First Looks for Plan Year 2023 have started rolling in. They arrive to fanfare and excitement every year, with announcements of big expansions, popular plans available in new counties and states, and appealing new benefits for members. It’s great! Now . . . what do you do with them?
First Looks for Carriers You Aren't Contracted With
Let’s say you’ve just received the latest NCC newsletter announcing the Cigna First Looks have arrived. You’re not currently contracted with Cigna, so you may think it’s not worth your time to see their First Looks.
If you think like this, you could be missing an opportunity. Cigna is expanding to two new states in 2023 and adding 107 new MA counties. They’re also adding new supplemental benefits that may interest your clients.
Even if you don’t contract with a carrier, review their First Looks. There may be something worth looking into there.
First Looks for Carriers You Already Sell
First Looks are go time for what some call Pre-AEP season. It’s already July and October will be here before you know it. Once you have your AHIP test squared away, it’s time to start planning. You’ll want to start looking for venues and scheduling Medicare seminars and events, not to mention start planning the lead mailers you should be ordering later this month.
You’ll be in a better position to do that once you know what you’ll be able to offer clients this AEP, and First Looks are where you find that information.
Review Expansion Areas
Is there an opportunity to sell a Medicare Advantage plan or D-SNP in a nearby county you haven’t served previously? If you’re licensed in multiple states, can you add plans to your repertoire there?
First Looks are essential to planning your AEP marketing efforts. Use the expansion info to map out what you can offer in your market.
Look at Updated Benefits
Carriers use First Looks to announce expanded benefits and new supplemental benefits that can be very appealing to prospects. Medicare Advantage plans you currently sell may be offering new options for services like vision and dental, or they may have new and very useful extras like health club memberships, transportation services, and meal deliveries.
You want to be ready to talk about these benefits in detail when you’re meeting with clients so that you can help them make the most informed decisions possible.
Review Company Details
It might seem tempting to scroll past company updates, but you might miss out on valuable details like sales incentives or new processes. Carriers may even announce big news like acquisitions and rebrands in their First Looks.
Final Notes About First Looks
- Carriers generally release First Looks after plans have been filed with CMS for the following year, but before they have been approved. While it’s not frequent, be aware that changes may happen once approval is official.
- Because First Looks aren’t official at the time of release, the information in them I confidential. DO NOT share the information found there with prospects until AEP, after the plans have been officially approved.
Have questions about First Looks and the new selling opportunities that may be opening up for you in 2023? Give us a call at 800-695-0280 to talk to a Sales Support Specialist today!
