What Is a Scope of Appointment Form for Medicare?

As a Medicare beneficiary, you won’t need to know some of the finer details about how Medicare is regulated. However, by understanding a few key pieces of the enrollment process, you can protect yourself against fraud and scams. 

In this article, we will explain what a Scope of Appointment is, why it is important to have one, and when it is required. We will also provide guidance on how to complete the form, so you can make informed, unpressured decisions about your Medicare coverage.

What Is a Scope of Appointment?

A Scope of Appointment is a document used in the Medicare enrollment process that outlines the specific topics that an agent or broker is allowed to discuss with a beneficiary. Essentially, it is a way for beneficiaries to control the conversation during a sales appointment and ensure that they only receive information about the topics they are interested in. The form is required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and must be completed before an agent or broker can discuss any Medicare-related products with a beneficiary, specifically Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

The purpose of the “SOA” form is to protect beneficiaries from receiving unwanted sales pitches or information about products they are not interested in. By completing the form, beneficiaries can set the agenda for the sales appointment and make sure that they receive information that is relevant to their needs. This can save time, reduce confusion, and ultimately help beneficiaries make more informed decisions about their Medicare coverage.

It is important to note that a Scope of Appointment form only applies to sales appointments with agents or brokers. Beneficiaries can still receive information about Medicare products from other sources, such as online research or educational seminars. However, if a beneficiary wants to meet with an agent or broker to discuss Medicare-related products, an SOA is required. In the next section, we will discuss when the form must be signed.

When Is a Scope of Appointment Form Required?

An SOA is required any time a beneficiary wants to meet with an agent or broker to discuss Medicare-related products. The SOA is required for all Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, but it will usually list other products like Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and ancillary products, like Hospital Indemnity Plans and Dental, Vision, Hearing plans. The purpose of the form is to ensure that the beneficiary is in control of the sales appointment and only receives information that is relevant to their needs.

There are a few important rules to keep in mind when it comes to Scope of Appointment forms. First, the form must be completed and signed by the beneficiary or their legal representative before any discussion of Medicare-related products can take place. Rules around when the form must be signed are often changed. Currently, the time frame is open, but CMS is considering imposing tighter timelines. Second, the SOA is only valid for the specific appointment it was completed for. If the beneficiary wants to meet with the agent or broker again to discuss different products or topics, a new form must be completed. Finally, if the agent or broker discusses any products or topics not listed on the Scope of Appointment form, they may be subject to penalties and fines from CMS.

How to Complete a Scope of Appointment Form

Completing a scope of appointment form is a simple process that can be done either in person or over the phone. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Obtain the form. You can obtain a Scope of Appointment form from an agent or broker, or you can download it from the CMS website. Usually, your advisor will email or text you a digital copy to complete.

2. Fill in your personal information. The form will ask for your name, address, phone number, and other personal information.

3. Choose the topics you want to discuss. The form will list various topics related to Medicare products, such as Medicare Advantage plans or Medigap policies. You can check off the topics that you are interested in discussing.

4. Sign and date the form. Once you have completed the form, you must sign and date it to indicate that you have reviewed and approved the topics listed.

5. Submit the form. You can submit the form to the agent or broker either in person or by mail. If you are meeting with the agent or broker over the phone, you can submit the form via fax, text, or email.

The SOA is a key tool in the Medicare enrollment process. By completing the form, beneficiaries can control the conversation during a sales appointment and ensure that they only receive information about the topics they are interested in. In today’s world of advertisements and Medicare scams, understanding the SOA requirement can help you avoid Medicare scams.

If you are working with one of our advisors at Local Medicare Specialists, don’t discuss the details of your Medicare plans with anyone else. To protect yourself further, read our post about how to avoid Medicare scams and fraud.