Are you ready to start a rewarding career as a Licensed Medicare Agent? In order to sell Medicare insurance plans, you must first take and pass your state’s health insurance license exam. Don’t worry, this is not as daunting as it sounds and we are here to help you get started. We have detailed the four steps you need to take in order to become a licensed agent.
* Note: First check with your state’s Department of Insurance to review any potential statutes for eligibility and age requirements.
Step 1: Pre-licensing Course:
In order to pass the state license exam, you must study the tested materials. Pre-licensing courses will provide all the materials and information you need to pass your specific State’s license and includes practice tests to help you determine when you are ready to take the test. Most courses are flexible and can be done online, at your own pace. However, the state you reside in will designate the requirements for which courses are approved and how many study hours are required to complete before you can take your test. Since each state has their own exam and pre-licensing course requirements, the best way to find out is by going to your state’s Department of Insurance website or Google to find a list of approved pre-licensing health exam preparation courses for your state.
Step 2: Schedule, Take, and PASS the Exam:
You must pass the Health Insurance License exam in your state before you can obtain a license. Visit your State’s Department of Insurance website for testing center locations to find out where and when you can take the test. Be sure to verify your testing center’s identification and arrival time requirements. Some centers require you to arrive early, and they will turn you away if you don’t have the proper identification or required documents. Schedule your test out far enough to be prepared and after you have completed your pre-license course. Be sure to take plenty of practice exam tests until you are consistently passing them. The Health License exam requires a score of 70% or better to pass.
Step 3: Apply for your License
Once you passed your Health License exam, you are ready to take the next steps to apply and obtain your license. In order to submit your license application to your state’s Department of Insurance, you will need to be fingerprinted at a designated center and submit a sealed fingerprint card with your license application. Your state or pre-license course should give you direction on where to get fingerprinted. Once you have your fingerprints you can submit your license application, proof of your lawful residence in the United States, and application fee to your State’s Department of Insurance. Your State’s requirements may vary and include additional materials not listed here, so double check your Department of Insurance website on any other required documentation.
Step 4: Obtain E&O Insurance
Once you receive your insurance license, you will be required to obtain and maintain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance coverage in order to contract and sell insurance with any company. This is easy to obtain and is liability insurance that protects you from possible negligence or mistakes. You can purchase this online easily. Our agents get a good rate online at Senior Market Sales website.
That’s it! Once you have your license, you are ready to contract and start selling insurance. If you are looking for an industry that is currently booming with enrollments, then check out our post on “Why Sell Medicare?” to see just why you should become a Medicare Agent.
Still have questions about getting licensed or selling Medicare? Please feel free to call and speak with one of our friendly broker managers if you have any Medicare related questions. CONTACT US HERE
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