AHIP supports strengthened regulation over Part D marketing

WASHINGTON The board of directors of America’s Health Insurance Plans recently called for additional federal regulation and oversight for the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan marketing activities.

The proposal calls for a prohibition of door-to-door marketing, cross-selling, cold calls, and any inducements for beneficiaries to enroll. In addition, the statement calls for strengthening consumer disclosures, verifying that beneficiaries intended to enroll, additional agent and broker training and other protections.

“Seniors need to have complete confidence that they will be given the information they need to make the Medicare coverage decision that is best for them,” Karen Ignagni, president and chief executive officer of AHIP, stated. “Moreover, our members want to ensure that seniors will be given accurate information in an environment that further enhances safeguards to protect beneficiaries from unscrupulous marketing practices.”

The AHIP board also recommended that states be provided with additional tools to monitor sales activities and address market conduct issues.