One of the challenges of selling Medicare products is getting clients up to speed on how the program works so they can evaluate their options and make a decision. In other words, it’s not as simple as giving them the rates for a few supplements or explaining the features and benefits of three different Advantage plans; instead, for beneficiaries new to Medicare, agents usually have to educate clients about what Medicare A and B are, how to sign up, how much they cost, and what type of options are available in addition to Original Medicare. That takes time.

It’s open enrollment time, and that means we’re seeing more insurance commercials than normal, especially those targeting Medicare beneficiaries. They’re nearly as annoying as the political ads we’ve been inundated with for months.