Does the SOA need to be completed by a licensed agent, or can administrative staff complete it on the agent’s behalf before the agent contacts the client? This question specifically refers to clients in the USVI.

Question

Joanna Finnegan · Accepted Answer

An administrative assistant could fill out the scope of appointment, but both the licensed agent and the client need to sign it. It is a short form and the licensed agent should be able to complete it without assistance from an administrator.

Answered by Joanna Finnegan on August 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AR, AZ & 31 other states

Answered by Joanna Finnegan Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/does-the-soa-need-to-be-completed-by-a-licensed-agent-or-can-administrative-staff-complete-it-on-the-agents-behalf-before-the-agent-contacts-the-client-this-question-specifically-refers-to-clients-in-the-usvi#gary-church

Daniel Brechin · Answer

A Scope of appointment needs to be completed a minimum of 2 days before writing the application.
Unless the application is effective on fthe irst day of the month, you may have signed the day of the application.

Daniel Brechin
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Kerwyn Jones · Answer

The paperwork has to be completed by a Licensed Broker/Agent. Typically, at a minimum it has to be signed at least 48hrs prior to enrollment.

Ravi Natarajan · Answer

Most of the information can be completed by an administrative staff. But the client needs to choose what plans they want to discuss and sign the document at least 48 hours prior to the appointment. The only exception are, walk-ins and the last 4 days of the Annual Enrollment Period. The Agent then needs to document when the appointment was held and sign the document for that date.

Answered by Ravi Natarajan on October 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in MA, AZ, CA & 12 other states

Answered by Ravi Natarajan Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Houchens · Answer

The SOA is sent to the client before the meeting for the client to complete their portion first. The agent would complete their portion after the meeting with the client. This can be sent several different ways which could include mail, electronically or email. Who sends it shouldn’t matter but the agent would have to complete their part themselves after the appointment with the client.

Answered by Steve Houchens on August 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Priscilla Ramos · Answer

For the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Scope of Appointment (SOA) must be completed by a licensed insurance agent. Administrative staff cannot fill it out on the agent’s behalf before contacting the client.

CMS guidance requires that the agent personally obtains the client’s agreement to discuss Medicare Advantage and/or Part D plans, to ensure compliance and documentation accuracy.

Brian Kulis · Answer

The Medicare Scope of Appointment is a mandatory form that beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries must sign before meeting with an insurance agent to discuss Medicare Advantage or Prescription plan options. It must be signed 48 hours prior to an appointment.

Answered by Brian Kulis on August 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AR, AZ, LA & MO, OK, TN & TX

Answered by Brian Kulis Medicare Insurance Agent

Cindy Dedini · Answer

Administrative staff can assist with the SOA process, but it is the agent's responsibility to assure correctiveness and timeliness in following the 48-hour rule, with some exceptions such as walk-ins or the day before the deadline.

Answered by Cindy Dedini on April 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 11 other states

Answered by Cindy Dedini Medicare Insurance Agent

Victoria R. Trevino · Answer

Administrative staff may assist in distributing and collecting the Scope of Appointment (SOA) form. However, it is the responsibility of the licensed agent to ensure the SOA is completed correctly and signed by the agent.

Answered by Victoria R. Trevino on April 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX & NM

Answered by Victoria R. Trevino Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

the specific details regarding who can complete the SOA form itself prior to the agent's contact may be subject to interpretation or specific company policies within the broader regulatory framework.

Tamela Clayton · Answer

the SOA has to be completed for the specific agent and appointment, but an admin can help send it out or collect it.  

The key is:  it must be accurate, on the right form, and done before the agent talks benefits.  Regardless who sends it the beneficiary should review and sign it themselves before the appointment.

David Christian · Answer

Hey this is a great question. Admin may help with distributing or collecting the SOA, but only the client and agent are allowed to sign the document. This is throughout the US and it Territories such as the USVI.

Answered by David Christian on November 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by David Christian Medicare Insurance Agent

Roberto Alonso · Answer

The SOA(Scope Of Appointment) must be completed by the licensed agent and signed by both the member and the licensed agent.
The administrative staff can assist in the distribution, collection, or help organize the form pre-appointment, but not sign or complete the agent portion or fulfill any of the agent's compliance duties and functions. 
There are no special exemptions for the US Virgin Islands( USVI), any of the territories, or the Continental USA for that matter.

Charlie Fitzgerald · Answer

The licensed agent should always complete the SOA with the client to make certain that there is clarity as to the appointment and the topics to be discussed.

Cynthia Allen · Answer

Both the agent and the medicare beneficiary must complete and sign the SOA….the licensed agent is responsible for completing the SOA form and that it is signed properly by both the agent and beneficiary.  

Admin staff may assist with completing or submitting the SOA form but they cannot act as the agent or have the client’s permission to discuss products without the agent present.

The agent has the conversation with the beneficiary to determine the SOA details, and ensure that the form is filled out correctly.

Silvana Peacock · Answer

The Scope of Appointment
(SOA) must always be completed by the client and acknowledged before the licensed agent discusses plan options. Administrative staff may help provide or collect the form, but they cannot complete it on the client's behalf, even in the USVI.
Silvana 🦚
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Daniel Underwood · Answer

In most cases, the Statement of Appointment (SOA) should be filled out directly with the licensed agent you’ll be meeting with. This helps protect you and ensures the meeting follows CMS rules.

Sandy Hammond · Answer

As far as I am aware, only the licensed agent can fill out the SOA.  It is NOT compliant for an administrative assistant to do so.

Darnel Brown · Answer

Scope of appointment should be filled out and signed by a licensed agent
Agents information is shown on the form
Therefore signed by licensed agent as well as certified / licensed for any appropriate line of insurance

Dodi Befferman · Answer

It would be better if the agent complete them as they are the one meeting the client or beneficiary, this document must be completed by the Medicare client before the sales appointment to discuss the Medicare plans.

Answered by Dodi Befferman on August 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & NV

Answered by Dodi Befferman Medicare Insurance Agent

Jody Hill · Answer

The agent should complete it. The client is agreeing to meet with the agent not the staff. The staff can provide a supporting role by explaining the Scope of appointment and providing it but the Beneficiary and Agent must sign it.

Answered by Jody Hill on August 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Jody Hill Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelly Allen · Answer

A SOA needs to be completed by the Licensed Agent regardless of location of client. Administrative staff cannot complete a Scope of Appointment on behalf of an Agent.

Does the SOA need to be completed by a licensed agent, or can administrative staff complete it on the agent’s behalf before the agent contacts the client? This question specifically refers to clients in the USVI.

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Does the SOA need to be completed by a licensed agent, or can administrative staff complete it on the agent’s behalf before the agent contacts the client? This question specifically refers to clients in the USVI.

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