Best Way to Become an Agent & Is It Worth It

Your background as an adjuster and your advanced degrees provide a solid foundation for this transition. Given your goal of earning $2,000 monthly working part-time in supplemental medical insurance, here's a targeted strategy to help you succeed:

  1. Licensing and Education: Complete the Ohio 20-hour Health Insurance pre-licensing course online through ExamFX or Kaplan ($199-$249). Schedule your state exam immediately after ($45 fee). Allow 4-6 weeks for this process.

  2. Carrier Appointments: Focus on top 3 Medicare Supplement carriers in Ohio: Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, and Anthem. Apply for appointments directly through their agent portals. This process typically takes 2-3 weeks.

  3. Income Projection: Aim for 10 new policies per month at an average premium of $150. First-year commission at 20% would yield $3,600/month. Factor in 3-6 months ramp-up time to reach this goal.

  4. Local Marketing: Partner with 2-3 specific senior centers in your area (e.g., Westerville Senior Center if you're near Columbus). Offer free Medicare workshops twice a month to generate leads.

  5. Technology Investment: Purchase a Medicare-specific CRM like AgencyBloc ($99/month) to manage clients and automate follow-ups. This will help maximize your limited 20-hour work week.

  6. Compliance and Support: Join the Ohio Association of Health Underwriters ($385/year) for ongoing training, compliance updates, and networking opportunities. Attend their quarterly meetings to stay current on industry changes.

This focused approach targets key areas to jumpstart your career as a Medicare Supplement agent in Ohio, with specific actions and realistic timelines.