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.
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.
📍 Local, Personal Service in Tampa Bay
At MyPhss, we’re not a call center or some out-of-state company. We are licensed local brokers who live and work right here in Tampa Bay.
We serve clients in:
Pasco County: New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes
Hernando County: Spring Hill, Brooksville
Pinellas County: Clearwater, Largo, St. Pete, Tarpon Springs
Hillsborough County: Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, Lutz
Polk County: Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow
Citrus County: Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa
Whether you want to meet in person, talk on the phone, or do everything online, we make it simple. There’s no cost, no pressure, and no obligation — just honest help.
Contact Us Today
Whether you’re new to Medicare or considering switching your plan or you are looking for a fair and competitive quote for an Final Expense / Burial plan, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
📞 Call us at (813) 328-4664
📧 Email us at support@myphss.com
🌐 Visit us online at MyPHSS.com
Let’s protect your golden years with peace of mind and the right Final Expense or Medicare plan.
Annual Review: Review your plan annually to ensure it continues to meet your needs. To review your coverage, call 813-328-4664 or email us at support@myphss.com
I intended to answer most of your questions in this article, but if I missed something, please email me at support@myphss.com, and I will answer your question.
