What is the Scope of Appointment Form?
If you’re over the age of 65 or have a qualifying disability, you may already know that enrolling in Medicare can help you access cost-effective healthcare services.
However, there are several different Medicare plan types on the market – and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of your options. Working with a knowledgeable insurance agent is an excellent way to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and goals.
When you sign up for a consultation with a Medicare sales agent, you will be asked to sign a Scope of Appointment (SOA) form. This form is required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and helps encourage transparency between insurance agents and Medicare beneficiaries. But what exactly are SOA forms – and why do certain Medicare meetings require them? Let’s talk about it.
What is the Scope of Appointment Form?
The Medicare Scope of Appointment is a short form that potential beneficiaries need to complete before meeting with an insurance agent. This form must be completed for both new policy appointments and renewal appointments.
On the Scope of Appointment Medicare form, potential beneficiaries must specify what types of Medicare products they would like to discuss. During the meeting, the insurance agent must follow the CMS Scope of Appointment guidelines and only discuss the products selected on the form.
SOA forms are intended to prevent insurance agents from soliciting potential beneficiaries about products they are not interested in. This form is only required for meetings about Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Potential beneficiaries don’t need to sign an SOA to discuss Original Medicare options or Medicare Supplement plans.
The 48-Hour Rule
One of the latest CMS Scope of Appointment guidelines is the 48-hour rule. This was implemented in 2023 and requires insurance agents to receive signed SOA forms at least 48 hours before a scheduled appointment or phone call.
This rule does not apply to walk-in appointments in which the potential beneficiary can fill out the form when they arrive at the office before the meeting starts.
What Information Does It Include?
Medicare Scope of Appointment forms contain a list of services that an insurance agent can discuss with you during your scheduled appointment. As a potential Medicare beneficiary, you’ll need to initial the services you’re interested in and sign the form before the meeting starts.
Here are some of the insurance types that you may see on your Scope of Appointment Medicare form:
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C plans, are alternatives to Original Medicare. These are CMS-approved and administered by private insurance companies.
Medicare Advantage combines Part A and Part B coverage under one plan. Some of these plans also offer additional coverage beyond what’s offered in Original Medicare. Some Medicare beneficiaries prefer the convenience of having all Medicare coverage combined into one policy. Others prefer the accessibility of services under Original Medicare. With a signed SOA form indicating you’re interested in Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD), you’ll have the chance to learn more about both options.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
If you opt for Original Medicare coverage, you’ll still need to enroll in prescription drug coverage separately. Prescription drug plans are also known as Medicare Part D.
Like Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D plans are run by private companies that have been approved by CMS. When completing your Scope of Appointment form for Medicare, you’ll specify whether you’d like to discuss standalone Part D plans, Medicare Advantage plans that include Part D coverage, or both.
Learn More About Medicare Compliance
Benefits of the Scope of Appointment Form
All Medicare insurance agents must use the Scope of Appointment form for qualifying meetings. The Scope of Appointment form helps protect Medicare beneficiaries from unwanted solicitation and unethical practices during marketing appointments.
Because agents can only discuss the products that have been agreed upon in the form, you won’t have to worry about uncomfortable or confusing sales pitches. That means true Medicare agents won’t push you toward policies outside of what’s applicable to your meeting.
In addition to encouraging transparency, an SOA form also helps keep insurance consultations focused and productive. Both parties know exactly what they are there to discuss, so there’s no time wasted and plenty of peace of mind.
Schedule Your Appointment With Senior Insurance Agency
Before starting a meeting about Medicare plans, a signed SOA form should be in place. This sets the stage for a productive and transparent conversation.
If you’re interested in discussing Medicare plans, let’s talk. At Senior Insurance Agency, our team of insurance agents in Sparks, NV will answer your questions about Medicare plans and help you weigh your options effectively.
We’re not salespeople – just knowledgeable agents well-versed in Medicare and dedicated to helping you find a suitable arrangement for your needs.
Our agents will also help you navigate the enrollment process and discuss other senior insurance services if you’re interested.
Just contact our team today to get started.