For agent use only. This information is subject to change.
We’ve got a lot to pack in over the next couple of months as we prepare for what looks to be another crazy AEP.
Ronnie James
Regional Sales Director, Tidewater Management Group
If July’s Office Hours were any indication, AEP preparation is officially in full swing. Ronnie James spent the session helping agents get ahead of the busy season, covering everything from certifications and upcoming Tideawter training events to Medicare Advantage enrollment trends, new product opportunities, compliance updates, and the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program.
With the second half of the year underway, the focus of this month’s call was clear: prepare now, stay informed, and position yourself for a successful enrollment season.
Whether you joined us live or couldn’t make it, this recap includes everything you need to catch up and guide your success.
*As a Tidewater partner, you can also watch the Office Hours Call here.*
Main Points Covered
The main topics covered during July’s call include:
- Certification Season is Underway
- Save the Date: Tidewater’s AEP Roadshows
- Integrity Connect Introduces Enhanced Security
- What the Latest Medicare Advantage Data Tells Us
- Affordability Concerns are Shaping Client Decisions
- GLP-1 Bridge Program Officially Launches
- Good News for Local Agents
- Product Spotlights
- Carrier & Compliance Updates
Certification Season is Underway
For agents looking to get ahead of AEP, AHIP certifications are now open. Ronnie encouraged agents to complete certifications early and reminded everyone not to pay full price when taking the AHIP through a carrier, because discounts are typically available.
He also addressed a second certification option, the NABIP. Many carriers accept the NABIP, but it is not accepted universally. Agents should verify carrier requirements before choosing that route to avoid having to complete multiple certifications.
Not sure which certification is right for you? Click here to compare AHIP and NABIP certifications, view carrier acceptance information, and find the best fit for your business needs.
Some carriers have already released their certifications, which you can view here. We recommend bookmarking this page and revisiting it throughout July as more carriers release their certification requirements.
Save the Date: Tidewater’s AEP Roadshows
Tidewater will host our annual in-person training events to help agents prepare for the upcoming enrollment season. Rather than focusing solely on carrier and plan details, these sessions will provide insight into the broader market and industry trends.
Here’s Where You Can Join Us
- Asheville, NC – August 18
- Kannapolis (Charlotte Area), NC – August 25
- Columbia, SC – August 25 (tentative)
- Charleston, SC – August 26
- Birmingham, AL – August 26
- Raleigh, NC – August 27
- Macon, GA – September 1
Additional details are coming soon, so stay tuned and get excited!
Integrity Connect Introduces Enhanced Security
IntegrityCONNECT has introduced a new secure sign-in process designed to provide enhanced protection for both agents and clients. This update includes additional security measures to help safeguard client information and prevent unauthorized or suspicious login attempts.
Agents who have not yet completed the setup should expect prompts when logging in and will be guided through the updated sign-in process.
We encourage you to log in to IntegrityCONNECT today and complete the new setup to ensure your account and your clients’ information remain fully protected.
Training Opportunities to Help Grow Your Business
Ronnie highlighted several upcoming webinars that agents may find valuable, including carrier-specific product showcases and Tidewater’s upcoming annuity training. In addition to these specific events, Tidewater offers weekly training opportunities to help agents expand their product knowledge, build confidence, learn from industry experts, and grow their business.
Be sure to visit our July Training Calendar to explore this month’s schedule, register for upcoming sessions, and take advantage of the resources available to help you succeed.
What the Latest Medicare Advantage Data Tells Us
Ronnie reviewed recent Medicare Advantage enrollment trends and broke down what they mean for agents.
Medicare Advantage Continues to Grow
According to recent industry data:
- 55% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
- Nearly 23% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are now enrolled in Special Needs Plans (SNPs).
- SNPs accounted for approximately 85% of Medicare Advantage growth from 2025 to 2026.
What this means for agents: This information reinforces what many agents are already seeing in the field: SNP enrollment continues to be a major growth area, particularly with Chronic Special Needs plans.
Please refer here for more information and to view these percentages.
Giveback Plans Continue Gaining Momentum
Ronnie also discussed the growing popularity of Part B giveback plans.
Today:
- Approximately 75% of Medicare Advantage members are enrolled in zero-premium plans.
- Nearly one-third of those numbers are now enrolled in plans that provide a Part B premium reduction.
What this means for agents: As affordability concerns grow, many beneficiaries appear willing to trade some supplemental benefits in exchange for monthly savings.
Affordability Concerns are Shaping Client Decisions
Several statistics shared during the call (like the one above) highlight the financial pressures many Medicare beneficiaries face, including:
- Nearly half expect healthcare costs to become less affordable next year.
- One in four lives on less than $24,600 annually.
- One in four has less than $18,950 in savings.
- Close to 25% rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income.
- Healthcare expenses consume roughly 36% of their average Social Security income.
These financial realities continue to drive enrollment decisions and reinforce the important role agents play in helping clients navigate conversations around affordability, financial protection, and supplemental coverage options.
For more information and to view these statistics further, click here.
GLP-1 Bridge Program Officially Launches
One of the most discussed updates on this month’s call was the launch of the Medicare Bridge Program for weight-loss medications.
Effective July 1, qualified beneficiaries with Medicare Part D coverage may be eligible for certain GLP-1 medications through the program.
Key reminders include:
- Beneficiaries must have Medicare Part D coverage.
- Doctors must include an obesity diagnosis code.
- Prescriptions should indicate “Send to Bridge for Weight Management”.
- The program currently runs through December 2027.
Ronnie expects questions about weight-loss medications to become more common as awareness and advertising continue to grow.
To help educate your clients, we’ve created a consumer-friendly handout that explains which medications are covered, eligibility requirements, monthly costs, and more. Click here to download your GLP-1 Consumer Guide.
Good News for Local Agents
Ronnie led a very encouraging discussion focused on the value of local agents.
Recent reports show significant struggles among several large national call-center organizations:
- eHealth reported a decline in Medicare Advantage enrollments.
- GoHealth recently filed for bankruptcy proceedings after revenue declines and increased losses.
Ronnie believes these developments reinforce what many carriers are recognizing: consumers value local relationships, personalized service, and long-term care guidance from trusted advisors in their communities.
Product Spotlights
Several products and agent growth opportunities were highlighted during the call.
UnitedHealthcare ONE
Features include:
- Guaranteed issue hospital indemnity coverage ages 60-74
- Simplified underwriting through age 90
- Optional Part B drug rider
- Dental, vision, and hearing plans that provide seperate allowances for both glasses and contacts
Click here to view a product overview.
ManhattanLife Home Health Care
Features include:
- Benefits for care provided by family members, neighbors, or friends
- Annual physical reimbursment
- Home medical equipment assistance
- Availability up to age 89 through simplified underwriting
Click here for more details about this product.
A New Medicare Supplement Is Coming
While details are still under wraps, agents on the call got a sneak peek at an upcoming Medicare Supplement product expected to launch in multiple states.
Highlights include:
- Competitive underwriting guidelines
- Two-year lookback periods on several major health conditions
- Fast-start bonus opportunities for submitted business
More information is expected to be released later this month.
Carrier & Compliance Updates
A few carrier updates and compliance reminders were also highlighted during the call.
Devoted Health SSBCI Changes
Members must now have qualifying conditions verified before food and home card benefits can be activated. Temporary self-attestation periods are no longer permitted.
View these changes here.
HealthSpring Certificatons Are Live
HealthSpring certifications became available July 1, but agents must first register within the updated HealthSpring portal before beginning certification.
- Register within the HealthSpring portal
- Begin your HealthSpring certification inside the portal
Compliance Training Module (CTM) Response Expectations Are Tightening
HealthSpring has also introduced stricter Compliance Tracking Module (CTM) response requirements.
Depending on the priority level, agents may now be required to respond:
- Same day for immediate complaints
- Within two days for urgent complaints
- Within seven days for standard complaints
Ronnie’s advice was simple: be clear, be honest, and be professional whenever responding to CTM.
Looking Ahead To What’s Next
Our July Office Hours call served as a reminder that AEP preparation starts now. Whether it’s completing certifications, attending training events, exploring new products, or staying informed on Medicare trends, agents who invest the time now will be better positioned for success this fall.
As Ronnie reminded attendees at the end of the call, “we’re working in a constantly evolving industry – and one with tremendous opportunities for agents who stay informed, stay prepared, and continue putting clients first.”
We look forward to seeing you on our next Office Hours call in August, where we’ll continue preparing you for what’s ahead!
For agent use only. This information is subject to change.
