We’ve passed the halfway mark for AEP and enrollment data is rolling in from over 8,000 Spark agents nationwide, showing how agents and beneficiaries are navigating this year’s disruptions. Here are our key findings. 

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Top 10% of brokers have written 166+ apps this AEP 

Our data shows that the top-performing agents have pushed past 100 apps by this point. The top 10% of brokers have written an average of 166 apps, while the top 25% are at 106.

Agents are expanding their books — the top field agents who have been with Spark for more than one AEP are growing 45% year over year.  

What’s driving the increase? Overall shopping has increased due to the significant number of disruptions this year, leading to canceled plans and cost increases. At the same time, new Spark tools like our AI Assistant and Plan Cheatsheets help agents efficiently serve existing clients, freeing up more time for them to connect with new clients. 

Agent takeaways: How does your performance compare? If you’re ahead, keep up the momentum. For those who are behind, it’s not too late to catch up. 

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The scale of disruption we’re experiencing this year means many beneficiaries are still exploring their options. Here are the top shopping trends we’re seeing to help your upcoming client meetings.  

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75% of beneficiaries we analyzed saw cost increases this year

Beneficiaries are experiencing a wide range of disruptions this year, from rising costs to canceled plans. They vary by carrier, with cost increases impacting < 5 % of beneficiaries for one Big 6 carrier to over 50% for another. Plan cancellations also fluctuate across carriers.

Agent takeaways:

• Stay informed about the changes to carrier plans this year and how beneficiaries may be impacted. Clients will want help with a wide range of concerns, from cost increases and cancellations. Be sure to tailor your recommendations according to their needs. All agents can use Plan Cheatsheets to help clients compare plan benefits in their areas.  

• Spark agents, don't forget to check your contact action items in Spark to quickly see which of your clients are experiencing plan disruptions.

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C-SNP applications are already up 69% from last AEP 

As predicted, C-SNPs are the fastest-growing Medicare Advantage plan. The increase is due to more C-SNPs being available and more conditions being covered under these plans. Across Spark’s agents, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Devoted Health have the most C-SNP applications so far.

Agent takeaway: Increase in the number of C-SNP plans and covered conditions means there will be more year-round opportunities for enrollments. Stay up-to-date on chronic condition qualifications, SSBCI items, and carrier verification processes. 

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Plan changes are shifting carrier selections  

With so many beneficiaries switching to C-SNPs, we’re seeing a high volume of carrier switches this year. 

While many carriers increased cost-sharing and cut benefits, Humana largely maintained its benefits in its plans. As a result, Humana is on track to have the most enrollments this AEP. 

With national plans significantly scaling back this year, regional plans are taking more market share.

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Approaching AEP's second half

Market changes and carrier disruptions produce new challenges, but ambitious brokers will recognize this as a time brimming with opportunity. Help your community navigate these changes, and you’ll continue to build deep trust and long-term relationships with beneficiaries. 

Whether you’re a Spark partner or a member of the larger broker community, our team is here to support you every step of the way. 

• Join our AEP Halftime Strategies webinar tomorrow, November 13, where experienced Medicare leaders will share their proven strategies to keep your pipeline moving, maintain client relationships, and finish the season strong without burning out. 
• Independent Medicare Network is another great resource for getting advice from other brokers and industry experts. It's a Facebook community with over 1,000 agents dedicated to sharing advice and resources to help one another grow. 

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Follow Spark on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for more industry advice and success stories from top agents and principals.

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