As the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches, preparation becomes extremely important. While agents often focus on certifications, training, and client outreach, one critical detail can easily be overlooked: having the enrollment materials you need when the season begins.
Delays in receiving enrollment kits, applications, or other sales materials can slow down your ability to serve clients and capitalize on early enrollment opportunities. That’s why taking a proactive approach now can help ensure you’re prepared when AEP arrives.
Understand Each Carrier’s Ordering Process
Not all carriers handle enrolment materials the same way. Some carriers automatically send kits to ready-to-sell agents, while others require agents to place orders through a portal or request supplies directly.
Before AEP begins, take time to review the carriers you plan to offer this season and understand:
- When ordering opens for the new plan year
- Whether supplies are sent automatically or must be requested
- What materials are included in enrollment kits
- Any limitations or order quantites
- The process for requesting additional supplies if needed
Knowing these details ahead of time can help you avoid last-minute stresses and surprises and ensure you have the amount of materials available for client meetings and events.
If you have any questions, reach out to the Tidewater team. We have access to a wealth of information and are here to help!
Complete Certifications Early
One of the most common reasons agents experience delays with enrollment materials is incomplete certification requirements.
Most carriers require agents to complete an annual certification and achieve ready-to-sell (RTS) status before enrollment supplies can be ordered or distributed. Waiting until the last minute to complete certifications can create unnecessary challenges and delay access to important materials.
Completing certifications early not only helps you stay on schedule but also gives you more time to focus on marketing, appointment setting, and overall AEP preparation.
Complete your AHIP now if you haven’t, then proceed to complete your carrier certifications.
Take Advantage of Pre-Ordering Opportunites
When available, pre-ordering enrollment kits can be a valuable way to get ahead of the rush.
As the enrollment season gets closer, carriers experience increased demand for supplies. Agents who submit requests early are typically in a better position to receive materials before peak processing periods begin.
Planning ahead can help reduce stress and provide greater confidence that you’ll have everything needed for a successful start to AEP.
Don’t Wait Until October
October is one of the busiest times of the year for Medicare carriers and support teams. As more agents request materials, shipping and fulfillment timelines can become longer than expected.
Submitting orders as early as possible can help you:
- Avoid processing delays
- Ensure materials arrive before client meetings
- Stay organized heading into AEP
- Focus on selling instead of tracking shipments
Even before applications can be accepted, the first weeks of October offer opportunities to connect with clients, conduct reviews, and prepare for enrollment conversations. Having materials available helps you make the most of that time.
Have a Backup Plan
Even with careful planning, unexpected delays can occur. Digital enrollment tools, electronic Scope of Appointment solutions, and online enrollment platforms can help keep your business moving if printed materials arrive late or run low during the season.
Having both physical and digital options available gives you flexibility and helps ensure you can continue serving clients without interruption.
The solution for Tidewater agents? PlanEnroll to the rescue! Available through your IntegrityCONNECT account, PlanEnroll makes it easy to collect compliant Permission-to-Contact (PTC) forms and Scopes of Appointment (SOAs). Clients can complete their PTC, sign their SOA, and create a PlanEnroll profile all through one streamlined process.
The Sooner You Prepare, the Better Your AEP
Success during AEP, more often than not, comes down to preparation. Completing your certifications, understanding carrier requirements, ordering supplies early, and using available technology can help you avoid delays and start the season with confidence.
The sooner you prepare, the more time you can spend focused on what matters most: helping beneficiaries find coverage that fits their needs.
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