The two regulations issued today include prohibitions on telemarketing and other unsolicited sales contacts. The new rules also prohibit financial incentives that could encourage agents and brokers to maximize commissions by inappropriately moving, or churning, beneficiaries from one plan to another each year. Plans must be in compliance with these provisions when they begin their marketing activities on October 1, 2008.

The final rule implementing MIPPA marketing requirements may be viewed at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HealthPlansGenInfo/Downloads/2008-21674_PI.pdf .

The interim final rule dealing with agent commissions and other MIPPA provisions may be viewed at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HealthPlansGenInfo/Downloads/2008-21686_PI.pdf .

Comments are due at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 15, 2008.

Guidance for MA plans under Part C and PDPs under Part D plans may be viewed at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HealthPlansGenInfo/Downloads/MIPPA_Imp_memo091208Final.pdf .

Fact sheets with more information on each rule may be viewed at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/fact_sheets.asp .

To read more of the CMS press release issued September 15, 2008, click here: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp .