The Assurance Group - TAG ripoff, LOW COMMISSIONS, DECEPTIVE RECRUITING, UNRESPONSIVE Archdale North Carolina

During the last 17 years I have been involved in financial services. The last 10 years have been dedicated to working with Seniors on a wide variety of issues unique to them.

In doing so I have dealt with a number of insurance companies and independent marketing groups such as The Assurance Group (TAG). In all honesty I can say, without reservation, my experiences with TAG were the absolute worst ever encountered.

I was recruited by TAG in July 2005, to work primarily on the Medicare Advantage Plans. Actual work did not begin until November 2005, as TAG could not work out the required certification classes with the primary insurer (although individuals could have attended classes at other locations).

During the recruitment session heavy emphasis was placed on TAG's pre-set appointment system. Twenty pre-set appointments with "QUALIFIED" individuals were promised each and very week. This sounded ideal, and is a great concept, if it actually works!

I found out quickly that TAG did not know the difference between a qualified and non qualified individual. When appointments were made, and there were numerous days that they were not, they were often made with individuals on Medicaid(welfare), government retirees, retired union members, people who did NOT want an appointment, or individuals located far, far away from the office. Adding insult to injury you paid for these "qualified leads". I found their system so unbearable I stopped them from making such appointments and worked out my own system which was far superior to theirs.

After working with TAG for several months I found out, from an informed and reliable source, that all TAG agents were being ripped off on commissions. While other companies were paying their agents $250 to $300 per Medicare Advantage enrollment TAG was paying $150 each. An explanation was sought for this disparity but it was never provided. Upon learning of this I quickly switched organizations, doubled my commissions, and enrolled 99% of my prospects using my own system and the new company's double verified, completely qualified lead system.

The next Medicare Advantage enrollment period doesn't promise any improvements in TAG providing equitable commissions. TAG will be paying $175. Others are paying between $330 and $400 per enrollment. How they can justify keeping so much of a commission is something I will probably never understand.

Other problems existed with TAG, such as their failure to disclose release information, emails, phone calls, and letters never answered, etc. Frustrating problems, but pale in comparison to their commission structure.

TAG always blamed its problems on "growing pains". But, rather than trying to correct its problems it continued, and is continuing to recruit all over the country. I truely feel sorry for any licensed agent foolish enough to sign on with such a company.

If you are being recruited by TAG, or are considering working with them, I would recommend you check with other marketing groups, compare lead and appointment systems, have an attorney read EVERYTHING before you sign it, and speak to other agents who have experience with any group you are considering. The many hassles you will experience with TAG, while receiving about half the commissions earned by your counterparts, just do not make it worth your while.

Gary
Charleston, West Virginia
U.S.A.