensure your practices meet the latest standards.
4. Update Your Marketing Materials
Having updated marketing materials is essential to effectively communicate with your clients during AEP. Whether you need new brochures, flyers, or digital content, now is the time to refresh your resources to ensure they reflect the latest information and adhere to compliance standards. Agents should be sure that all marketing pieces are compliant with CMS regulations and specific to the new plan year.
JAR agents can easily order approved 2025 marketing materials through our JAR Print Portal, where we’ve already prepared up-to-date templates designed specifically for 2025.
5. Organize Your Client Data
AEP can get overwhelming, and staying organized is key to success. Now is the perfect time to review and update your client lists. Ensure you have the most current contact information and segment your clients based on their needs—whether they’re renewing existing plans, considering a plan switch, or are new prospects. This will allow you to target your outreach more efficiently.
JAR agents can utilize our CRM tools available through the agent portal to stay organized and manage client data effectively.
6. Prepare for Client Meetings
Scheduling client meetings early will help you manage your workload during the busiest part of AEP. Encourage your clients to book appointments now to ensure you can spread your meetings throughout the season. Make use of online scheduling tools to allow clients to select appointment slots that are convenient for them.
7. Prospecting Opportunities
Prospecting is key to expanding your client base during AEP. Hosting seminars, educational events, and webinars can position you as a knowledgeable resource while generating new leads. A Medicare 101 seminar, for example, allows you to educate prospects on Medicare basics without discussing specific plans or enrollments. This creates opportunities for follow-up appointments where you can guide them through their options.
8. Familiarize Yourself with New Enrollment Tools
Whether you're using a new enrollment platform or a CRM system, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the tools you'll be using throughout AEP. Testing these systems before the busy season starts will help ensure you avoid any last-minute technical issues and make the enrollment process smoother.
JAR agents, be sure to take advantage of our training resources to help you navigate new tools and systems before AEP kicks off.
Looking for more ways to elevate your business during AEP and in 2025? See how JAR Insurance Services supports agents with the tools and resources needed for success. Learn more here.