Please Read: Important Regulatory Changes from Medicare and You
I am writing this to inform you of Medicare’s recent regulatory change that will be important for you to know. These changes will directly affect and improve how we’ll work together.
What’s Changing: Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) issued its Final Rule on May 9, 2022. This Rule is a strong step toward improving accuracy and full disclosure for beneficiaries when they are discussing plan options and enrolling in coverage. The rule will be in effect October 1, 2022, and onward. The goal is to ensure that you receive accurate and accessible information about Medicare coverage. I support this goal.
What caused this? Medicare experienced a significant increase in complaints from beneficiaries about aggressive sales tactics by telemarketers. This prompted an investigation and the outcome was Medicare’s strengthening the marketing and communications requirements by third party marketing organizations (TPMO) and individuals to comply with these regulations. Licensed insurance agents, such as I, are required to comply with the regulations.
Who has to follow the Final Rule? Medicare defines third party marketing organizations (TPMO) as telemarketers and organizations that are advertised on television and social media and are compensated to perform lead generation, marketing, sales, and enrollment related functions as a part of the chain of enrollment (the steps taken by a beneficiary from becoming aware of an MA plan or plans to making an enrollment decision.) The Final Rule now includes independent agents and brokers in its definition of TPMO.
What happens on October 1? The first requirement is that a disclaimer must be announced to the caller within the first minute of a sales call between an independent agent or broker or TPMO that states: “We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact medicare.gov or 1-800-is Medicare (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to get information on all of your options.”
The second requirement is that TPMOs (including independent agents and brokers), record all calls with Medicare beneficiaries, and recording should be disclosed at the beginning of each call.
How will this affect me? Effective October 1 and onward, I will be stating that our call is being recorded and reading the required disclaimer. The platforms I use are ready right now to record and safely store our telephone calls involving the steps we will take together in discussing Medicare Advantage and stand-alone drug plans, making an enrollment decision, and the enrollment. I have tested the system and I am pleased at the protection it provides for you.
What do I do? You will still call me at my cell at 520 484 3807 or you may also call my unique telephone number that will record and store our calls as Medicare requires.
That number is 520 827 2460. If you call my cell, I will ask you then to call in to 520 827 2460 and it will be business as usual for you and for me. It’s that simple, and that important for this protection to be in place.
This is a good regulation, and as someone who cares about you and how we work together, I wanted you to know.
If you have any questions or would like any additional information, I’ll be delighted to speak or email with you.
With my kindest regards,
Leah
Leah
Leah Sugar Kari, AMR, FHIAS
Independent Licensed Insurance Agent
520-484-3807 Cell
520-306-5073 Fax
Schedule a call with Leah at https://calendly.com/leahkari4/20-minute-consult
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https://www.medicaresolutionsbyleahkari.com
Medicare Solutions by Leah Kari does not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to get information on all of your options."
Insurance is offered through Medicare Solutions by Leah Kari, a licensed insurance agent.
Medicare Solutions by Leah Kari is not affiliated with Medicare or any other governmental agency. Disclaimer: This email, including attachments, may include confidential information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this email immediately.
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