The Hoopis Performance Network has formed alliances with industry organizations that complement our existing resources, products and services. Strategic Partners Leverage Our Strategic Partners to Increase Performance & Productivity The Hoopis Performance Network has formed alliances with industry organizations that complement our existing resources, products and services. Harry Hoopis and his team field tested the tools and resources within his very own “Living Laboratory.” Over 850 financial services companies in more than 70 countries around the world turn to LIMRA first to help them build their businesses and improve their performance. These members rely on our 90 years of industry experience, along with resources in Research, Consulting, Assessment, Development, Compliance and Regulatory Services. Visit Website Why choose us, our clients choose to work with rekroot because of our integrity and effectiveness, through innovative ways to serve as your resource for achieving growth goals. Our mission, what this means to you is, we invest the time to listen and understand, by reviewing your current progress, in line with where you want to be as an office and team. What we do, the real benefit is we will provide a personalized comprehensive analysis that aligns with your goals, values and objectives with actionable items. Visit Website Through our millions of profiles of people for over 3,500 organizations, we have developed highly sophisticated ways to measure these success factors using a variety of proprietary normative profiles. SMG is a leader in talent management solutions, partnering with clients worldwide to help them attract, select, retain, and develop top potential employees. Now the largest sales profiling company in the world, our online system is available 24/7, 365 days a year in 45 countries and in over 40 languages. Our Predictor of Potential (POP™) is a definitive example of our innovative and science-based approach. The POP™ has been thoroughly validated regularly since its creation in 1978 – and we are always improving upon it. The POP™ has become the basis for our other proprietary profiles. Visit Website 25 Point System’s software platform for on-boarding and developing new advisors helps managers attract, retain and grow a digital-age field force by integrating innovative activity management concepts and skill development tools, in an environment that inspires self-management and accountability. Modeled after 25 Point Systems under John Baier’s industry-renowned 25-Point System. 25 Point Systems includes engaging features like leaderboards and a team-based social media feed. Built-in skill development tools introduce micro-learning content, and provide an interface that enables a producer to record scripts and selling techniques, submit to their trainer, manager or mentor, and gain feedback any time of day. At its core, the concept is built on game-like levels, allowing assignments, skill development and production goals to be set for each producer, and utilized as the criteria for incentives, rewards, and advancement opportunity. Visit Website RAD Potential Advisory delivers evidence-based hiring and coaching solutions tailored for sales-driven organizations. By leveraging data analytics, predictive assessments, and targeted development programs, we help clients make smarter talent decisions and build stronger teams. Trusted by businesses across industries, RAD transforms raw data into actionable insight. Visit Website Leadercast is a leadership development organization that hosts events, including the renowned Leadercast Live conference, which features top leaders from various industries. They provide valuable insights, resources, and tools to help individuals and organizations develop and enhance their leadership skills. Through in-person and digital content, Leadercast empowers leaders to unlock their potential and drive success. Their mission is to create leaders worth following who can inspire and elevate those around them. Visit Website InsuranceNewsNet (INN) is the insurance industry’s #1 trusted news source! For cutting-edge insights and innovative strategies, turn to INN—the go-to platform for financial professionals seeking the latest news and resources to fuel success. We deliver timely updates, expert analysis, and actionable content that empowers agents, advisors, and firms to stay ahead of the competition. With award-winning journalism, cutting-edge digital tools, and results-driven marketing solutions, we help our partners grow their businesses and maximize their impact. Our readers save time by accessing all the critical content they need in one place—InsuranceNewsNet.com—without having to sift through multiple publications or news outlets. Visit Website Life Happens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Americans take personal financial responsibility through the ownership of life insurance and related products, including disability and long-term care insurance. Life Happens also seeks to remind people of the important role insurance professionals perform in helping families, businesses, and individuals find the insurance products that best fit their needs. Life Happens does not endorse any product, company or insurance advisor. Its only interest is seeing that consumers get the coverage they need to protect themselves and their loved ones. Visit Website Moody’s Learning Solutions For over 40 years Moody’s has set the industry benchmark in financial services education, elevating the skills of banking and lending professionals worldwide. Harnessing its risk management expertise and insights into banking and finance best practices, Moody’s is the training partner of choice for financial institutions seeking to build a competitive and risk-aware workforce. Visit Website

Principal, Intelead Alexis Gladstone Principal, Intelead Alexis Gladstone is the founder of Intelead. Through consulting, training, speaking, and executive coaching, she works with clients in the areas of leadership, sales, and organizational change to maximize individual and company results. Alexis has worked across industries from financial services to oil & gas, and everything in between. While the leadership problems most businesses face are the same, she believes the solutions are unique to its culture. She uses her ability to quickly learn about the business and pull on her experiences to recommend appropriate, custom solutions. Her passion is helping women succeed. She works with women individually through coaching and mentoring, and with organizations and leaders who want to recruit, retain, develop and champion women. Alexis has presented and trained on leadership at both public companies and not-for-profit organizations including Bank of America, Bankers Life, The YWCA of Chicago, Heartland Alliance, DePaul University and Northwestern University Alumni. Internationally she has been honored to present to business and government leaders in Harbin China, and to a number of financial organizations in Melbourne Australia. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

BenchBuilder™ was developed from LIMRA’s extensive leadership and management research as well as the Hoopis Performance Network’s field-tested systems & best practices. Giving Advisors an Opportunity to “Test Drive” a Career in Leadership How Do You and Your Organization Identify Sale Management Potential? BenchBuilder™ was developed from LIMRA’s extensive leadership and management research as well as the Hoopis Performance Network’s field-tested systems & best practices. The curriculum allows sales reps and their sponsoring managers to collaborate on 16 management activities designed to provide a better understanding of a manager’s role. The purpose is to help both the organization and the management candidate determine whether a role in leadership is a fit. What Are You Doing To Build Your Bench Strength With the Next Generation of Leaders? Systematic Process for Management Development and Succession Planning With an increasingly aging sales manager population within financial services, there’s a huge opportunity to identify and develop sales reps who have leadership potential. It also helps an organization do their best to create a pipeline for organic growth, most have struggled to develop a systematic management development process. Too many organizations bring successful sales reps into a management role too soon. Just because someone is a successful producer, doesn’t mean they will be a successful manager. Manager turnover is even more costly than sales rep turnover because now you’ve lost not only a manager but also a good producer. Field Leadership Profile Feedback Report (sample) Recognize the importance of identifying, assessing, and developing successful leaders for the future of your organization! Download Sample How It Works The Field Leadership Profile uses multiple-choice questions to collect information about candidates’ past experiences, personal characteristics, and work judgment. Building on our new examination of field leadership competencies, each feedback report provides summary and detailed information for three key areas. You will learn candidates’: Expected performance on key field leader tasks Likely personal leadership impact Strengths and developmental needs on core leader competencies Each Feedback Report Also Includes: Interview questions for exploring candidates’ problem solving and business ethics Candidate selection summary page Customized development plan worksheet The Field Leadership Profile is available through LIMRA’s Web-based selection system that makes candidate selection effective, efficient, and timely. Test results are instantly computed and reports are available to your managers. The reporting system allows key people at your company to monitor and analyze test results. The Situation Field leaders play a pivotal role in your company’s profitability. It is critical to choose the right individuals for sales management positions: When leaders fail, production suffers, turnover climbs, and the bottom line takes a hit. How We Can Help You The Field Leadership Profile is a comprehensive assessment that helps you identify and develop successful sales leaders. It helps your organization focus on crucial facets of leadership candidates. The Field Leadership Profile BenchBuilder is designed to help organizations determine which of their sales reps should step into a management role. BenchBuilder provides a systematic, structured process to determine which path is best for a candidate: Sales or Management. Not everyone who completes BenchBuilder will move directly into a management role. Having BenchBuilder graduates on deck provides for a smoother transition in management succession planning. Systematic Process for Management Development and Succession Planning Learn How Building Bench Strength Works Go to How it Works Giving Advisors an Opportunity to “Test Drive” a Career in Leadership

Course Catalog Go Back to Main Catalog Page Advanced Planning 101 Advanced Planning 201 Advanced Planning 301 Business Exit Planning Fundamentals Business Ext Planning Obstacles & Mistakes Business Planning LIFE Foundation's Real Life Stories: Advanced Planning Series I LIFE Foundation's Real Life Stories: Advanced Planning Series II Life Happens: Real Life Stories - Business Planning Newest Advanced Planning Videos Special Needs Planning The Business Exit Planning Process Advanced Planning Disability Insurance 101 Disability Insurance 201 Disability Insurance 301 LIFE Foundation's Real Life Stories: Disability Insurance Series I LIFE Foundation's Real Life Stories: Disability Insurance Series II Life Happens: Real Life Videos - Disability Insurance Newest Disability Insurance Videos Special Needs Planning Disability Insurance Insurance Basics Investment Basics Financial Concepts Building Conviction for Life Insurance Business Planning Basics Factfinding for Life Insurance LIFE Foundation's Real Life Stories: Life Insurance Series I LIFE Foundation's Real Life Stories: Life Insurance Series II Life Happens: Real Life Stories - Life Insurance Life Insurance 101 Life Insurance 201 Life Insurance 301 Life Insurance 401 Life Insurance 501 (Advanced Planning 101) Life Insurance PRO Newest Life Insurance Videos Permanent Life Insurance Sales Concepts Special Needs Planning Life Insurance Developing a Long-Term Care Plan LIFE Foundation Real Life Stories: Long Term Care Insurance Life Happens: Real Life Stories - Long-Term Care Insurance Long Term Care and Planning for Retirement Long Term Care Insurance 101 Long Term Care Insurance 201 Long Term Care Insurance 301 Long Term Care Insurance 401 Long Term Care: Consultative Engagement Long Term Care: Solving a Problem vs. Selling a Product Newest Long Term Care Videos Special Needs Planning Long Term Care Insurance Multiline Basic Multiline Intermediate Multiline Log in now to view this course Perspectives: Product Knowledge Annuities 101 Annuities 201 Newest Retirement Planning Videos Prospecting for Retirement Retirement Planning 101 Retirement Planning 201 Retirement Planning 301 Retirement Planning 401 Retirement Planning 501 Social Security 101 Special Needs Planning Retirement Planning Learning Paths (beta) Sales Skills Marketing Product Knowledge Practice Management Motivation Classroom Training Coaching Resources Menu Close Try It Free for 14 Days Get full access to the platform—risk-free. No credit card. No commitment. Just results. Start building your advisor bench today. Start Your FREE Trial

Best Selling Author, Performance Coach Jason Selk Best Selling Author, Performance Coach While serving as the Director of Mental Training for the St Louis Cardinals, Dr. Jason Selk helped the team win their first World Series in over 20 years, and in 2011 he assisted the Cardinals in the historic feat of winning their second World Championship in a six year period. Dr. Selk is a regular contributor to Forbes, INC, Success, Shape, and Self Magazine; ABC, CBS, ESPN, and NBC radio and television; and has been featured in USA Today, CNBC, and Men’s Health. Dr Selk’s second book, Executive Toughness, is a best-selling business book and his first book, 10-Minute Toughness, is on pace to be one of the best-selling sport psychology books of all time. Dr. Selk is considered to be one of the premier performance coaches in the United States. He helps numerous well- known professional and Olympic athletes as well as Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 executives and organizations develop the mental toughness necessary for high-level success. Dr. Selk utilizes his in-depth knowledge and experience of working with the world’s finest athletes, coaches and business leaders to help individuals and organizations outperform their competition. Dr. Selk works with such clients as professional athletes in the NFL, NHL, NBA, PGA, LPGA, MLB and NASCAR. In addition, he works with such business clients as UBS Financial, Edward Jones, Wells Fargo, Northwestern Mutual and Enterprise Holdings, to name a few. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Stress Physiologist, Keynote speaker, CEO/Founder Fear(less) Rebecca Heiss PhD Stress Physiologist, Keynote speaker, CEO/Founder Fear(less) I'm committed to being a PR agent for stress...Because let's face it, stress isn't going anywhere, and it's my biggest frustration to watch people try to "get rid of it!" when the alternative, TRANSFORMING the energy of stress, empowers us all to reach our highest potential. As an expert in stress, leadership & performance, I work with people to transform their fears into fuel, powering people forward through change and stress. Keynotes Topics Address: Fear(less) Leadership •Stress/Fear & Change Management Confidence in Leadership Women in Leadership DEI Fear(less) leadership makes room for more. More productivity, engagement, purpose, and AWE. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Coaching, Consulting and Author Sabine Robinson CLU, M.S. Coaching, Consulting and Author As a Development Specialist for the financial services industry, Sabine Robinson, CLU has coached hundreds of new agents and advisors since she started her financial services career in 1988. She spent 12 years with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network before launching her own coaching and consulting business in July 2000. Sabine focuses primarily on the development of new agents and advisors with less than 5 years of industry experience. She believes that helping this group build solid activity habits early in their career will have maximum impact on long-term retention. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Business Development Coach, Recognized Industry Advocate Kim Skermer Business Development Coach, Recognized Industry Advocate Kim's approach to coaching incorporates a unique Athletic and Sr. Leadership perspective, drawing on over two decades of experience which has taken her to World stages. Her methods have been tried and tested, proving effective for the individuals she champions. With a background in mentoring, training small business teams, facilitating seminars, and accumulating over 26,000 professional coaching hours, Kim has become an expert in guiding ambitious individuals to reach their peak performance. Kim encourages her clients to "Find the I" and "Find the Calm." Just like an athlete searching for their inner strength and focus, individuals are urged to look inward, discover their true selves, and determine their genuine desires. Kim believes that by diving into the "I" of the storm, individuals can find the calm that will propel them beyond the plateaus experienced by every high-achiever. Kim's coaching philosophy challenges the conventional notion of success, urging clients to stop conforming to a single path and instead carve out their own journey. Tuning out external noise and opinions, individuals are encouraged to find direction from within, unlocking their true potential. The core principles of Kim's coaching philosophy are encapsulated in the mantra: "Create in wonderment, Align with structure, Lead with wisdom, and Master your authority." These principles form the foundation of all pillars within RST Private Planning Group, reflecting Kim's holistic and athletic approach to coaching for sustained success. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker

Next Item Previous Item Go back to White Papers List The rising cost of health care in the United States has become a worrisome risk to a financially-secure retirement. With that in mind, it’s important to understand the various components of Medicare, the federal government program that provides health insurance to most Americans age 65 and older. For Americans 65 and older, any conversation about health care must include Medicare. Your eligibility for this program at age 65 means that your health insurance will likely become more affordable, and you won’t be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. It’s important to understand what happens with regard to Medicare when you retire and how you can obtain the best and most cost-effective coverage. This white paper covers some important aspects of the Medicare program. What Is Medicare? The original Medicare and Medicaid programs were signed into law at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, by President Lyndon Johnson on July 30, 1965, with former President Harry Truman looking on. In 1945, President Truman was the first sitting president to endorse national health insurance. The original Medicare legislation (Title XVIII) extended health-care coverage to almost all Americans age 65 or older. On July 1, 1966, when Medicare was implemented, more than 19 million Americans initially enrolled in the program. About 48 million Americans age 65 and older are now enrolled in Medicare, as well as another 9 million or so younger people with disabilities. Subsequent legislation has made a number of changes to the program since 1965. How Is Medicare Financed? There are 3 primary sources of Medicare funding: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance): Medicare Part A is financed largely through a 2.9% payroll tax paid by employees and their employers (1.45% each). That amount increases to 2.35% on earnings over $200,000 single/$250,000 married, employees only), which goes into the Part A Trust Fund that helps pay the eligible hospital expenses of Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Part B (medical insurance): Medicare Part B, which helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient care, and home health care, is paid for primarily by general government revenues, with Medicare beneficiary premiums accounting for about 25% of the Part B financing. Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage): Medicare Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, is also paid for primarily though general government revenues. Some state payments and beneficiary premiums finance the balance. Who Is Eligible for Medicare? Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is provided at no cost to U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States who meet certain eligibility requirements. Anyone enrolled in Medicare Part A can, on an optional basis, enroll in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) by paying a monthly premium. Medicare beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay higher Part B premiums. Age 65 or older: Beginning at age 65, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years (40 quarters) in Medicare-covered employment and you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You do not need to be receiving Social Security retirement benefits to qualify for Medicare at age 65. At any age: A citizen or permanent resident of the United States who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can get Medicare at any age. In addition, regardless of age, someone who has been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or who receives a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meets certain conditions is eligible for Medicare. Finally, someone with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) will automatically receive Medicare the month Social Security disability benefits begin. If you are not certain about your eligibility for Medicare, you can call the Social Security Administration tollfree at 800-772-1213 or visit the official government website for Medicare. What Medicare Does Not Cover It’s important to know what Medicare does not cover so you can avoid surprises. Teeth, eyes, and ears. Generally speaking, Original Medicare does not cover dental work and routine vision or hearing care. This means it does not cover dentures, which can run anywhere from about $1,000 to more than $5,000 for a complete set. A single tooth implant cost close to $4,000. However, if a dental condition involves an emergency or complicated procedure, it could be covered. Routine vision checks are generally not covered. But if you have an eye condition like glaucoma or cataracts, basic Medicare will cover your care. If you decide to go with an Advantage Plan, there’s a good chance dental and vision will be included. However, it will likely be limited. Medical care outside the United States. If you plan to travel the world after your turn 65, you need to know that basic Medicare generally does not cover care you receive outside the United States. If you choose an Advantage Plan, emergencies are often covered worldwide. However, routine care received overseas might not be. In this situation, you can look into travel-medical policies specifically targeted at the 65-and-over crowd. Depending on the specifics of the coverage and your age, these policies can cost about $175 or more per month. Long-term care. In general, Medicare does not cover long-term care. There are insurance policies that cover it, although they can be pricey. And the older you are, the more they cost. On average, an American turning 65 today will spend $138,000 in future long-term-care costs, according to a 2017 Bipartisan Policy Center report. Long-term care includes things like daily help with bathing and eating. Enrolling in Medicare at Age 65 There are 2 ways in which you can enroll in Medicare at age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits: If you’re already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare at age 65. You should receive a package of Medicare information, together with your Medicare card, in the mail. If you don’t receive the package by your 65th birthday, contact the Social Security Administration toll-free at 800-772-1213. If you are not yet receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits: If you’ll be turning age 65 in a few months and are not yet receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits because, for example, you’ve decided to delay retirement, you need to call or visit your local Social Security office to enroll in Medicare. You can also enroll in Medicare online. You can enroll in Medicare at age 65, even if you don’t plan to retire at age 65. The recommendation is that you contact your local Social Security office or enroll online about 3 months before your 65th birthday. Medicare Part B You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. But because you have to pay a premium for Medicare Part B, you have the option of turning it down. If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, you can enroll later during a “general enrollment period” from January 1 through March 31 of each year, with your coverage then beginning the following July. Be aware that your monthly premium could increase 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible for, but did not enroll in, Medicare Part B. Medicare Coverage Options Medicare provides you with choices on how to receive your Medicare benefits. You can choose to receive your Medicare benefits either through Original Medicare or through a Medicare Advantage plan: Original Medicare (Parts A and B): Original Medicare is operated by the federal government and consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). With Original Medicare, you choose your doctors, hospitals, and other health-care providers. Most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while employed. Part B is optional because it does require payment of a monthly premium. Most people enrolled in Part B will pay a premium of $135.50 per month in 2019. Higher-income Medicare beneficiaries will pay more.You have the option to enroll in Part D – Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. It’s run by private insurance companies and helps cover the cost of your prescription drugs. Because there are gaps in the coverage provided by Parts A and B, you also have the option to purchase a Medicare Supplement or “Medigap” insurance policy, also sold by private insurance companies, to help fill those gaps. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are generally HMO or PPO plans, although private fee-for-service plans are also available and are run by private insurance companies that are approved by and under contract with Medicare.You can choose to receive your Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan if you elect both Medicare Parts A and B. The Medicare Advantage plan will then provide other benefits covered by Parts A and B, with the exception of hospice care. The plan might provide additional benefits that aren’t otherwise covered by OriginalMedicare, such as prescription drug coverage. Unlike Original Medicare, though, Medicare Advantage plans usually require that you either use plan doctors, hospitals, and other health-care providers or pay more for the services you receive.With a Medicare Advantage plan, you do not need to, and cannot, purchase a supplemental Medigap insurance policy. Medicare Advantage plans, however, may have a monthly premium you must pay, in addition to the Medicare Part B premium. You might also be charged a copayment amount for covered services you use. Initial Enrollment Periods When you initially enroll in Medicare, you’ll need to choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Your initial enrollment period is the 7-month period that begins three months before you turn age 65, includes the month you turn age 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn age 65. If you decide to enroll in Original Medicare, you’ll then need to decide if you want to purchase a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and/or a Medigap policy. Annual Enrollment Periods While your initial choice of Medicare options is an important decision, it is not an irrevocable decision. Each year, you’ll have these opportunities to change your Medicare coverage: Open enrollment period: You can make the following changes during the annual open enrollment period (between October 15 and December 7), with the new coverage taking effect on January 1 of the next year: 1) An individual covered by Original Medicare can switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan. 2) An individual with Original Medicare can add or switch Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and/or Medigap insurance policies. There might be medical underwriting requirements. 3) An individual with a Medicare Advantage Plan can switch between Medicare Advantage Plans or drop Medicare Advantage, switch to Original Medicare, and add Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and/or Medigap insurance coverage. Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (January 1–February 14): An individual enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can switch to Original Medicare and can also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Coverage begins on the 1st day of the month after the plan office receives your enrollment form. There is no right to buy a Medigap plan without satisfying medical underwriting requirements. General Medicare Part B Enrollment Period (January 1-March 31): An individual who did not enroll in Medicare Part B when first eligible can sign up from January 1 through March 31 of each year, with the coverage taking effect on July 1 of that year. If you didn’t sign-up for Part B when you were initially eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. Your Part B premium may increase 10 percent for each 12-month period that you could have had Part B coverage but didn’t sign up for it. Special enrollment period: There are situations for which you may not need to enroll in Medicare Part B when you first become eligible. For example, you or your spouse might still be working and covered by a group health plan, meaning that you don’t need Part B coverage. In this instance, you can enroll in Part B without a late enrollment penalty at the following times: Anytime while you have group health coverage based on current employment. During the 8-month period that begins the month after the employment ends or the group health plan coverage ends, whichever happens first. If you have COBRA coverage, you must enroll in Part B during the eight-month period beginning the month after the employment ends. If you enroll in Part B during a special enrollment period, you then have a 6-month Medigap open enrollment period, which gives you a guaranteed right to purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy. Caution: If you receive health-care coverage, including prescription drug coverage, from a current or former employer, union, or other source, you should contact the benefits administrator before dropping any of your current coverage and/or enrolling in any of the Medicare coverage options. It is important that you understand how your insurance works with Medicare before making any changes. If You Need Help Paying Your Premiums If you cannot afford to pay your Medicare premiums and other health-care costs, there are federal and state programs available for people with limited income and resources. Here are some examples. Medicare savings programs: States have programs that pay Medicare premiums and, in some cases, might also pay Medicare Part A and B deductibles and co-insurance amounts. To qualify for a Medicare savings program, you must have Medicare Part A and meet specific state requirements with regard to your income and financial resources. To find out if you qualify, call or visit your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office or call Medicare at 800-633-4227. Ask about getting help to pay your Medicare premiums. Extra help paying for Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage): You automatically qualify to receive extra help paying for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage if you (1) have full Medicaid coverage, (2) belong to a Medicare savings program, or (3) receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. You may qualify for the Medicare low-income subsidy (LIS) to help pay prescription drug costs if your annual income and your financial resources are below specified limits. For more information, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or Medicare at 800-633-4227. Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps pay medical costs if you have limited income and financial resources and meet other eligibility requirements. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (and are therefore called “dual eligibles”). Medicaid requirements vary from state to state. Contact your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office for more information and to see if you qualify. State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPARs): Some states have SPARs that help certain people pay for prescription drugs based on criteria such as financial need, age, or medical condition. Each SPAR has its own rules and helps in different ways. To find out about a SPAR in your state, call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Online Resources There are so many pieces and parts to Medicare that it can get confusing. We don’t have room here to cover all the details. Please visit www.medicare.gov , the official U.S. government website for Medicare. It is a comprehensive, easy-to-use online resource that allows you to accomplish the following: Check your Medicare eligibility. Review what Medicare covers. Compare Medicare health plans, prescription drug plans, and Medigap plans in your area, including how much they cost and the services they provide. Locate helpful phone numbers and websites, such as for your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Learn about your Medicare rights and how to file a Medicare appeal. Download many helpful Medicare-related publications. Medicare also provides a secure online service for accessing your personal Medicare information, located at www.MyMedicare.gov . After registering on the site, you’ll be able to do the following: Complete a questionnaire that will enable Medicare to process your bills correctly. Track your health-care claims. Request a replacement Medicare card. Check your Medicare Part B deductible status. Track the preventive services you can receive. Find information about your current Medicare health and/or prescription drug plan or search for a new one. Facts About Retirement and Medicare

Principal of Korsgaden International Troy Korsgaden Principal of Korsgaden International Troy Korsgaden is a highly sought-after insurance and financial services consultant. He is the principal of Korsgaden International, which specializes in global marketing, distribution, agency building and technology strategies for many of the world’s largest insurance carriers and financial services companies. As a consultant, speaker, and author of six books, Korsgaden’s mission is to help the insurance industry and its representatives wake up to the radical transformation taking place in the insurance industry. He helps those in the industry learn how to better communicate with consumers, so that consumers develop a higher appreciation for the value of insurance products. In his career, which spans over three decades, Korsgaden has instructed and spoken with hundreds of thousands of executives, agents, brokers, and staff members. A widely respected expert on the seamless distribution ecosystem. Korsgaden trains corporate insurance and financial services leaders on customer service, change management, technology, and transformational work, among many other key topics. Previous Speaker Go back to Speaker Network Next Speaker