Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries from Fraud: New Rules for Agents and Call Centers.
This Act aims to protect Medicare beneficiaries from aggressive and misleading marketing practices, especially by call centers. It introduces clearer rules distinguishing independent agents from large marketing organizations, making it easier for citizens to safely choose their plans. The most significant change is the elimination of the 48-hour waiting period, which will speed up meetings with independent agents and simplify Medicare enrollment.
Key points
End of 48-Hour Wait: Independent agents can meet with a Medicare beneficiary immediately after signing a Scope of Appointment agreement, speeding up the plan selection process.
Fighting Fraud: Introduction of monetary rewards for individuals who submit information on call centers engaging in Medicare-related marketing scams.
Better Oversight of Marketing Firms: New regulations will clearly distinguish independent agents from large, often aggressive, Third-Party Marketing Organizations (TPMOs), including foreign call centers and lead generation companies.
Simplification for Agents: Requirement for a standardized registration process for independent agents, aiming to reduce their administrative burdens.
Introduced
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