Definition. A third-party marketing organization (TPMO) is a company or person, such as an insurance agency, independent agent, call center or lead seller, that is paid to market, sell or enroll people in Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for the plans. CMS rules require TPMOs to give a standard disclaimer and limit how they market.
What it means
CMS defines TPMOs in federal rules (42 CFR 422.2260 and 423.2260). The plans are responsible for their TPMOs, and the TPMOs must follow Medicare's marketing rules. Key rules include:
- A standard disclaimer saying the TPMO doesn't offer every plan in your area, how many organizations and products it represents, and that Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE has information on all your options. On calls, it comes before any discussion of benefits.
- Recording of marketing, sales and enrollment calls.
- No unsolicited contact, such as door-to-door visits or calls you didn't ask for, and a Scope of Appointment before a sales meeting.
- Limits on sharing your information with another TPMO without your prior express written consent.
- No suggestion that the TPMO is part of, or endorsed by, the government or Medicare.
In Oregon
Benefits Life, Inc., which publishes OregonMedicare.org, is a licensed insurance agency and a TPMO; the independent licensed insurance agents shown on this site work with Benefits Life. Insurance agents and agencies selling in Oregon must be licensed by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, which also takes complaints at 1-888-877-4894. If you get high-pressure calls, someone claims to be from Medicare, or you're enrolled in a plan without agreeing to it, call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Sources
- 42 CFR 422.2260 — Definitions (third-party marketing organization)
- 42 CFR 422.2267 — Required materials and content (TPMO disclaimer)
- 42 CFR 422.2274 — Agent, broker and other third-party requirements
- Oregon Division of Financial Regulation — Contact us
Frequently asked questions
Is OregonMedicare.org a TPMO?
Yes. OregonMedicare.org is published by Benefits Life, Inc., a licensed insurance agency and a TPMO. That's why each page shows the CMS disclaimer saying we don't offer every plan in your area and that you can contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for all your options.
What should a TPMO tell me on a sales call?
Before discussing plan benefits, it must say how many organizations and products it represents in your area and that you can get information on all your options from Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE. Sales calls must be recorded.
Where do I report misleading Medicare marketing in Oregon?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For a problem with a licensed insurance agent or agency, contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation's consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894. To report suspected fraud, you can also call the national Senior Medicare Patrol center at 1-877-808-2468.
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