October 15: First Day of AEP!
October 15 – 16: Pre-AEP Contest (Veterans) (Rookies)
October 24: Contest Winners Announced
October 31: Happy Halloween!
November 10: November National Call – Click to Register

This AEP, Let’s Grow Like McDonald’s Used To — But Keep Clients Like Chick-fil-A

Ok, y’all know I’m in Texas — and while we don’t do much fast food, if I had to choose, I’m picking Chick-fil-A over McDonald’s any day.

As we head into Annual Enrollment Season next week, I want to take a moment to wish each of you a successful and fulfilling season. This is the time when all your preparation, dedication, and heart come together. It’s our “Super Bowl,” as Colan would say with his sports analogies (lol), and we couldn’t be prouder of the passion you bring to serving Medicare beneficiaries.

I recently came across an article comparing McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A, and believe it or not, it reminded me of us here at UIG. McDonald’s has tens of thousands of locations, while Chick-fil-A has only around 3,000. Yet Chick-fil-A’s average revenue per store is about $9 million, compared to McDonald’s at roughly $4 million. (Don’t quote me—I’m going off memory!)

So, what’s the difference? McDonald’s focuses on constant promotions to attract new customers, while Chick-fil-A emphasizes retaining and deepening relationships with the ones they already have. Their growth comes from loyalty, not just volume.

That’s a powerful reminder for us as independent Medicare brokers. We work hard to earn our clients’ trust and guide them through important decisions—but that relationship shouldn’t end once the application is signed.

In past AEPs, many of us have focused on bringing in new clients, then waited until Open Enrollment (Jan. 1–Mar. 31) to reconnect with existing ones. While that’s common, it’s more important than ever not to put current clients on the back burner. If they don’t hear from you, they may look elsewhere for support—especially with all the changes coming in 2026!

Even a small touch—a quick email, a friendly call, or letting them know you’ll be available during OEP—shows you care and helps keep that relationship strong. Retention builds stability, referrals, and long-term success, much like Chick-fil-A’s strategy.

So this AEP, let’s do both: continue to grow with new clients and make sure our existing ones feel valued and supported.

Here’s to a fantastic AEP season. Thank you for all you do—and for the heart you bring to this business. Let’s make it one to remember, for both new and loyal clients alike.

Mai-Lee Coddington
Regional Sales Director, SW

Think about a basketball team or a football team on game day. No matter how great they are, they never take the field cold. They stretch, run drills, and build energy before the whistle blows. Why? Because warm-ups create stamina and sharpen performance when it counts.

AEP is less than a month away, and too many agents are treating September like the off-season. The mistake is thinking you can pick up right where you left off on October 15. In reality,  without momentum and strategy built now, you risk starting AEP rusty and unprepared.

The time to warm up is today. Turn your leads back on, start seeing clients, send those postcards and letters, and have the daily conversations that build rhythm. There’s plenty of business that can be written now, from ancillary products like hospital indemnity to life insurance, especially with September being Life Insurance Awareness Month. Do not wait until the season starts to get ready. Build your momentum now and hit AEP at full speed.

Here are a few ways you can take action right away:

• Set a goal for the number of client conversations you will have this week,

• schedule at least one appointment every day,

• review your pipeline for cross-selling opportunities, and

• reach out to past clients who may need a plan review.

These simple steps will sharpen your skills, build your stamina, and put you ahead of the competition so you can dominate this AEP season.

Colan Mouton
Regional Sales Director, NE

This month’s National Call was all about gearing up for the biggest opportunity of the year—AEP! Now is the time to sharpen your focus, lock in your strategy, and get ready to win this season. Success doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when you prepare with purpose.

Ask yourself the questions below, and if you need an extra push or support along the way, your DSM or RD is ready to back you up. Let’s make this AEP your best one yet!

✅ Is your game plan locked and ready to go?
✅ Have you reached out to your clients with letters or postcards to stay top of mind?
✅ Are your sales kits fully stocked and ready to close deals?
✅ Do you know the plan exits and flips in your area so you’re ahead of the curve?
✅ Have you turned your leads back on and opened the pipeline?
✅ Are your personal affairs in order so you can give 100% this season?

And don’t forget—we’ve got two contests running this AEP: one for our seasoned veteran agents and one for our rookies just starting out. Click below for all the details and get ready to compete!

Pre-AEP Contest – Veterans
Pre-AEP Contest – Rookies

October 6:  National Call – Click to Register
October 6: SunfireTraining(Right After the National Call)
October 1 – 14: Pre-AEP
October 15 – 16: Pre-AEP Contest (Veterans) (Rookies)
October 15 – December 7: AEP Season

During our August national call, we heard from Dylan Howard, Advance Diabetes Supply Company. Dylan shared some very valuable information with us on how to get your client’s supplies covered and shipped to their door.  Check out the info below from Dylan! And, as always, please connect with your DSM for additional details.  

How to Get the Most Out of ADS – Starting Now

1. Ask every new enrollee: “Do you test your blood sugar at home?”
2. Review recent enrollments: Look back 3–6 months for diabetic clients ADS can support immediately.
3. Refer quickly: Use my secure, encrypted [Refer a Client Link] to send client contact info.
4. Prep your client: Let them know ADS will call within a few days from 760-827-6243, saying: “Your agent asked me to give you a call.”

That’s it!
My team handles everything—prescriptions, insurance, prior authorizations—so your client’s supplies are covered and shipped right to their door.

Call, text, or email me with questions. I’m here to help you serve clients better and grow your book of business faster.

ADS Flyer for Agents 
ADS Territory Map

Dylan Howard
Account Executive – Medicare Advantage
📞 760-525-6498 | ✉️ [email protected]

This past Monday’s national training call was packed with valuable insights to help you stay ahead as we enter the busiest season of the year.

We were joined by Dylan from Advanced Diabetes Supply, who shared how partnering with their organization can both support your diabetic clients and boost your retention efforts. I can personally vouch for their value — I partnered with them for over a decade while actively writing business, and still do on occasion. Check out the Spotlight section below, along with the Territory Map and Agent Flyer links for details.

We also emphasized the importance of taking ownership of your business and being a student of the industry. As 1099 independent agents, your success is directly tied to your preparation. While our field trainers, DSMs, RDs, and Sales Support team are here to help, the real momentum starts with you.

Key reminders:

• Complete your carrier certifications now to take advantage of pre-AEP ordering — don’t wait until the last minute.
• Attend local carrier rollout meetings yourself to get firsthand updates.
• Use carrier portals and tools now, so you’re not learning under pressure later.
• Connect with field trainers and DSMs to align your market strategies.

We also reintroduced the UIG Client Letter Template — a great way to start reconnecting with your book of business. Reach out to Colan or me to get a copy and start your outreach today. AEP is right around the corner, and early preparation means stronger results.

Lastly, stay tuned for details on our exciting Pre-AEP Incentive coming soon!

Let’s stay focused, proactive, and prepared. With the plan disruptions this year, the opportunity is massive — let’s go after it!

During our July national call, we heard from Dan Memory from Aetna SSI. Dan shared some very valuable product training with us! Check out the information below! And, as always, please connect with your DSM for additional details.  

Product Training

Current Product Availability Chart 
Hospital Indemnity Flex

• Issue ages 18-89
• Guaranteed acceptance for ages 64 ½ to 67 (not available in CA, ID, NM, UT)
• Pays indemnity benefits of up to:
  • $4,000 hospital admission
  • $1,000/day daily hospital
  • $500/day optional daily skilled nursing facility care
  • $100/visit optional doctor’s office visit
  • $3,000 optional outpatient surgical procedure
  • $600/visit optional hospital emergency room visit or ambulance service
  • $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 optional lump sum cancer
  • $250/visit optional outpatient rehabilitation
• Pays benefits directly to the insured unless assigned to provider

Recovery Care

• Issue ages 50-89
• Pays indemnity benefits of up to:
  • $400 daily nursing facility including assisted living and bed reservation
  • $400 daily hospital
  • $1200 weekly optional home care rider
• Pays benefits directly to the insured unless assigned to provider

Dental, Vision, and Hearing Flex (all options)

• Issue ages 18-89 
• For individuals, couples and families
• Guaranteed acceptance
• Freedom to choose both in or out of network providers
• No waiting period for dental services 
• Preventive services covered at 100%
• 15% multiple policy discount available

Three distinct options to choose from, with varying prices, benefits and coverage amounts. 

Final Expense Whole Life (ACC) 

• Issue ages 40-89
• Level or Modified death benefits*
• Face amounts: $2,000 – $50,000**
• Riders available for Level plan only: Accelerated death, Accidental death,
• Children’s term
• Simplified yes/no application • Super preferred rate available
• Billing can match Social Security deposit date

*Plans may vary by state.

** Maximum amount varies by applicant age at policy issue

Imagine sitting around a fire pit, hotel bar or restaurant with some of the top producing agents from across the country. People who have been exactly where you are now. You are swapping stories, learning what works for them, sharing what has worked for you, and getting inspired in ways you didn’t expect. That is the kind of magic that happens at our annual Sales Kickoff Conference, and it’s why I’m urging you to register and attend this August in Los Angeles.

These events truly are life changing. The sessions are always great, but so are the side conversations. I have always learned just as much, and in some cases more, between sessions than during them, simply by being around the right people at the right time. One small tweak I personally picked up at a conference years ago completely changed my business. The meeting had just wrapped up in The Woodlands, TX and many of us were sitting at the hotel’s firepit chatting and I mentioned how I struggled with getting banking information from clients. I was surprised at how willing each person was to help, but one very simple tip connected the dots for me and that small adjustment added thousands to my income. Honestly, had I not learned it at that time, I am not sure if I would have made it in this business.

Throughout my career, I have been to more of these conferences than I can count. However, what remains consistent is that every time I leave, I am fired up and ready to get back to work with renewed energy. That kind of momentum is hard to find and easy to lose. But these events always help me get it back.

UIG covers your hotel and meals. All you have to do is get there, so make the investment in yourself; it is indeed worth it. I look forward to seeing you in LA.