In today’s digital age, safeguarding personal information is paramount, especially in the health insurance industry. Recently, new requirements were implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to combat fraud and abuse in the sector.
What’s Changed?
As of June 18, 2023, significant changes have come into effect regarding consumer consent and authorization between agents and their clients. These changes are aimed at enhancing privacy protection and providing you with more control over your health insurance data.
What You Need to Know
The updated Marketplace requirements necessitate agents to obtain your explicit consent and authorization before carrying out certain actions related to your health insurance application and coverage. These actions include:
- Providing Quotes for Marketplace Plans and Subsidies: Before agents can offer you health insurance plan quotes and subsidies, they must receive your consent to access your application and relevant information.
- Assisting with Enrollment: Should you decide to enroll in a particular health insurance plan, your agent will need your consent to initiate and complete the enrollment process.
- Assisting with Yearly Re-Enrollment or Plan Changes: In case your circumstances change, and adjustments to your health insurance plan become necessary, your agent will require your consent to make the required updates.
Obtaining Your Consent
Protecting your privacy is a top priority. To ensure your information is handled securely and with your explicit permission, your consent can be obtained in one of two ways:
- Consent Form: Agents may request you to sign a consent form, which acknowledges your agreement to allow them access to your application and perform the necessary actions on your behalf.
- Recorded Phone Call: Alternatively, your agent may seek your consent through a recorded phone call, creating a clear record of the agreement.
Your Rights and Options
Your privacy is in your hands. The consent form you sign will be safely stored for a minimum of 10 years, and your consent does not have an expiration date. This means it remains in effect until you decide to revoke it.
You have the right to revoke your consent at any time. Additionally, you retain the freedom to choose a new Agent of Record if you prefer to work with someone else for your health insurance needs.
Making Consent Easier for You
At the Wooten Agency, we value your time and strive to make the process convenient for you. To streamline the experience for our clients, we have provided a consent form that you can conveniently fill out. This form ensures we can assist you promptly and efficiently whenever you require our services. Click here to fill out the consent form today.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Your privacy and peace of mind are of utmost importance to us. By adhering to these consent and authorization guidelines, we maintain the highest standards in safeguarding your personal information while delivering exceptional service in the health insurance industry.
Get in Touch
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding consumer consent and authorization or any other matter, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you every step of the way.
At the Wooten Agency, we remain committed to transparency, security, and your overall satisfaction. Rest assured, your information is safe with us, and we’re dedicated to empowering you with control over your health insurance data.
For more information on this new rule, please view this Summary of CMS Guidance on New Consent Rules.