Before discussing Medicare Advantage options, you should first verify the beneficiary’s permission and make sure the discussion is compliant , including whether you have the required authorization and scope to talk about plan options. In practice, that means confirming the proper appointment/permission paperwork is in place before continuing, then sticking to approved Medicare Advantage sales guidelines.

What to do first

  • Confirm the beneficiary wants to discuss Medicare Advantage.
  • Make sure the needed permission-to-contact / scope-of-appointment requirements are satisfied before any plan discussion.
  • Stay within approved topics and avoid steering, pressure, or promises about health outcomes.
  • If the person just wants general help choosing coverage, Medicare also points people to SHIP counselors for unbiased guidance.

Why this matters

Medicare Advantage conversations have compliance rules because the beneficiary needs clear, unbiased information about doctors, prescriptions, costs, premiums, benefits, and personal health needs before enrollment decisions are made. The goal is education, not sales pressure.

Practical answer

So the safest and most correct first step is: obtain/confirm the required authorization and scope for the discussion before you begin talking about Medicare Advantage options.