Medicare rules ban cold-calling by insurers and will use “secret shoppers”

There is a potential fine for violators and they cannot initiate the call, the consumer has to initiate, but once that is done then it is pretty much up to the consumer once more to make that bone crushing decision, as it’s not getting any easier or simpler to choose. It’s shame this has to be such a daunting process that is not only confusing, but it so fragmented and nobody really knows what they are getting until they need service. Let’s hope the “I Spy” program helps to at least keep things from getting as far out of hand as they have in the past. BD

The regulations will go into effect Oct. 1, which is when insurers can begin marketing their plans for 2009. Among the changes mandated by Congress are:
_No unsolicited contacts with beneficiaries, such as visiting their home or calling them. The prospective customer must initiate the contact.

_No selling of other insurance products, such as annuities or life insurance, to beneficiaries.

_No free meals at promotional or sales events.

_New requirements for training or testing of agents.

Medicare rules ban cold-calling by insurers