Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) have introduced the Independent Broker Relief and Oversight of Knowingly Egregious and Repetitive Sales Tactics in Medicare Enrollment Act of 2025, or the Independent BROKERS TIME Act of 2025 (S. 2625).

This bipartisan bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue rules updating the regulation of independent agents, brokers, and third-party marketing organizations (TPMOs) under Medicare Parts C and D. It addresses urgent concerns facing seniors and the licensed professionals who serve them, including:

• Clarifying the definition of TPMOs to ensure independent agents and brokers are properly distinguished from large, unregulated marketing entities such as offshore call centers and private equity-financed lead generators.

• Establishing stronger oversight of predatory call centers, including creating monetary rewards for whistleblowers who provide information on fraudulent or misleading Medicare marketing scams.

• Creating a standardized registration process for independent agents and brokers across carriers to reduce redundant and inconsistent compliance requirements.

• Nullifying the 48-hour waiting period requirement for independent agents and brokers, which has unnecessarily delayed seniors’ ability to meet with a trusted professional to review Medicare options.

• Directing the inspector general of HHS to review and report on predatory call centers and their harmful impact on Medicare beneficiaries.

The result: Seniors gain stronger protections and timely help, while licensed professionals can focus more on guiding beneficiaries instead of navigating duplicative compliance. 
 

Read NABIP's press release here.