New Marketing Rules for Medicare Plans

Medicare has enacted several new rules regarding marketing techniques during Medicare Open Enrollment. These rules further define the steps insurance agents are allowed to take to market and enroll beneficiaries. Important changes are as follows:

Absolutely No Cold Calling. All contacts with prospects must be pre-approved by the beneficiary. Don't allow anyone initiate contact without a senior asking for it.

Plans and agents can't provide full meals at seminars. Refreshments are permitted, but full meals were being used to "buy" contracts.

Prospect meetings are to be limited to one topic. Discussions of other topics, like annuities, during an Medicare Advantage appointment should not happen until another time at least 48 hours later.


While these rules are very limiting to the sales of Part D and MA plans, agents who are honest and customer-focused will continue to do well. Dishonest agents hopefully will leave the industry. Seniors will be better served.