Compliance Corner: Sales Integrity Update for AEP Released
Outdated Information in the 2019 Medicare & You Handbook
Please be advised that we have received notification from Cigna HealthSpring that the 2019 Medicare & You Handbook contains outdated information about Cigna HealthSpring’s H4513 contract for plans in Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas and Alabama. In the 2019 Medicare & You Handbook, under Cigna HealthSpring H4513 plans, it states: “ At the time of printing, this plan is not allowed to accept new members (emphasis added).” This information is no longer accurate.
CMS has confirmed that all plans associated with Cigna HealthSpring’s contract H4513 are open for enrollment during the 2019 Annual Election Period. CMS also confirmed that Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov, which provides the most up-to-date information regarding health care options for beneficiaries and their caregivers, reflects the appropriate status for Cigna HealthSpring’s contract H4513. Please be sure to note this correction in your copy of the Medicare & You handbook, and elsewhere, to ensure that you do not provide inaccurate information to any beneficiaries.
As a reminder, the 2018 Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines, Section 40.1 titled “Plan Comparisons” states that a plan may compare themselves to another plan, “provided that Plan/Part D sponsors can support them (e.g., by studies or statistical data) and such comparisons are factually based and not misleading.” In addition, agents are required to give clear, thorough and accurate information, and are prohibited from making false, misleading, half-true, or exaggerated statements. Therefore, if you compare plans offered by various carriers, please ensure you are using the most up-to-date and accurate information.
For more information contact Agent Pipeline now at 800-962-4693.
