AETNA - Amazing Underwriting / Horrible Pay.

[somarco]

Chad, to be honest I haven't looked at CI plans in a while but there were things that I discovered in some of the policies.

Most prominent is cancer. Most make a distinction in skin cancer vs. "invasive" cancer but how many policyholder read that?

I had a policyholder (major med) die a few weeks ago from a melanoma that later metastisized. Took 3+ yrs to finally take him out but it got him.

Some policies only pay once and then terminate. Others pay once but won't pay for a repeat occurrence.

Restrictive language for heart attack is another. One carrier (don't recall which one) had a list of things that had to occur including "death of the heart muscle".

Time's CI policy defines heart attack as follows.

A new myocardial infarction resulting in the death of an area of the heart muscle due to insufficient blood
supply to that area. The basis of the Diagnosis must include: typical clinical presentation; serial
measurements of cardiac biomarkers showing a pattern and level consistent with a Heart Attack; and new
electrocardiographic changes consistent with acute myocardial infarction

I am not a doctor but it seems there is some wiggle room there.

My wife went for a physical a few weeks ago under the new Obama rules for a free exam. We are already haggling with UHC over what is free and what is not and this is just a freakin exam.

Time also issues their CI as a rider to a life insurance policy which means the benefits are taxable. Don't recall seeing that anywhere in the literature.

 

[andins]

You have to do whats best for the client. I use Aetna when there are problems. The last thing to consider is what you are being paid. I get more referrals from difficult to place clients who got approved then all else. So yes use Aetna, who cares what you are being paid.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

I use Aetna all of the time. Ouch! Quit smacking me you guys. OK. OK. I won't use them any more.

 

[AllenChicago]

Aetna cut back on the number of policy choices offered in Indiana earlier this year. A few days ago, they announced that they're leaving the state.

In June, Aetna cut back on the number of policy choices offered in Illinois. I hope we're not next on the chopping block. The commissions stink, but Aetna is (in my experience) the lowest priced provider with the most forgiving underwriting in Illinois.
-ac

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Actually, it was more than three months ago. I can't figure out why you and Sti think it was just announced.

In late April, they made it known that all policies will be terminated in December.

 

[somarco]

News organizations recycle old news from time to time. You are right Ed. Aetna did announce this back in May, but I don't recall them saying anything at the time about terminating in force policies.

They have pulled out of other states as well, including KY and CO. Might be others.

The real news is the lie.

"If you like the plan you have now you can keep it".

 

[Dave020]

Wisconsin last year as well

 

[InsuranceAgt]

Allen makes me ashamed to be an insurance agent

I agree; agents with that type of ethical deficit contribute largely to the negative image so many consumers have of agents.

 

[AllenChicago]

Anyone read the E-mail from AETNA today announcing their 2012 pay structure? $3,000 bonus for 10 new applications in the first quarter isn't too shabby!

I have yet to read the fine print however. If this new-improved 2012 comp schedule announcement is on the up-and-up, this could be a big step in the right direction.

It's annoying to have to set up an account for a prospect just to run a quote, but Aetna rates in NE Illinois are great for smokers and those who are overweight.

-Allen

 

[taterpeeler]

Anyone read the E-mail from AETNA today announcing their 2012 pay structure? $3,000 bonus for 10 new applications in the first quarter isn't too shabby!

I have yet to read the fine print however. If this new-improved 2012 comp schedule announcement is on the up-and-up, this could be a big step in the right direction.

It's annoying to have to set up an account for a prospect just to run a quote, but Aetna rates in NE Illinois are great for smokers and those who are overweight.

-Allen

allen, i got that email too.... does anyone know if they bumped commish from 2011? i cant recall the old numbers....