Scope of Appointment
Federal law requires a Scope of Appointment (SOA) form to be completed before any Medicare plan discussion. Here's what it is, why it matters, and how to complete it.
What is a Scope of Appointment?
A Scope of Appointment (SOA) is a form required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that must be completed and signed before a Medicare insurance agent can discuss specific Medicare plan options with a beneficiary.
The SOA form identifies the types of Medicare products that will be discussed during an appointment. This protects you as a Medicare beneficiary by ensuring that agents only discuss the products you have agreed to hear about.
For in-person appointments, the SOA must be signed at least 48 hours before the meeting (with some exceptions, such as when you initiate the contact within 48 hours of the appointment). The form is required every year.
Why the SOA Requirement Exists
Protects Beneficiaries
CMS created the SOA requirement to prevent Medicare agents from "cross-selling" — pushing products you didn't ask about. It ensures agents only discuss what you specifically consent to hear.
Required by Federal Law
The SOA requirement is mandated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). All licensed Medicare agents must comply. Failure to obtain an SOA is a violation of federal marketing guidelines.
Keeps Meetings Focused
By specifying the plan types you want to discuss in advance, the SOA ensures your consultation is focused and productive. David will only present the Medicare options that are relevant to your needs.
What the SOA Form Covers
When you complete the SOA, you select which types of Medicare products you are agreeing to discuss. The typical options include:
You are only required to check the boxes that apply to the topics you want to discuss. You may always change your mind and expand the discussion scope if you wish — simply complete a new SOA form before the expanded topics are introduced.
Complete Your SOA Now Using RetirefloSurvey
David uses the Retireflo Survey platform to collect your Scope of Appointment digitally. Retireflo Survey will also collect important information like current Doctors and Prescription Drugs. The survey ony takes a few minutes to complete. Please complete it before your scheduled appointment.
What to expect:
- The survey will ask for your name and contact information
- You'll select which types of Medicare products you'd like to discuss
- You'll provide a digital signature acknowledging the scope
- You'll receive a confirmation once submitted
- David will receive your completed SOA and confirm your appointment
Opens in a new tab · Takes approximately 2 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to complete the SOA?
For scheduled in-person appointments, the SOA should be completed at least 48 hours before the meeting. If you call David to set up a same-day or next-day appointment, exceptions may apply. The SOA must be in place before any Medicare plan specifics are discussed.
Do I need to complete an SOA every year?
Yes. A new SOA is required for each plan year. Even if you have worked with David before, a fresh SOA is needed before discussing your options for the upcoming plan year during the Annual Enrollment Period.
Is there any obligation after completing the SOA?
Absolutely not. Completing the SOA simply gives David permission to discuss specific plan types with you. There is no obligation to enroll in any plan, and our consultation is always free of charge.
What if I want to discuss additional plan types during our meeting?
If you decide you want to discuss a plan type not covered by your original SOA, a new or amended SOA should be completed before those topics are introduced. This can typically be done quickly at the start of the meeting.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes. The RetirefloSurvey platform is HIPAA-compliant and uses secure, encrypted data transmission. Your information is used only for the purpose of setting up your consultation and complying with CMS requirements.
After completing your SOA, schedule your free consultation:
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