In its 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D rule, CMS finalized eliminating the 48-hour waiting period between completing a Scope of Appointment and a personal marketing appointment, along with its exceptions. The change took effect June 1, 2026, so this is the first Open Enrollment without it.
What else changed
The old rule kept sales events at least 12 hours apart from an "educational" event in the same place. Now a sales event can follow right after, as long as you're told the educational part is ending and given a chance to leave.
What still applies
- The agent must agree on and record the Scope of Appointment with you before the meeting, in writing for in-person meetings.
- No door-to-door sales, no approaching you in parking lots or lobbies, no social media messages, and no cold calls, robocalls, texts or voicemails.
- No gifts over $15, no payment over the phone, no non-health products like annuities.
What to do
You can always say "not today" and get a free second opinion from HICAP, which doesn't sell insurance: 1-800-434-0222. A pushy agent: the California Department of Insurance, 800-927-4357. The red flags and scams this fall · Open Enrollment dates and help.
Do it with PJ
The calls, the forms, the logins and the errands in between: PJ does the legwork with your family in Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff and Del Mar. He doesn't give medical, legal or benefits advice; the programs decide. Plans start as low as $25.
More: the care ladder · every senior waitlist · senior benefits checkup.
Sources: Federal Register, 2027 MA and Part D final rule · 42 CFR 422.2264 · Medicare.gov, plan marketing rules. Checked October 6, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25.
Questions people ask
Is the 48-hour Scope of Appointment rule still in effect?
No. CMS eliminated it in the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D final rule, effective June 1, 2026.
Does a Medicare agent still need a Scope of Appointment?
Yes. It must be agreed on and recorded before the personal marketing appointment, and in writing for in-person meetings (42 CFR 422.2264).
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