When Jane Ahrens transitioned from a 25-year career teaching Health Education to working in Medicare sales, she didn’t just start a new chapter—she found her calling. What began in 2008 as a solo effort to help clients understand their health insurance options has since grown into a thriving business with a team of more than 160 independent agents trained and mentored under her leadership. Her peers now affectionately call her “Mother Medicare.”
Jane’s journey and leadership embody the spirit behind NAIFA’s Medicare Collective, a new initiative created to support insurance and financial professionals specializing in Medicare and healthcare solutions. The Collective provides resources, community, advocacy, and education to help agents and advisors navigate the complex and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. And in a time when CMS rule changes and carrier compensation decisions are threatening how professionals serve their clients, the Collective is more important than ever.
“Some carriers have stopped paying commissions. They expect us to work for free,” Jane says. “NAIFA stood up for us, and that matters.”
Jane immediately saw the value of joining NAIFA—not only for the powerful advocacy efforts that defend Medicare professionals, but also for the chance to connect with a broader network. “While I don’t do financial planning myself, I sell Medicare plans and health insurance and refer clients to trusted financial advisors. Another benefit of joining NAIFA is the opportunity to expand my network of professionals I can confidently recommend.”
Despite the challenges facing the industry, Jane is bullish on the career path. “It’s very rewarding to help clients choose the Medicare plan that’s the best fit for their needs,” she says. “And I’d recommend NAIFA to anyone who wants a voice in this industry.”