Key Takeaways

• A well-executed SMS strategy can outperform traditional calling campaigns in both appointment volume and client responsiveness.

• You don’t need a massive budget or complex tools to see results from texting—you need clarity, timing, and compliance.

Why Traditional Calls Are Losing Traction in 2025

Calling is still a part of the Medicare sales playbook, but it no longer leads the charge the way it did even five years ago. Several shifts are responsible for this:

• Spam fatigue: Most prospects screen calls from unknown numbers, and robocall saturation has made legitimate outreach harder to trust.

• Lifestyle mismatch: Many Medicare-eligible clients aren’t answering calls during the day. They prefer to respond at their own pace.

• Regulatory pressures: Recording, scripting, and TCPA compliance have made call campaigns more burdensome and less efficient.

With these barriers growing, licensed agents are increasingly looking at texting as a smarter entry point for lead outreach.

Why Text Messaging Works in the Medicare Space

Texting succeeds where calls struggle because of how it fits into daily behavior. Most people read their texts quickly. According to industry reports, SMS open rates consistently hover around 90% or higher.

That level of visibility matters when you’re dealing with Medicare leads who are comparing multiple agents, plans, and timelines. A text gives them just enough information to respond without pressure.

Here are a few reasons why this works in 2025:

• Instant delivery: Texts arrive seconds after you send them.

• Asynchronous engagement: Clients can respond when it’s convenient for them.

• Low friction: There’s no need to commit to a call right away.

• Mobile-first behavior: Even seniors are texting more than they used to, especially for healthcare and appointment-related matters.

What a Successful SMS Campaign Looks Like

A single text won’t generate consistent appointments. The key is to structure a short campaign with a clear message sequence. This is where many agents go wrong—they treat texting like a one-off reminder instead of a messaging funnel.

A 5-day campaign can be a strong starting point.

Day 1: Initial Outreach

Keep it short, personal, and focused on availability. Don’t ask for too much. Here’s what to include:

• Your name and that you’re a licensed agent.

• A reference to Medicare without implying a specific plan.

• A question about their availability.

Example: “Hi, this is Angela, a licensed agent helping folks with Medicare this season. Are you available this week to review your options?”

Day 2: Soft Reminder

For those who don’t reply, a gentle follow-up helps. Reiterate why you reached out.

Example: “Just checking in—still helping people understand their Medicare benefits. I’d be happy to walk through yours. Want to chat this week?”

Day 3: Add Value

Include a brief fact or point about Medicare timelines, like Open Enrollment or Part D changes.

Example: “Many people are surprised to learn how much their prescription coverage can change each year. A quick chat can help clarify. Want me to call you tomorrow?”

Day 4: Create Scarcity

Let them know your calendar is filling up. People tend to act when there’s urgency.

Example: “I have a couple of Medicare review slots left this week. Would you like me to hold one for you?”

Day 5: Final Touch

End the campaign with gratitude and a soft door open.

Example: “Totally understand if now’s not the right time. I’m always here to help with Medicare questions. You can text me anytime.”

Key Rules for Compliance

Text campaigns must be compliant with CMS guidelines and TCPA laws. Here’s what to remember:

• Consent is mandatory. Do not text leads unless they have opted in.

• Identify yourself clearly. Every message should include your name and indicate you’re a licensed agent.

• Don’t include plan-specific language. Stick to general Medicare support.

• Provide opt-out instructions. Clients should be able to text STOP to unsubscribe.

You don’t need a third-party texting service to stay compliant, but you do need to document consent and monitor responses carefully.

Tools That Make It Easier Without Getting Complicated

You don’t need enterprise software to run a strong text campaign. Here’s what you should have in place:

• CRM Integration: Make sure your texting platform is linked with your CRM to track leads.

• Automated Scheduling: Use a calendar link to book appointments directly from texts.

• Opt-Out Management: Ensure your system can process unsubscribe requests automatically.

• Templates Library: Pre-approved messages help you avoid mistakes and save time.

Some agents prefer to start with a basic platform that supports manual sends. As you scale, automation becomes more useful, especially when paired with lead segmentation.

Results You Can Expect in a Week

While results vary, a well-targeted SMS campaign can outperform calls within the first 7 days:

• Response rate: 15% to 25%, depending on list quality.

• Appointment rate: 5% to 10%, often higher than cold calls.

• Time savings: Up to 60% reduction in time spent on outbound dialing.

If your call campaigns are yielding 1 appointment per 50 calls, a solid SMS strategy can cut that number in half.

When and How Often to Use Text Campaigns

SMS is most effective when used to:

• Re-engage aged leads.

• Follow up after a missed appointment.

• Warm up leads before a call.

• Send Open Enrollment and SEP deadline reminders.

A good rhythm is to use a 5-day campaign monthly for new leads, then shift to 1-2 texts a month for follow-ups.

Be careful not to overuse it. Flooding someone’s phone with too many messages can damage your credibility and lead to compliance issues.

Writing Texts That Sound Human, Not Robotic

Tone matters. Texts should sound like they’re coming from a real person. Avoid:

• Overuse of caps or emojis.

• Corporate-speak or vague value statements.

• Pushing enrollment or plan selection.

Do use:

• First names where possible.

• Questions that invite a response.

• Short, clear phrasing with a friendly tone.

Even small tweaks in language can increase replies. Instead of saying, “I’m offering a Medicare review,” try “Would it help to have a quick Medicare check-in this week?”

Getting Past the Fear of Texting

Some agents avoid texting because it feels less personal or they’re unsure about the rules. But in 2025, it’s no longer optional.

Here’s how to build confidence:

• Start with a short list of warm leads.

• Use templates that have been reviewed for compliance.

• Monitor responses and adjust tone as needed.

The results often speak for themselves. Once you see replies coming in, texting becomes a preferred channel.

Why Texting Builds Trust Faster Than You Think

Texting lets clients engage on their terms. When you respect that boundary, they’re more likely to trust you.

• It shows you understand their time is valuable.

• It removes the awkward pressure of live calls.

• It creates an easy way to ask questions or share concerns.

For Medicare conversations, where confusion and hesitancy are common, that initial low-pressure outreach can make all the difference.

The SMS Advantage in Medicare Appointment Setting

By now, it’s clear that texting isn’t just an alternative. It’s often the better option.

With a compliant, well-paced campaign, you’re no longer guessing who might answer the phone. You’re opening conversations that people are actually willing to have.

It’s also repeatable. Once you build your campaign templates, refine your timing, and segment your leads, you can rinse and repeat every month with minimal effort.

If you’re still spending most of your outreach time on cold calls, consider this: in 2025, your clients are already texting their doctors, pharmacies, and family. There’s no reason you can’t be part of that communication flow too.

Your Outreach Should Work Harder For You

If you’re serious about improving your appointment rates, texting is one of the lowest-cost, highest-yield options available. But success comes from strategy, not just sending a few messages.

We help licensed agents like you build SMS workflows, manage compliance, and reach more qualified leads. At BedrockMD, our tools are built to support your Medicare sales with automation that doesn’t cut corners.

Sign up today to learn how we can help you get more responses, better appointments, and stronger client relationships—all without spending your day stuck on hold.