Independent BROKERS TIME Act of 2025

This bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct rulemakings on Medicare Part C and D agent and broker regulations, nullifies a 48-hour waiting period for independent agents and brokers, and directs an Inspector General review of predatory call centers. Sec. 2, Required rulemaking proceedings: The Secretary must conduct rulemakings to update the definition of third-party marketing organization (TPMO) to distinguish it from independent agents and brokers, considering factors like call centers outside the continental U.S., publicly traded marketing companies, and private equity financed marketing companies, and ensure lead generation aspects of TPMOs meet licensed agent standards. Independent agents and brokers include individuals who enroll and service clients, insurance agencies representing multiple carriers, public agencies, and privately held agencies that are variable cost sales offices. The Secretary must also amend regulations to provide monetary rewards for information on call centers engaging in Medicare marketing scams, and create a standardized registration process for independent agents and brokers that distinguishes them from TPMOs and reduces regulatory burdens for existing customers. Each rulemaking must include a Federal Register notice, a 90-day comment period, and public submissions, with final rules issued within one year of enactment and OIRA review limited to 60 days. Sec. 3, Nullification of 48-hour waiting period requirement for independent agents and brokers: The Secretary cannot enforce any extended waiting period, including the 48-hour waiting period, between a Scope of Appointment agreement and an independent agent or broker's meeting with a Medicare beneficiary. Sec. 4, Inspector General review and report on predatory call centers: The HHS Inspector General must review potentially fraudulent or misleading marketing practices of predatory call centers related to Medicare and submit a report to Congress within one year, including recommendations for legislation and administrative action.