ABL trying to bypass the OE rules and regs?

[Fisher]

I've never written anything with these guys but apparently I am contracted with them. Perhaps I'm reading this wrong but it seems like ABL does NOT want to OE anyone that is T65.


The Medicare supplement landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with carriers implementing various strategies to maintain viability.


Many insurers are responding to market pressures by:

• Implementing significant rate increases (some as high as 40% or more)
• Completely exiting the Medicare supplement market

ABL is asking their loyal partners to work with them through their new Lead Doctor Program for all open enrollment business. This strategic shift allows ABL to increase their underwritten percentages while avoiding traditional open enrollment risks. Here's the win-win opportunity:

• You Win: Your business submitted through Lead Doctor counts as underwritten business, which strengthens your position with ABL and ensures better case acceptance rates.
• ABL Wins: They can maintain their competitive position and continue serving mutual clients with stable rates and reliable coverage.
• Your Clients Win: They get access to ABL's quality Medicare supplement coverage through a streamlined process.

How Lead Doctor Works

• Submit information for any clients turning 65 who are interested in ABL coverage
• ABL reviews each case and provides guidance on acceptance
• Your submissions count as underwritten business rather than standard open enrollment
• This process helps ensure continued partnership success

ABL remains committed to serving the Medicare Supplement market and continues to be a valuable partner in your business. This program adjustment reflects their proactive approach to maintaining competitive rates and long-term stability for existing policyholders.

 

[rmhaire]

I've never written anything with these guys but apparently I am contracted with them. Perhaps I'm reading this wrong but it seems like ABL does NOT want to OE anyone that is T65.


The Medicare supplement landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with carriers implementing various strategies to maintain viability.


Many insurers are responding to market pressures by:

• Implementing significant rate increases (some as high as 40% or more)
• Completely exiting the Medicare supplement market

ABL is asking their loyal partners to work with them through their new Lead Doctor Program for all open enrollment business. This strategic shift allows ABL to increase their underwritten percentages while avoiding traditional open enrollment risks. Here's the win-win opportunity:

• You Win: Your business submitted through Lead Doctor counts as underwritten business, which strengthens your position with ABL and ensures better case acceptance rates.
• ABL Wins: They can maintain their competitive position and continue serving mutual clients with stable rates and reliable coverage.
• Your Clients Win: They get access to ABL's quality Medicare supplement coverage through a streamlined process.

How Lead Doctor Works

• Submit information for any clients turning 65 who are interested in ABL coverage
• ABL reviews each case and provides guidance on acceptance
• Your submissions count as underwritten business rather than standard open enrollment
• This process helps ensure continued partnership success

ABL remains committed to serving the Medicare Supplement market and continues to be a valuable partner in your business. This program adjustment reflects their proactive approach to maintaining competitive rates and long-term stability for existing policyholders.

That's the way I'm reading it. And I had to read it twice just to make sure.

Looks like they still want underwritten business but not IEP. And it doesn't work that way. According to the law, they have to accept both. Either that or pull out.

 

[MedicareWAA]

That's the way I'm reading it. And I had to read it twice just to make sure.

Looks like they still want underwritten business but not IEP. And it doesn't work that way. According to the law, they have to accept both. Either that or pull out.

They must accept them but they're clearly eager to discourage us writing them.

 

[rmhaire]

They must accept them but they're clearly eager to discourage us writing them.

Agreed. But they know that.

Why go to the trouble of classifying them as underwritten when they know they can't.

 

[Fisher]

This part irks me and makes me happy that I have never had a reason to write them--

• You Win: Your business submitted through Lead Doctor counts as underwritten business, which strengthens your position with ABL and ensures better case acceptance rates.

Strengthens my position? Who am I, DonP?

 

[somarco]

According to the law, they have to accept both.

Yup.

Makes you wonder who is advising them?

OTOH, I suppose if they simply refuse to take folks in their IEP it might be kosher . . . but that is not what the post says.

And who is ABL? American Bankers Life? And who is/are the Lead Doctors?

 

[rmhaire]

This part irks me and makes me happy that I have never had a reason to write them--

• You Win: Your business submitted through Lead Doctor counts as underwritten business, which strengthens your position with ABL and ensures better case acceptance rates.

Strengthens my position? Who am I, DonP?

If you were I wouldn't be reading this post.

But don't worry. He should be along soon to tell us what we need to do.

 

[rmhaire]

Yup.

Makes you wonder who is advising them?

OTOH, I suppose if they simply refuse to take folks in their IEP it might be kosher . . . but that is not what the post says.

And who is ABL? American Bankers Life? And who is/are the Lead Doctors?

I assumed it was American Benefit.

 

[Fisher]

Yes, American Benefit Life. This email came today from the New Horizons FMO.

 

[billyb]

In the 90's I wrote Continental Life. It was privately owned by Randall Bascom. He would cancel my contract when I submitted too many T65. After a few months I would get a new writing number. This happened multiple times. He eventually sold to Aetna.