1.
It is acceptable to request a referral from ____
Correct Answer
A. An existing member
Explanation
When marketing Medicare, it is appropriate and effective to ask for referrals from existing members who are already familiar with and satisfied by the services provided. These members can provide genuine and informed referrals to friends or relatives who might benefit from the same Medicare plan. This approach is respectful and compliant with marketing guidelines, as existing members can voluntarily share their positive experiences without any undue pressure. On the other hand, soliciting referrals from beneficiaries at sales seminars or immediately after enrollment during in-home visits can be seen as intrusive and is typically discouraged.
2.
It is acceptable to give a Visa gift card as a free gift at a Sales Event as long as the value does not exceed $15.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In Medicare marketing, it's allowed to give out small gifts, like a Visa gift card, during a sales event, as long as the value of the gift does not exceed $15. This rule is set to ensure that the gifts are not overly influential and do not come off as bribes. The gifts should be of nominal value, meaning they're small enough to not sway someone's decision about their healthcare options inappropriately. This approach is meant to keep the focus on helping beneficiaries make informed and unbiased decisions about their Medicare options.
3.
It is not compliant for a plan sponsor to contact a third party to reach a current member when a phone number has been disconnected.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
It is not compliant for a plan sponsor to contact a third party to reach a current member if the member's phone number has been disconnected. According to Medicare marketing guidelines, plan sponsors must respect the privacy and confidentiality of plan members. Reaching out to a third party to contact a member can breach these privacy norms unless prior explicit consent has been given by the member for such communication. This ensures that the member's personal information and contact details are protected, aligning with regulations that safeguard personal privacy.
4.
An agent may accept an enrollment with a January 1st effective date prior to the start of AEP if: (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer(s)
B. The beneficiary is entitled to a SEP.
C. The beneficiary is within their ICEP/IEP.
Explanation
An agent can accept an enrollment application with a January 1st effective date prior to the start of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) if specific conditions are met. These conditions include the beneficiary being entitled to a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which allows enrollment changes outside of the usual periods due to specific life events like moving or losing coverage. Additionally, acceptance is permissible if the beneficiary is within their Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) or Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). The ICEP is the period during which an individual first becomes eligible for Medicare Advantage upon Medicare eligibility, and the IEP is when someone nearing the age of 65 can first sign up for Medicare. Both periods provide opportunities to enroll outside of AEP, ensuring adherence to Medicare's rules and maintaining the integrity of the enrollment process.
5.
At a Townhall Event, Paige will be singing as the primary entertainment, and Jodi and Anastasia will be doing a flaming ring toss performance during her break. If there are 67 attendees, and Jodi and Anastasia charge $250 for their performance, what is the maximum amount Arcadian can pay Paige for her show?
Correct Answer
C. 755
Explanation
To find the maximum amount Arcadian can pay Paige, we need to understand the rule set by Medicare marketing guidelines concerning the total amount that can be spent on entertainment at a promotional event. Medicare rules stipulate that the total expenditure on entertainment should not exceed $15 per attendee.
Here's the calculation:
Total allowable for entertainment: 67 attendees x $15/attendee = $1005
Cost of Jodi and Anastasia's performance: $250
Remaining budget for Paige's performance: $1005 - $250 = $755
Thus, the maximum amount that Arcadian can pay Paige for her performance is $755, ensuring that the total entertainment expenses do not exceed the $15 per attendee limit set by Medicare. This calculation takes into account the costs already allocated to other entertainers, ensuring compliance with Medicare's guidelines on spending for promotional events.
6.
If an agent is meeting with a beneficiary regarding a MA or PDP product and the prospect asks to discuss another MA or PDP product type, the agent should:
Correct Answer
C. Have the benefiary complete a new scope and discuss the additional product at the same appointment
Explanation
In Medicare marketing, particularly when discussing Medicare Advantage (MA) or Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), agents are required to adhere to specific rules to ensure compliance and protect beneficiaries. If a beneficiary inquires about another MA or PDP product type during a meeting, the agent must ensure that they complete a new Scope of Appointment (SOA) form before discussing the additional products. This form legally documents the beneficiary's consent to discuss specific types of products and ensures that the discussion is compliant with Medicare guidelines. Importantly, once the new SOA is completed, there is no requirement to wait; the agent can discuss the additional product types in the same appointment. This ensures that the beneficiary's needs are addressed promptly while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
7.
What is the amount of time allowed for a customer service representative to return a call when a current member or prospect leaves a message?
Correct Answer
A. No more than one business day later
Explanation
When a current member or a prospect leaves a message for a customer service representative regarding Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan inquiries, the representative is required to return the call no more than one business day later. This standard ensures timely communication and support, which is crucial for maintaining trust and satisfaction among members and prospects. Prompt responses are a part of good customer service practices and are essential in addressing any concerns or questions that members or potential members might have about their healthcare coverage. This guideline helps ensure that issues are resolved quickly, keeping members informed and supported in their healthcare decisions.
8.
____% of incoming calls must be answered within ____ seconds.
Correct Answer
A. 80, 30
Explanation
In the context of customer service standards for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), it's required that 80% of incoming calls must be answered within 30 seconds. This benchmark is established to ensure that beneficiaries receive prompt and efficient service. Meeting this standard is crucial for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. It ensures that the majority of callers can speak to a representative without facing long wait times, thereby enhancing their overall experience and ensuring they have quick access to the information or assistance they require. This guideline reflects the commitment to providing a responsive and accessible service to all members.
9.
If a plan sponsor places an outbound call to an existing member, it is compliant to verify the member's identification number prior to beginning the call.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
When a plan sponsor places an outbound call to an existing member, it is indeed compliant and necessary to verify the member's identification number prior to beginning the discussion of any specific details related to the member’s plan or personal information. This verification step is critical for ensuring the security and privacy of the member’s data. By confirming the member’s identity at the start of the call, the plan sponsor helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. This practice is in line with regulations that aim to protect personal health information under laws like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), ensuring that discussions about personal or sensitive details are conducted securely and with the correct individual.
10.
An Inbound Informational Script call cannot be transferred to the enrollment area.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
An Inbound Informational Script call can indeed be transferred to the enrollment area if the caller expresses interest in enrolling or wishes to discuss specific plan enrollment details. The purpose of informational calls often serve as a preliminary step where potential enrollees can gather necessary information and have their initial questions answered. If during the call, the caller decides they would like to proceed further into the details of enrolling or changing their plan, transferring the call to the enrollment area is not only permissible but also a practical approach to providing comprehensive service. This ensures that callers receive tailored assistance according to their needs and are efficiently guided through the enrollment process if they choose to pursue it.
11.
Call centers must meet certain operating standards. Which of the following standards apply: (Choose all that apply)
Correct Answer(s)
C. Provide service to all non-English speaking and hearing impaired beneficiaries
D. Follow an explicitly defined process for handling customer complaints
Explanation
Call centers, especially those managing services like Medicare, are required to adhere to certain operating standards to ensure equitable and efficient service. Among these, providing service to all non-English speaking and hearing-impaired beneficiaries is crucial for inclusivity and accessibility. This standard requires call centers to have mechanisms such as multilingual staff or translation services and technologies like TTY for the hearing impaired. Another essential standard is following an explicitly defined process for handling customer complaints, which ensures that any issues are addressed systematically and consistently, maintaining trust and accountability. While metrics like disconnect rates and hold times are important for performance assessment, they are not specified as mandatory standards in this context, highlighting the importance of accessibility and effective complaint resolution in call center operations.
12.
Under extraordinary circimstances, materials can be submitted to CMS outside of HPMS via:
Correct Answer
A. Mail or fax
Explanation
Under extraordinary circumstances, materials can indeed be submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outside of the Health Plan Management System (HPMS) through either mail or fax. This provision allows for flexibility when electronic submission via HPMS is not feasible, ensuring that necessary communications and document submissions can still proceed despite potential technological issues or other unusual conditions. This approach helps maintain compliance and ensures timely processing of essential documents and materials crucial for plan management and beneficiary services, without causing delays that could affect service quality or regulatory adherence.
13.
Regarding Marketing Material Submission, CMS is allowed to: (Check all that apply)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Initiate withdrawal of marketing materials after they have been submitted for review
B. Require a plan to change a previously approved Marketing Material piece
C. Not approve or disapprove a marketing material during the 45 or 10 day review period
Explanation
In the realm of Medicare marketing, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) holds several regulatory powers to ensure that marketing materials comply with established guidelines and remain accurate and appropriate. CMS has the authority to initiate the withdrawal of marketing materials even after they have been submitted for review, particularly if they potentially violate regulatory standards or issues are identified post-submission that necessitate reevaluation. Furthermore, CMS can require a plan to make changes to a previously approved marketing material if new regulations are implemented, errors are discovered, or the material no longer aligns with current Medicare guidelines. Additionally, CMS is not obligated to approve or disapprove marketing materials within the specified review periods (45 days for new submissions and 10 days for revisions), allowing them the flexibility to conduct thorough reviews, especially when extra scrutiny is required. These measures are in place to ensure that the materials used in marketing to Medicare beneficiaries are both informative and ethically sound.
14.
All MA and PDP websites must be submitted to CMS for review and approval.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
It is not required for all Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) websites to be submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for review and approval before they are made public. MA and PDP plan sponsors are responsible for ensuring that the content on their websites complies with CMS regulations and guidelines. However, CMS does require that any marketing materials, including certain elements that might appear on websites, adhere to Medicare marketing guidelines. Plan sponsors must self-monitor and ensure all their communications, including digital formats, meet compliance standards. This approach helps maintain regulatory compliance while allowing for efficient updates and management of online content by the plan sponsors themselves.
15.
Which of the following items are NOT subject to CMS review?
Correct Answer(s)
D. Press Releases
E. Sales Training Documents
Explanation
While Privacy Notices, Health Risk Assessments, and Scope of Appointments are all integral parts of managing and documenting Medicare plan operations and interactions with beneficiaries, and are subject to CMS review to ensure compliance with Medicare guidelines, Press Releases and Sales Training Documents are not typically subject to such reviews. Press releases are generally used for public relations and are not considered direct marketing materials that require CMS approval. Similarly, sales training documents are used internally to train agents and staff and do not directly impact beneficiaries in the same way that marketing materials or beneficiary communications do. Therefore, these items do not fall under the scope of CMS review, as they are not required to comply with the specific regulatory standards set for beneficiary-facing materials.