What qualifies as an educational event for Medicare?
The event must meet Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) strict definition of an educational event. When meeting CMS’s definition, the event must be designed to inform beneficiaries about Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage, or another Medicare program.
Are there CMS guidelines for hosting an educational event for enrollees?
But before you host, present at, or attend an educational event for enrollees, there are some CMS guidelines (Medicare Communication & Marketing Guidelines, Section 50.1) you will have to follow. If you are hosting or reaching out to enrollees for an educational event, CMS requires you to explicitly market the event as “educational.”
What are the guidelines for holding a Medicare sales event?
If marketing is your goal, you must hold and follow CMS’ guidelines for a Medicare sales event. As for the when and where, educational events may be held in a public venue. Under no circumstance should you hold them in in-home or one-on-one settings.
What are the marketing guidelines for Medicare Advantage?
The Marketing guidelines reflect CMS' interpretation of the marketing requirements and related provisions of the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit rules (Chapter 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 422 and 423).
Can you display and distribute Medicare Advantage enrollment guides at an educational event?
During educational events, you may not discuss any specific plans, or benefits, and you may not distribute any enrollment forms or carrier marketing materials.
Which activities are permitted at an educational Medicare event?
You may do the following at the conclusion of your educational event: Distribute business cards and contact information so beneficiaries can contact you at a later date. Complete and collect Scope of Appointment (SOA) forms. Set up marketing appointments.
During which type of educational event are agents allowed to discuss plan-specific information?
The agent can set up a sales/marketing appointment with a member, and pass out business cards. It is okay to complete SOA forms and collect them at an educational event. At a sales event, marketing activities and lead generation can take place, including discussing plan-specific information and collecting applications.
What is considered by CMS to be a sales and marketing event?
What Does CMS Consider a Sales Event or Appointment? An activity will be considered a sales event or appointment if it is designed to persuade potential enrollees to choose a specific plan (or set of plans), according to CMS.
Can food be provided at a Medicare educational event?
Educational events are the exception to the “meals” part of the rule above. You can still provide food and snacks at educational events, but you are also allowed to provide meals. If you'd like to provide meals at an educational event, here are a few additional rules you must follow.
What is a Medicare informal event?
There are two types of sales events: formal and informal. Here's what sets them apart: Formal Sales Events: Agent presents plan-specific information to an audience invited to the occasion. Informal Sales Events: Agent offers plan info upon request only while at a table, booth, kiosk, or RV.
Do agents have to report educational events to United Healthcare?
According to CMS regulations and UnitedHealthcare policy, agents are prohibited from conducting a marketing/sales event immediately following an educational event. There must be at least one hour separating the conclusion of an educational events and the beginning of a marketing/sales event.
What describes the purpose of educational events?
Which describes the purpose of educational events? Educational events provide objective information about the Medicare program and/or health improvement and wellness.
What statement must appear on advertisements for educational events?
All educational events must be explicitly marketed as “educational” to beneficiaries. Educational event advertisements and invitations must also contain the following disclaimer: “For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call
What must all Medicare Advantage sponsors have in place to meet CMS guidelines?
Medicare Advantage Plans Must Follow CMS Guidelines In the United States, according to federal law, Part C providers must provide their beneficiaries with all services and supplies that Original Medicare Parts A and B cover. They must also provide any additional benefits proclaimed in their Part C policy.
When must a marketing sales event be reported?
Report all marketing/sales events (including additional events reported throughout the month) prior to advertising the event or 10 calendar days prior to the event's scheduled date, whichever is earlier.
What are CMS permission to call guidelines?
What Does it Cover? Specifically, the Medicare Permission to Contact (PTC) rule outlines when it is okay to contact a current or potential Medicare beneficiary, the specific products they are giving you permission to contact them for, how you can approach them, and when you can contact them.
When will CMS update the MCMG?
Note: CMS has released updates to the 2019 MCMG in the form of a memo in August 2019. Many of the guidelines from the 2019 MCMG, including the ones we just mentioned, as well as the updates from the 2020 MCMG memo, are still relevant for 2021.
What platform do you use for a virtual presentation?
If you are holding a virtual presentation, you will need to choose an online platform (e.g., Skype, Zoom, Facebook Live), instead of a physical location, for your event. Your carriers will likely have specific rules for virtual events, so check with them first.
Can Medicare send secret shoppers?
Keep in mind, carriers may send secret shoppers to your educational events. If you violate CMS’ Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines, you could be subject to: Medicare beneficiaries need your expertise, and you need their trust and business.
Can you market Medicare plans?
During them, you cannot market specific plans. If marketing is your goal, you must hold and follow CMS’ guidelines for a Medicare sales event. As for the when and where, educational events may be held in a public venue. Under no circumstance should you hold them in in-home or one-on-one settings.
Can you hold a virtual Medicare event?
The answer will depend on health of your state and counties, the lockdown or restrictions of states and counties, and if your carriers are even allowing in-person member events at this time. In some cases, you may be able to hold a compliant virtual Medicare educational event, but again, check with your carriers first.
What are Medicare marketing guidelines?
The Medicare Marketing Guidelines provide guidance on the do’s and dont’s of providing food and drinks at Medicare events. Before you call a caterer, you will want to ensure you are adhering to the Medicare Marketing Guidelines (MMG) for providing food and refreshments at Medicare events. You do not have to flip through ...
Can you provide food at a Medicare event?
You can provide food at your Medicare Marketing and Sales Event, however, you are only allowed to provide “refreshments and light snacks.”. You are not allowed to provide (or pay for) meals. You will have to use your best judgment on the food you provide.
What are the Medicare marketing guidelines?
The Marketing guidelines reflect CMS' interpretation of the marketing requirements and related provisions of the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit rules (Chapter 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 422 and 423).
Can Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans use one document?
The guidelines allow organizations offering both Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans the ability to reference one document when developing marketing materials.
When is Medicare seminar 2021?
15 Tips for Hosting an Educational Medicare Seminar. June 15, 2021. An educational Medicare seminar is a great way to establish credibility and reach new prospects in your community.
What is an educational seminar?
An educational seminar is completely educational – no marketing or sales activities are going on . You're not talking about any specific plans, and you're not handing out any promotional or marketing materials. Finally, you are definitely not enrolling anyone in any plans during an educational seminar.
What is the best day to do a seminar?
The general rule of thumb is the best days to hold a seminar are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Our target audience is people who are 4-6 months away from turning 65, and most of them are still working.
Is sign in sheet optional?
Sign-in sheets must clearly be labeled as optional; Health screenings or other activities that may be perceived as, or used for, “cherry-picking” are not permitted; Plans/Part D sponsors may not require attendees to provide contact information as a prerequisite for attending an event; and.
Market The Event as ‘Educational’ to Enrollees
Respond to Questions, But Avoid Plan Specifics
- This is where it may become a bit difficult for a broker at an educational event. You are allowed to answer questions that enrollees ask you. Remember, your goal at this event is to educate seniors on their options rather than upsell specific plans. While your answers should avoid including plan specifics, it may be difficult to sidestep direct questions about benefits, premiums, or copays. If …
Read More Medicare Marketing Guidelines from Excelsior
- Visit Excelsior’s online resource center, where we’ve broken down each broker-focused MCMG rule. The topics range from where brokers can host educational events to proper activities at sales events and appointments. To learn more about the Excelsior team and how we can help you, contact us. Note: For the most current information, see the CMS Medicare Marketing Guidelines.