2021 Medicare updates
2021 Medicare updates will focus on changes that brokers should be familiar with. In most years, CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) makes updates and changes to marketing and sales rules and max allowable commissions . One of the larger changes they put in place is the change to the scope of appointment rules. In the past, an agent needed to document the scope of appointment form 48 hours prior to the sale. That is no longer a requirement. SOA forms at the time of the appointment (prior to starting it however) are allowed.
Here are some changes that will impact all Medicare agents:
Commission Increase:
Since 2009 max allowable commissions for Medicare advantage and Medicare part D plans have increased every year. PA, CT, DE, CA, and NJ will continue to have higher max commissions than other states for 2021.Here is the commission breakdown for all states. Click here for 2021 Medicare commissions full grid
| Medicare Advantage | PDP | |||||||
| Plan Year | National Rate | PA, CT, & DC | CA & NJ | National Rate | ||||
| 2021 | $539 | $270 | $607 | $304 | $672 | $336 | $81 | $41 |
2021 Medicare updates: Client referrals
CMS has changed the regulations that limited when an agent could solicit referrals and the types of gifts that can be given for those referrals. Keep in mind, the nominal value of the referral gifts still applies. (Limited to $15 retail value per referral)
Change to marketing event invitations
Invitations to any type of sales (Formal or informal) or educational event through any form of media must have a specific statement: The statement is: “For accommodation of persons with special needs at meetings call <Phone Number and TTY number>.”
2021 Medicare updates: Educational events
Meals may now be offered at educational events. The minimum value rule of $15 still applies however. As a result, agents need to make sure the meal has a retail value of $15 or less.
Crowe and Associates gives agents access to compliance information via the Pinnacle Financial Services websites. We also give agents access to a compliant online enrollment platform through Connect4Medicare and access to a Medicare lead program.
New to Medicare sales?
We offer a number of programs to help new agents get started. Take a look at our sales contracting guide to help you get started. CLICK TO ACCESS MEDICARE CONTRACTING AND SALES GUIDE