AEP Preparation: Practical Tips from Insurance Business Babes

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the busiest and most critical time for Medicare agents, and on this episode of the Insurance Business Babes podcast, hosts Kathe Kline and Joanna Wyckoff dove into actionable strategies crowdsourced from the Medicare Mentors Media Facebook group. Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned pro, this is your checklist to survive—and thrive—this AEP.

Virtual Preparedness: Have a Backup Plan

As more agents work fully remote, being prepared for tech issues is essential. Kathe and Joanna discuss the importance of having a plan if your WiFi or power goes out. Options like portable hotspots, coworking spaces, or local libraries with private rooms can keep you up and running. Make a list of nearby locations with reliable internet, and test your headset for noise-canceling capabilities so you can perform your best anywhere.

Prioritize Self-Care and Delegation

AEP is marathon, not a sprint. Lack of sleep and working excessive hours can lead straight to burnout—and even the ER, as Joanna shared from personal experience. The solution? Get serious about self-care: prioritize sleep, take your vitamins, and if you’re buried in admin work, consider hiring virtual assistants or staff to take tasks off your plate. Focus your energy on income-producing activities.

Optimize Your Systems

Organization is your ally during AEP. The hosts stress the power of calendars and CRMs (Customer Relationship Management tools) for scheduling, automating client reminders, and tracking every touchpoint. Even a simple spreadsheet trumps post-it notes! Automate as much as possible—whether it’s collecting scopes of appointment or automating thank-you cards via mail merge services.

Prep Early: Car, Office, Meals, and Mindset

The little stuff matters. Get your car serviced, meal-prep or freeze proteins in advance, and make time for doctor visits or CE credits before the madness begins. Keep a well-organized office and tab carrier site links and compliance documents for easy access. And remember, don’t compare your progress to large agencies—focus on your own wins.

Final Thoughts

AEP doesn’t have to be chaos. With these preparation tips—pulled directly from top agents in the field—you can serve clients efficiently, maintain your sanity, and even grow your book of business. For more agent-tested resources, join the Medicare Mentors Media Facebook group and don’t miss the next episode!

This episode is sponsored by ⁠CertifiedMedicareAgents.com⁠. Use the coupon code BABES2024 for a free lifetime BRONZE membership.