When dealing with Medicare marketing, obtaining Permission to Contact (PTC) is essential, especially when it comes to referrals. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you stay compliant while effectively managing referrals.
Explicit Consent: Before contacting a referred beneficiary, you must obtain their explicit consent. This means the referred individual must agree to be contacted by a Medicare agent. You can achieve this through a form or a documented verbal agreement.
Clear Disclosure: When a beneficiary is referred, ensure that they are fully aware that their contact information will be shared with a Medicare agent. The referring party should inform the beneficiary about the nature of the contact and obtain their consent.
Documenting Consent: Keep detailed records of all permissions obtained. This includes noting the date, method of consent (e.g., form, verbal), and the specific details of what the beneficiary consented to.
Educate Referrers: Ensure that anyone who might refer beneficiaries to you understands the importance of obtaining explicit consent. Provide them with clear guidelines and templates for obtaining PTC.
Transparent Communication: When contacting referred beneficiaries, be transparent about how you received their information and the purpose of your contact. This transparency builds trust and ensures compliance.
Follow-Up Promptly: Once you have obtained PTC, follow up with the referred beneficiary promptly. A timely response shows professionalism and keeps the beneficiary engaged.
Respect Privacy: Assure referred beneficiaries that their information will be kept confidential and used solely for Medicare-related purposes. This helps build trust and encourages them to engage with you.
Regular Compliance Checks: Regularly review your referral processes to ensure they comply with the latest Medicare marketing guidelines. Staying updated helps you avoid any compliance issues.
Disclaimer: Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
