Should I Sign the Medicare Scope of Appointment Form?

When you are signing up for Medicare coverage, there’s a lot to discuss. However, there are some things you may want to stay off-limits during your discussion with an agent.  

If Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D drug plans are going to be discussed, most agents are quick to ask you to sign a Scope of Appointment (SOA) form before they meet with you.  

Ah, the joys of paperwork! You might cringe when you see someone pull out a paper and pen, but there's nothing to fear with the Medicare Scope of Appointment form. Still, you might have a few questions about it.  

After all, you should always know exactly what you are signing. Here at Medicare Allies, we love to empower our clients to make the best possible choices for them.  

Keep reading to learn all the ins and outs of this common step in the Medicare sign-up procedure.

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What Is a Medicare Scope of Appointment (SOA)?

A Medicare Scope of Appointment form is a paper you fill out before you get into a detailed discussion with your agent about your Medicare options.

By filling out this form, you are able to control what coverage options are discussed in your appointment. It is required for all in-person meetings or phone meetings between agent and client where Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D drug plans will be discussed.  

The Scope of Appointment form does exactly what it sounds like. It limits the scope of what plans your agent can discuss with you during your meeting.

As a requirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the SOA protects you from unwanted solicitation and scams. It not only protects your wishes, but it weeds out agents with negative intentions.  

The products on the form include:  

• Medicare Prescriptions Drug Plans (Part D)
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Cost Plans
• Dental/Vision/Hearing Products  
• Hospital Indemnity Products
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Products

All of the information provided on the SOA is strictly confidential. If you decide you want to talk about a product you excluded when filling out your first form, you’ll need to complete a new one.

When Do I Have to Sign a Scope of Appointment?

If your agent is following guidelines, you should be signing a Scope of Appointment form whenever you discuss signing up for or altering your Medicare plan at an in-person meeting.  

Here at Medicare Allies, we have our clients complete them during the Annual Enrollment Period every year. Even if our client already has a Medicare plan, this allows us to help them enroll in Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D drug plans.

Is this a requirement? Absolutely. Does that mean that we do it begrudgingly? Of course not! Our clients’ wishes come first, and we will happily do anything we can do to facilitate a positive and informed Medicare experience.  

Sign Your Scope of Appointment via Text

You might be wondering what your options are if you live far away from your agent’s office or feel uncomfortable doing an in-person visit.  

In the past, Medicare Allies had to mail the SOA to you, instruct you on how to sign it, and have you send it back to us.  

Long story short — it took a while!

Now, with new software and technology, our team at Medicare Allies can complete this process via text or email!

With this new technology, we are able to send over an electronic document that you can sign with ease.  

This simple, hassle-free form of communication is made specifically for seniors and the agents who serve them, so you can be confident while using it.  

Talk to your agent today to learn more about our innovative tools!  

Protecting Our Clients’ Wishes

Here at Senior Allies, we are all ears! Our greatest passion is to listen to our clients and fulfill their Medicare desires.  

SOAs help us make sure that we have crystal-clear communication with our clients, which is priceless when trying to forge the best possible experience.  

We are here for you!  

Other Ways We Support Our Clients

We love to keep in contact with our clients. We regularly send follow-up emails or even give you a quick call to chat about how your Medicare plan is treating you.  

Senior Allies offers superior support. Feel free to call us with questions to talk to a real person who really cares. With us, you never wait on hold — unlike your big insurance carrier.  

One of the most fulfilling parts of our job is saving our clients money. By price shopping plans with your agent regularly, you can ensure you have the best plan for both your healthcare and your wallet!

Read more: Shelly Saves $1035/Year on Plan G, and Bill Is Supported After Emphysema Diagnosis

Every Annual Enrollment Period, you can expect a call or letter from the Senior Allies team to make sure you’re getting the absolute most from your Medicare plan. These annual reviews help us ensure that as your needs change, your coverage moves with them.  

The best part? It’s all free. We never charge for our services, because every single American deserves dedicated, unbiased service from a licensed agent.  

With payment off the table, you can feel secure that Senior Allies has nothing but your best interest at heart.  

Conclusion

When your agent asks you to sign a Scope of Appointment, you can feel empowered that you are protecting your wishes throughout your appointment.

Additionally, you can feel secure that your agent is one of the good ones and truly cares for your comfort and well-being.  

As always, if you have any questions, Senior Allies is here to help!