Help someone you care about get honest Medicare help.
If Mark has helped you, the best way to thank him is to send someone you know his way. Whether it's a friend turning 65, a parent confused about Medicare, or a neighbor stuck in the wrong plan — referrals are how this practice grew, and how it continues to grow.
The way Mark grows his practice — one referral at a time
Twenty years in, the majority of Mark's new clients still come from referrals. Someone tells their neighbor, their cousin, their friend at church. That's the kind of business worth running.
If Mark has helped you or someone in your family, and you know another person navigating Medicare, sending them his way is the highest compliment you can give. Here's everything you need to know about referring a friend or family member.
Quick start: just give them Mark's number
The simplest referral is the most effective: (210) 573-1319. Tell your friend to call and mention your name. Mark will take care of the rest — no forms, no hoops, no awkward sales pitch.
Who's a good fit for a referral to Mark?
Mark specializes in Medicare, but is also licensed in life insurance, annuities, and supplemental health. Good referrals include:
Anyone approaching 65
The most important referral. Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window — miss it and you can pay late penalties for life. Send them to Mark before their birthday month, ideally 3+ months out.
Anyone unhappy with their current plan
Whether they have Medicare Advantage with the wrong doctor network, a Part D plan that doesn't cover their meds, or a Medigap policy that's gotten expensive — Mark can compare and recommend alternatives during AEP (October 15 – December 7).
Adult children helping parents
Many of Mark's calls are with adult children who are trying to help an aging parent figure out Medicare. Mark talks to both at the same time and doesn't rush. Family decisions about coverage are easier with the right agent.
People who moved or are about to move
Moving across counties or states triggers a Special Enrollment Period. Networks and plan availability change when you move. Mark helps people moving to Texas — or out of Texas — make the right plan transition.
Anyone who needs life insurance or final expense
Final expense (burial) insurance protects families from $9,000–$12,000+ in funeral costs. Term life for younger seniors with surviving spouses. Mark handles these alongside Medicare.
People asking annuity questions
Mark is honest about when annuities make sense and when they don't. If someone in your circle is being pitched an annuity by a different agent, Mark can offer a second opinion at no cost.
How the referral process works
Option 1: Just give them Mark's contact info
The easiest path. Pass along Mark's phone number (210) 573-1319 or email msteinberg43@gmail.com. Tell your friend to mention your name when they call. That's it.
Option 2: Send a quick text introduction
If you want to make a warmer introduction, here's a text template that works:
"Hey [name], remember that Medicare agent I mentioned? Mark Steinberg at Texas Hill Country Medicare. He's been helping me for [X years] and never pushes anything. He does free consultations by phone or Zoom. His number is (210) 573-1319 or you can book online at texashillcountrymedicare.com. Tell him I sent you."
Option 3: Email Mark with the introduction
Send Mark an email at msteinberg43@gmail.com with your friend's name and phone number (with their permission), and Mark will call them directly. Some people prefer this approach because it removes the "I have to make the first call" friction.
What's in it for you?
Honest answer: not money. Medicare regulations under CMS strictly limit what agents can offer as referral compensation — Mark cannot legally pay cash, gift cards over $15, or other significant rewards for Medicare referrals. Anyone who promises you a cash referral bonus for sending Medicare clients is operating outside CMS rules.
What you do get:
- The satisfaction of knowing your friend got honest help. Medicare is confusing. Most agents push the plan that pays them best. Mark doesn't. Sending someone to him is doing them a real favor.
- A small thank-you token. When someone you refer becomes a client, Mark sends a handwritten thank-you note. For long-time clients who consistently refer, occasional small tokens of appreciation that comply with CMS rules.
- Your account stays top-of-mind. Active referrers are the first to hear about plan changes, AEP review reminders, and other updates relevant to their coverage.
For non-Medicare referrals (life, annuities, supplemental)
CMS rules apply specifically to Medicare. For life insurance, annuity, and supplemental health referrals (where CMS rules don't apply), Mark can be more generous with thank-you tokens within Texas Department of Insurance guidelines. If you regularly refer life or annuity business, let Mark know — there's room to do more there.
What Mark won't do with your referrals
- Spam them. Mark only contacts referred names after they call him, or after you've explicitly said you've already told them to expect a call.
- Pressure them. Same approach as every client — free consultation, honest comparison, no obligation.
- Share your name without your permission. If you'd rather your name not be mentioned, just say so.
- Sell them something they don't need. If a referred friend already has the right Medicare plan, Mark will tell them so — and tell you so.
Are you a financial advisor, CPA, or estate attorney?
Mark partners with financial professionals across San Antonio and the Hill Country who need to refer Medicare questions but don't want to sell insurance themselves. If you advise clients on retirement and want a trusted Medicare specialist to refer them to, contact Mark directly. Reciprocal referral arrangements (within compliance limits) are available.
Email msteinberg43@gmail.com with "Professional Referral Partnership" in the subject line to start a conversation.
The single biggest favor you can do
If you want to do one thing that genuinely helps Mark grow this practice, it's not even a referral — it's leaving a Google review. Future Medicare clients in San Antonio searching for help will see those reviews first. One real review from a real client outweighs ten ads.
To leave a Google review:
- Search "Texas Hill Country Medicare" on Google.
- Find the business profile in the right sidebar (desktop) or near the top (mobile).
- Click "Write a review."
- Share a few sentences about your experience. Even two sentences helps enormously.
Ready to refer someone — or have questions of your own?
Give them Mark's number, or call yourself if you want to chat about whether Mark is the right fit for someone you know.
📞 Call (210) 573-1319 ✉ Email Mark