Happy AEP 2025! As AEP kicks off, compliance remains a top priority for agents. This year's AEP brings significant updates, especially regarding Part D and Special Enrollment Periods for Dual Eligible and Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) beneficiaries. Here are key tips to ensure you provide the best support to your clients during this critical time.

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Pam’s Pro Tips

1.  Be knowledgeable about the Part D and Dual Eligible/LIS changes for PY 2025
   • Make sure you understand the Part D changes and how they impact your clients.  Drug tiers, formularies, and deductibles are changing on many plans; both PDP and MAPD, so you need to be diligent and thorough about reviewing your client’s prescriptions and ensuring they are on the best plan for their needs. Webinar recording is HERE
   • Know the changes in Special Enrollment Periods for Dual Eligible and Low Income Subsidy beneficiaries and be able to explain them to your clients. Clients in these categories will not have the same ability to change plans throughout the year as in previous years.  Make sure your client’s with any level of assistance know what they can and can’t do next year so they can make the best plan choice during AEP.  Webinar recording is HERE.
2. Prioritize Communication with Clients:
   • Effective communication is critical this year. As beneficiaries navigate Medicare changes, they will look to you for guidance and reassurance. Here are some strategies to enhance your client relationships:some text
     • Proactive Outreach: If any of your plans are leaving the area, reach out to affected clients early. Reassure them that you’re here to help them find suitable alternatives.
     • Thorough Appointments: Regardless of your schedule, take the time to conduct comprehensive and compliant sales appointments. Don’t rush through the process; use the Summary of Benefits to explain plan details and complete the Pre-Enrollment checklists provided by carriers. Many complaints arise from clients not fully understanding the plans they enroll in.
     • Ongoing Engagement: Continue to connect with clients after AEP. Simple gestures like handwritten thank-you notes and regular check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days can significantly enhance client retention. Consider participating in Spark’s Client Retention Program for additional support.‍
3.  Know the SOA and Call Recording rules and follow them! 
   • Adhere to the Service of Acknowledgment (SOA) and call recording rules. For detailed information on compliance, visit our resource page.  Click HERE to watch a short video on call recording rules. 
   • If you conduct telephonic sales appointments, ensure you are using a CMS-approved script. Spark provides a compliant script available under the Plan Year 2025 Updates section HERE.

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We understand your commitment to serving your clients effectively this year. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out at compliance@sparkadivsors.com.

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