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Action Benefits Jan 31, 2024
There’s a Gordian knot of compliance rules to untangle in the Medicare market. And, the annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) has its own strict set of rules health insurance agents must follow. Fear not, though. When you finish this 3-minute read, you’ll be ready to cut that knot – just like Alexander the Great.
The MA OEP runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. Here are the highlights:
CMS, understandably so, is very protective of beneficiaries during this time. And so, their Medicare Marketing and Communication Guidelines spell out very clearly what you can – and can’t – do during the first quarter.
First things first: CMS prohibits agents from any activities that target MA OEP to make more sales. But what does that look like? Here are some things examples of things you can’t do or say:
All of these (and messages like them) clearly try to make more sales, so they’d break the rules—a big no-no.
You can’t target the MA OEP to make more sales, but you can help clients (or prospects) who start a conversation.
They may not know of MA OEP, but should beneficiaries approach you about being unhappy with their plan, you can help. You can also educate them about their enrollment opportunities and timelines. Here’s what you could listen for:
If any conversation starts like this, you’ve got the green light to talk about MA OEP. You can also send marketing materials and have a one-on-one meeting.
Having too many clients to see during AEP is a great problem to have – but it’s one you can’t solve during MA OEP. You’re prohibited from talking to your own clients about other plan options to try and generate sales. That’s also against CMS guidelines.
Fearful of getting in hot water with CMS, some of you stop all marketing attempts during MA OEP. If you stay on the right side of the rules, you don’t have to. As long as your work doesn’t reference OEP or target the OEP to make more sales, here’s what you can do:
None of these target the OEP to make more sales, so they’re a-ok in CMS’s book.
When you’re making compliant outreach attempts – whether to age-ins, or those who contact you first – make sure your materials are approved by both CMS and the carriers you represent. Every Action agent gets an account manager, and each account manager is well-equipped to connect you to the resources to support your next move. And, we’ve got a stable of collateral for our agents to access in Ensurability.
Your business doesn’t have to stop during MA OEP. Take the time to focus on compliant marketing efforts (hello, age-ins!), and you’ll be in a great spot to grow your business throughout the year. Not sure about your next steps? Talk to your account manager today. Don’t have one? Get appointed with us.
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