Scope of Appointment (SOA)
Also called: SOA, Medicare SOA, scope of appointment form
A Scope of Appointment (SOA) is the record of which types of Medicare products a beneficiary agreed to discuss before a personal marketing appointment with an agent.
CMS requires an SOA before a personal marketing appointment, and the appointment can only cover the product types the SOA lists. The record can be a form, an online request, a reply card or a recorded agreement, depending on the current rules.
CMS changed the SOA rules in its contract year 2027 rule, including removing the 48-hour waiting period that used to apply between the SOA and the appointment. Agencies should check the current CMS guidance and their carriers' requirements before changing how they collect SOAs.
Collecting SOAs digitally ahead of reviews keeps AEP appointments moving and keeps the agency on the right side of CMS rules.
"We collect the Scope of Appointment digitally when the client books, so the review can start on time."
Can insurance agencies collect a scope of appointment digitally?
CMS rules allow SOAs in several forms, including online requests and recorded agreements, and its 2027 rule changed several SOA requirements. Check the current CMS guidance and carrier rules before changing your process. General information, not legal advice.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change; check current CMS, FCC and carrier guidance.