What is a Medicare Scope of Appointment
If you’ve ever scheduled a one-on-one meeting to talk about Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a standalone Part D drug plan, you were probably asked to sign a “Scope of Appointment,” often called an SOA. It’s a simple form with an important purpose: it protects you by setting the agenda for the meeting so there are no surprises. In this short article “What is a Medicare Scope Of Appointment” we will go over the importance of this form.
I intend to answer most of your questions in this article, but if I miss something, please email me at support@myphss.com, and I will answer your question.
Table of Contents
In plain English: what is an SOA?
An SOA (Scope of Appointment) is your written ok for an agent or broker to discuss specific Medicare topics with you, typically Medicare Advantage (MA) and/or Part D. It applies to all in-person, by phone, or virtual appointments. It’s about consent and transparency, nothing more, nothing less.
This requirement comes from Medicare; if you do not fill out this form, your agent or broker, by law, may not discuss with you any plan specifics related to any Prescription Part D or Advantage Part C plans.
The 48-hour rule (and the two exceptions)
For most scheduled personal marketing appointments, CMS requires that an SOA be agreed to and recorded at least 48 hours before the appointment begins. There are two exceptions:
If you’re within the last four days of a valid election period (like AEP, OEP, ICEP, or a Special Enrollment Period), and
If you walk in and initiate an unscheduled in-person meeting.
These guardrails give you a cooling-off window to think things over and invite a caregiver or family member if you’d like.
✅ How long does an SOA last?
Once you sign, an SOA is valid for 12 months. If you want to revisit plan options within that year, the same SOA generally covers it. After 12 months, a fresh SOA is needed.
Staying on-topic (and adding topics the right way)
During a personal marketing appointment, agents may not market products beyond the scope you agreed to. Want to add Part D to a Medicare Advantage discussion (or vice versa)? No problem—your agent obtains a new or expanded SOA, and you proceed.
Educational events vs. marketing appointments
Suppose you attend an educational event (for example, a general “Medicare 101” in a community center). In that case, agents can answer general questions, but they can’t market specific plans, accept applications, or collect SOA forms there. SOAs are collected either ahead of your marketing appointment or at certain marketing events that are designed for plan discussions.
How long are SOAs kept on file?
Industry guidance and carrier training require agents to retain SOAs for 10 years, even if you don’t enroll—so records are available for audits or if you ever want a copy. (That retention rule wasn’t changed by recent updates.)
How you can complete an SOA
For convenience, CMS allows SOAs to be completed electronically, by phone, or on paper. Most brokers will have you sign a paper SOA.
Why this matters for Tampa Bay residents
Here in the Tampa Bay area, Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, and Polk counties, plan availability and provider networks can vary by neighborhood. The SOA helps ensure your appointment stays focused on the exact plan types that fit your doctors, pharmacies, and budget, without wandering into products you didn’t ask to review. It’s a simple step that keeps the process clear and respectful.
What to expect with MyPHSS
At MyPHSS, we keep SOAs simple and stress-free:
We send the SOA ahead (electronic or paper) so you have time to look it over—no rush.
We’ll only discuss what you’ve authorized; if you want to explore something else, we’ll update the SOA first.
Meetings can be in your home, by phone, or online—whatever’s easiest.
We never pressure; our job is to explain options in plain language and answer your questions.
FAQ:
Do I need an SOA if I’m just asking general Medicare questions?
Not for purely educational discussions. Once we talk about specific MA or Part D plan benefits or costs tailored to you, an SOA is required.
What if I’m short on time near the end of AEP?
During the last four days of your valid election period, the 48-hour wait doesn’t apply—you can sign the SOA and meet the same day if needed.
Can I bring a family member?
Absolutely. The 48-hour window is designed to give you time to include caregivers or loved ones if you want. If the other person is also a Medicare beneficiary and wants to talk about their options, that person would also need to fill out an SOA.
Ready to speak
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If you need assistance using our online calendar, please call 813-539-0071 or email us at support@myphss.com
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Yes it is, your quote will be based on the following:
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For the purpose of this quote we do not ask any medical questions regarding your health. You will have to answer medical questions if you want to apply for any insurance product and your rates might change if you are unable to answer “no” to all the medical questions on the application. Please consult with your local agent if you have any questions regarding the medical underwriting requirements.
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To make the most of your appointment with MyPHSS, it’s helpful to have a few key items ready. Whether we’re meeting in person or over the phone, being prepared allows us to give you the best advice based on your unique situation.
Here’s what to have on hand:
📄 Current insurance paperwork (including Medicare, supplemental, or Advantage plans)
🪪 Your Medicare card and state-issued ID
💊 A list of your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
👩⚕️ Names of your current doctors, specialists, and medical facilities
❓ Any questions you’d like to ask—it’s easy to forget them during the conversation, so jot them down ahead of time!
Our goal is to make this process simple, personal, and stress-free. Whether you’re exploring new coverage, comparing plans, or looking for cost-saving options, we’re here to help every step of the way.
📞 Call your local agent @813-539-0071
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We proudly serve the Tampa Bay area and offer assistance statewide by phone.
At MyPHSS, we are independent insurance brokers, which means we’re not tied to just one company. Instead, we represent all the major insurance carriers available in Florida, so you can compare options and choose the plan that’s right for you—not the one a company is trying to push.
We work with trusted names like:
UnitedHealthcare®
Humana®
Aetna®
Cigna®
BayCare®
Wellcare®
Transamerica®
Mutual of Omaha®
CVS® and more
Because every person’s needs are different, we focus on what’s best for you, not what’s best for the insurance companies. Whether you’re looking for a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medigap policy, a final expense plan, or dental coverage, we’ll help you compare side by side and choose with confidence.
📞 Call your local agent @813-539-0071
📧 Email us at support@myphss.com
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We proudly serve the Tampa Bay area—including Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, and Polk counties—and offer statewide phone assistance anywhere in Florida.
Because we don’t need your number to give you a quote!
Other insurance agents ask for your number because they believe if they don’t have it, you will go to someone else and they will lose the sale. We don’t use sales tactics like that, if you can find a better price from someone else we want to you to go to them. Save money, that is the whole point of our business.
You can schedule and appointment by clicking here or calling your local agent directly @813-539-0071
Nothing, if you decided to buy a policy and we are the writing agent the insurance company will pay us a commission for that sale. The price of your policy does not change because of that.
At MyPHSS, we proudly serve seniors throughout the Tampa Bay area, including:
Pasco County
Hernando County
Pinellas County
Hillsborough County
Citrus County
Polk County
If you’re local, we can meet in person at your home for a no-pressure consultation. However, you don’t have to live nearby to get our help—we also assist individuals anywhere in Florida over the phone or by email.
Whether you’re in Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, or a small town in between, our licensed agents can walk you through your Medicare and final expense options from the comfort of your home.
📞 Call us at 813-539-0071
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No matter where you live in Florida, MyPHSS is here to help protect your golden years.
Before COVID-19, we operated several local offices in the Tampa Bay area. Like many small businesses, we closed our doors during the pandemic and transitioned to working remotely for the safety of our staff and clients.
After restrictions were lifted, we found that our services ran just as smoothly—if not better—without the overhead costs of a traditional office space. By eliminating unnecessary expenses like rent and utilities, we’re able to focus more on serving our community and keeping costs down for our clients.
Today, your local MyPHSS agent can assist you over the phone, via email, or in person—right in the comfort of your own home, just like your plumber or electrician. It’s convenient, personal, and always pressure-free.
If you need to mail us something please use the following address:
13046 Race Track Rd #190 Tampa FL 33626
We proudly serve seniors across the Tampa Bay area, including Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, and Polk counties.
Have questions or want to schedule an appointment?
📞 Call us at 813-539-0071
📧 Email us at support@myphss.com
🌐 Visit us online at www.myphss.com
Most polices come with a 15 or 30-day free look period from the insurance provider. If you don’t like something we can cancel it for you. We are here to help you find what works for you.
At MyPHSS (Protecting Your Golden Years), we help Florida seniors feel confident and prepared for retirement by offering personalized insurance solutions and guidance—at no cost to you.
Our licensed local agents specialize in helping individuals age 60 and older navigate the often confusing world of Medicare and retirement planning. We offer in-home appointments in the Tampa Bay area or phone consultations for clients anywhere in Florida.
We can help you with:
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Final Expense Life Insurance
Dental and Vision Plans
Long-Term Care Plans
Hospital Indemnity Plans
Fixed Annuities
As independent brokers, we represent all the major insurance companies in Florida, which means we work for you, not the insurance companies. You’ll get honest advice, clear explanations, and options that make sense for your health, lifestyle, and budget.
📞 Call us at 813-539-0071
📧 Email us at support@myphss.com
🌐 Visit us at www.myphss.com
We proudly serve the Tampa Bay area—including Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, and Polk counties—and offer remote help across the entire state of Florida.
For the Tampa Bay area, please contact your local agent at 813-539-0071
When you schedule an in-person appointment with MyPHSS, one of our licensed local agents will visit you at your home—at a time that’s convenient for you. Appointments usually last about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your questions and needs.
During your visit, we’ll take the time to explain your options and help you understand which Medicare or Final Expense insurance plans may be right for you. We typically focus on one product at a time to avoid overwhelming you—but if you’re curious about other plans, we’re always happy to discuss them.
There’s no cost, no pressure, and no obligation. We do not handle any payments, and we are not affiliated with any specific insurance company. Everything is reviewed on a secure tablet, and if you decide to enroll, any necessary paperwork or plan materials will be mailed directly to you from the issuing company.
Ready to schedule your free in-home visit? Call us at 813-539-0071 or email support@myphss.com today.
A phone appointment with MyPHSS is a convenient way to get expert help with your Medicare or Final Expense insurance options—without leaving your home.
One of our licensed local agents will call you at a scheduled time and walk you through everything step by step. We’ll take the time to understand your needs, explain your plan options clearly, and answer any questions you may have.
Phone appointments usually take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your situation. Just like our in-person visits, there’s no cost, no pressure, and no obligation—we’re here to provide helpful information, not sell you something you don’t need.
If you choose to enroll in a plan, everything can be completed securely over the phone, and any materials you need will be mailed directly to you.
To schedule your free phone consultation, call 813-539-0071 or email support@myphss.com.
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Whether you’re new to Medicare or considering switching your plan, or you are looking for a fair and competitive quote for a Final Expense / Burial plan, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Call/Text your local agent “Daniel” at (813) 539-0071 📧 Email us at support@myphss.com
Let’s protect your golden years with peace of mind and the right Final Expense or Medicare plan.
We are a locally owned family insurance agency that has been serving our community since 2012. As independent brokers, we don’t work for just one company. We shop around to find the most affordable plans in Florida based on your needs.
We proudly serve the entire Tampa Bay region, including:
Counties We Serve:
Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sumter, Sarasota & Citrus
Popular Cities:
Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Spring Hill, Brooksville, Dade City, Plant City, Inverness, and more
Whether you want to meet in person, over the phone, or online, MyPHSS is here to help you.