Which of the following must an agent obtain no less than 48 hours before the start of an in-person, online, or telephonic marketing appointment?

• A. Scope of appointment.
• B. Consent to background check.
• C. Proof of residency.
• D. Medical clearance.

Answer: (A)

For Medicare marketing, the essential rule is that a Scope of Appointment must be on file before any marketing discussion with a beneficiary. This document specifies which topics and products the agent is authorized to talk about, helping ensure conversations stay within the beneficiary’s stated preferences.

The requirement to have the Scope of Appointment no less than 48 hours before the start of an in-person, online, or telephonic marketing appointment gives the beneficiary a window to review and modify what will be discussed, and it applies regardless of the communication mode. Because this timing and authorization are about what topics may be discussed, the Scope of Appointment is the item that must be obtained in advance.

Consent to a background check, proof of residency, and medical clearance are not the standard prerequisites tied to this 48-hour marketing rule, and they are not what must be obtained for the appointment to occur under typical Medicare marketing rules.