Medicare agent application checklist
If you are a Medicare agent, you know there are some things you need to do to prepare before taking an application from a client. Take a look at the suggestions in the Medicare application checklist below. are currently taking as well as their doctors. This is all important information that you need to run an accurate Medicare quote.
You can easily run a quote using one of our free online quoting and enrollment tools such as Sunfire or Connecture. Both of these tools have a built in CRM that is free to use to our contracted agents.
Learn more about how to quote Medicare Advantage plans with our free quoting tools
Before you take the application
Be sure you get a signed SOA. There are CMS guidelines agents must follow when taking a SOA. Agents must take the SOA (Scope of Appointment) 48 hours before you meet your client to sign up for a Medicare plan. Please note; a scope is good for 12 months from the date the client signs it. After a 12-month period, you need a new scope signed before any Medicare enrollment discussions can take place. You must keep a scope of appointment on file for 10 years weather or not you made a sale. per CMS guidelines.
Watch our YouTube video on Scope of Appointment rules starting 10/1/23
Click here to download a generic scope
It is important that the SOA is filled out correctly with the plan type that you are discussing during your meeting checked of or initialed. There are a few ways to collect the SOA. You can collect it on the phone, via voice recording, online by sending a link either by email or text and you can also collect a paper SOA. This all depends on the client’s preference.
Using a paper application
It is important to write legibly in either black or blue ink. This ensures what you submit is processed without delays.
- If your client is enrolling in an MA/MAPD plan, be sure to include their PCP name and ID information requested on the enrollment form. This is extremely important if they are applying for an HMO. You should always check the client’s list of providers before enrolling them in any MA/MAPD plan.
- In the event your client has to answer health questions, make sure they provide detailed explanations for any health questions they answer yes to.
- If the client is enrolling during an SEP, be sure to include any necessary or required information. If you try and skip this, it will only delay the processing and can result in a denial or enrollment.
- Be sure the that not only the client signs wherever required but that you sign where needed as well. This goes for the scope of appointment too.
- Submit the application on time. Know the carrier rules for how long after you receive the application it must be submitted by.
- Before submitting the application check everything over one last time so that there are not delays in processing and the client gets the coverage they need on time. If you send you r application through Pinnacle, they will scrub it for you, but it is always better to double check before submitting it to them.
Submit the application electronically
One way to be sure the application is done correctly is to use one of our free online enrollment tools and submit the application electronically. This will ensure that all information is provided, and that the application is filled in legibly.
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