bost-fmo

The Top 3 Mistakes Medicare Agents Make and How to Avoid Them

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:47:46 GMT

Let’s be honest. Getting started as a Medicare agent is exciting, until it isn’t.

You finish contracting, your inbox fills up with carrier updates, and people tell you to "just get out there and start selling." But no one really tells you how. So you start guessing.

That’s where good agents start making avoidable mistakes.

If you’re just getting started, or if you’ve been spinning your wheels for a while, here are three of the biggest traps we see agents fall into and what you can do instead.

1. Chasing “Free Leads” and Cold Lists

We’ve seen this one too many times. An agent gets promised free leads or a lead program, and next thing you know, they’re chasing strangers who don’t want to talk to them.

Here’s the truth. Leads aren’t magic. And most of the time, “free” means someone else already tried and failed to work that list.

What to do instead:

Focus on building a presence in your own community. Learn how to talk about what you do. Let people know you’re available and that you care. When done right, this leads to consistent referrals and a business that doesn’t rely on hoping a stranger picks up the phone.

2. Trying to Figure It All Out Alone

We get it. You’re independent. That’s probably one of the reasons you got into this business.

But independence doesn’t mean isolation.

The Medicare landscape is always changing. Trying to keep up with it all using carrier portals and YouTube videos will burn you out fast.

What to do instead:

Get connected to a real support system. You need people who have walked this path before. Not a corporate phone tree. Not a dashboard full of documents. When you partner with our team, you don’t just get tools. You get people. Real humans who show up for you, even when things get messy.

3. Waiting Too Long to Start Marketing

This is one of the most common issues we see. You tell yourself you need to learn everything first. Or you decide to wait until AEP. Six months later, your phone still isn’t ringing.

What to do instead:

Start simple and start now. Choose one or two easy marketing actions you can take this week. Talk to a neighbor. Reach out to a local business. Claim your Google profile. The agents who grow the fastest are the ones who take action, even when it’s not perfect.

Final Thought

The most successful agents we work with aren’t the flashiest. They’re the ones who keep showing up, stay plugged in, and build trust with both clients and their support team.

If you’re tired of guessing your way forward or you’re ready to grow without chasing strangers, let’s talk.

Want help avoiding these common traps?

Schedule a call with our team or learn more about what it means to partner with us.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll walk with you.

The 7 Questions Agents Should Ask Before Choosing an FMO

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:12:32 GMT

When you’re ready to add Medicare to your portfolio, the last thing you want is surprises. Choosing an FMO isn’t just about contracts and technology, it’s about the day-to-day reality of support, growth, and partnership.

Here are the seven questions you should ask before you commit:

What support do you provide after onboarding?
Most FMOs are friendly on day one. But what happens when you hit a roadblock six weeks later? Real support means someone answers the phone when you need help, no waiting around.
Can I talk to one of your agents,not just the star or a polished testimonial?
You want a real conversation with someone who’s in the trenches, not a scripted success story.
What’s the heirarchy structure? Who gets paid on my work?
Make sure the path is clear. If you don’t know who’s getting paid beyond you, that’s a red flag.
Do you help me grow, or just give me a login?
Access is easy. Growth takes work. Look for FMOs that offer strategy, know how to help you get the phone ringing, and commit to hands-on support.
What kind of agents don’t do well here?
If they say “everyone thrives,” be cautious. Good partners know who fits and who doesn’t.
How fast do you respond when I need help?
Same-day response isn’t a luxury, it’s the minimum.
What’s your biggest agent complaint and how are you fixing it?
Every company has issues. The difference is owning them and working to fix them.

Asking these questions now will save you frustration later, and help you find the partner who’s serious about your success

Agent Testimonials & BOST Experiences

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:17:36 GMT

Don't take our word for it, read what other agents are saying.

"One of the most valuable resources BOST offers is access to recordings of top-performing agents. For someone new to Medicare, being able to watch and listen to how seasoned professionals handle a wide range of client questions and situations is incredibly helpful—it’s like on-the-job training from the best in the business."

"Another standout feature is the team support through the AHIP certification process. What could easily be a stressful experience is made simple and stress-free thanks to the way BOST walks you through it. That kind of support is truly priceless."

- Matt M, OH

"The materials BOST provides have made a big difference—especially the Turning 65 letters, which were a huge help in getting started and reaching the right people. Having access to those resources gave me the confidence to start making real connections."

"What really stood out was how hands-on the team was in helping me get fully set up. From configuring my phone to setting up Microsoft Office, BOST made sure I had everything I needed to hit the ground running. Their support made the onboarding process smooth and stress-free."

- Regina D, VA

"Coming from a family with deep roots in the insurance industry, I was encouraged early on by my father to pursue my license—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. With my husband's support, I transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to building a career that lets me do what I love most: give clients honest, sound advice. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the gratitude from someone whose medications I helped save money on or receiving heartfelt hugs and words of thanks from clients I’ve supported."

"My approach is simple: educate, empower, and genuinely care. Choosing to partner with BOST has been one of the best career moves I’ve made—their support, honesty, and family-oriented culture have helped me grow both professionally and personally."

- Tandra F, WV

"One of the most valuable resources BOST offers to agents learning Medicare is their training podcasts. Being able to learn from real-world scenarios and expert advice at your own pace makes a huge difference when building a strong foundation in the industry."

"Beyond the training, the team support at BOST has been incredible. Knowing there’s always someone willing to help, answer questions, and encourage your growth has made my experience so much more rewarding. It truly feels like you're part of a family that wants you to succeed."

- Sue J, OH

Building our business, one satisfied agent at a time

Why does it matter to choose an FMO with the MOST

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:12:33 GMT

Time & Attention Matters

MOST FMOs have the core systems, technology & expertise on the surface to help you succeed. However, the question is, how far are they willing to go to help you succed and how much time are they willing to spend with you?

Bonus: Gain a fast track into the industry while staying independent. If needed, leverage our proven brand to access compliant email, Client Management System, phone system, website, a full marketing kit, business cards, agent portal loaded with tools—and much more. This enables you to focus immediately on gaining new clients. Our brand is plug and play and could be an option for your goals.

The Power of Partnering with the Right FMO

At BOST Benefits, we’re more than an FMO—we’re a strategic partner committed to helping agents thrive. With deep expertise across Medicare, group, life, and health insurance, we equip our agents with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed in a competitive market.

Whether you're a seasoned broker or just getting started, BOST offers unmatched back-office support, top-tier contracts, and a collaborative culture that puts your growth first.

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.