CMS Expands Medicare telehealth services to fight COVID-19
CMS Expands Medicare telehealth services to fight COVID-19 and more seniors are embracing technology during the coronavirus pandemic. This is good news for older adults who are particularly vulnerable. While people of all ages can be infected by Covid-19 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 8 out of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older. Immunologists point to two main reasons for this susceptibility. First, seniors are more likely to suffer from pre-existing conditions that hinder the body’s ability to fight and recover from illness. Conditions include asthma, diabetes or heart disease to name a few. The second reason has to do with how our immunity changes with age, which researchers are still working to fully understand. The bottom line is, older folks need to stay home as much as possible during the coronavirus outbreak.
Video Call Solutions for your Medicare clients
Being quarantined, however, does not mean seniors should refrain from communicating with family, friends, doctors, therapists, or even you, their insurance agent. This is where technology can be a precious lifeline. Video chatting, for instance, can be used on any smartphone, iPad, or desktop computer. Software solutions include Zoom Meetings, Skype, FaceTime, GoTo Meeting and various telehealth apps. Advise your client to download your application of choice to their device and begin communicating. Some seniors may be familiar with using FaceTime to communicate with grandkids. Teleconferencing is no different. Telehealth also allows your clients to speak to a doctor without an in-person visit. As of March 6, CMS also expanded Medicare telehealth services to fight COVID-19.
During this outbreak, many businesses are still effectively meeting remotely with clients. For instance, Empower Brokerage agents are encouraged to video conference with their Medicare clients since meeting in person is not advised at this time. With an application like Zoom Meetings, it is easy to share a screen with multiple people from the safety of their home. It’s important that your clients get their Medicare questions answered during this scary time and video chatting virtually eradicates unnecessary risk while still meeting them face-to-face.
Agents
As we continue on this quarantine journey, remember to keep your client’s health at the forefront. If they are one of the 4 out of 10 seniors who own a smartphone, chances are good that they are probably tech-savvy enough to do a video call for all your appointments. So, instead of forgoing important meetings, communications, and social interactions, encourage your clients to embrace the technology solutions we have available.
Empower Brokerage is dedicated to helping you educate your clients on the insurance they need to get the most out of life. Whether it’s through webinar training, one-on-one calls, seminars, or marketing plans. We want you to be successful. Give us a call if you have any questions 888-539-1633.
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