If Mr. Peters wants information about a stand-alone Part D plan, what should his agent do?

The correct approach for Mr. Peters' agent is to sign a new scope of appointment form that includes information about the stand-alone Part D plan. This is essential because a scope of appointment (SOA) serves as a formal agreement that outlines what discussions can occur between the agent and the client regarding specific insurance products. It ensures compliance with Medicare regulations and protects the interests of both parties by providing clear parameters for the conversation.

In the context of Medicare guidelines, when an agent discusses topics not previously covered in an existing SOA, such as a different type of plan like a stand-alone Part D plan, a new SOA that explicitly includes these topics must be signed. This process is designed to maintain transparency and ensure that beneficiaries are fully informed and consenting to the discussion about their options.

Other approaches, such as discussing the plan without any formalities or advising Mr. Peters to call the Part D plan directly, do not uphold the necessary compliance and may not adequately address Mr. Peters’ need for personalized assistance or information. Additionally, focusing solely on the MA-PD plan he is enrolled in does not provide him with the comprehensive information he seeks about other available options, particularly the stand-alone Part D plan.