How many SOAs are required if multiple Medicare eligible consumers are present?

The correct answer highlights that each Medicare eligible consumer needs to provide a separate Scope of Appointment (SOA) form, including spouses. This is essential because the SOA is a regulatory requirement designed to ensure that insurance agents obtain permission from consumers before discussing specific insurance products. Each consumer has their own unique healthcare needs and preferences, and therefore, their consent is necessary for tailored discussions about their options.

If one or more consumers are present in a meeting—whether they are individual clients or spouses—having separate SOAs for each ensures that they each understand and agree to the topics being discussed. Moreover, in group settings or dual-eligible scenarios, it reinforces compliance with Medicare’s regulations and protects the consumers' rights to make informed decisions about their health care coverage.

In contrast, some other options might suggest a more streamlined approach but do not comply with the requirement to engage each consumer fully in the discussion of their personal insurance needs. Thus, having one SOA for the group or for only the primary applicant would not meet the necessary standards set forth by Medicare.