What standard practice must agents comply with when presenting Medicare plan options?

Agents must comply with specific enrollment periods established by Medicare regulations when presenting plan options. This ensures that beneficiaries have the opportunity to enroll during designated times, which are designed to protect consumers and streamline the process. Waiting until the election period begins allows agents to provide accurate information regarding the available plans and benefits that can be accessed once the enrollment period is open. This adherence to timing ensures that beneficiaries can make informed decisions within the appropriate legal framework, facilitating smoother enrollment and compliance with Medicare rules.

The other options do not align with the established practices for Medicare enrollment. For instance, accepting enrollment applications at any time would undermine the structured enrollment periods, potentially leading to confusion or inappropriate enrollment practices. Discussing costs is essential in informing beneficiaries about their potential expenses, making it a vital part of presenting Medicare plans. Lastly, providing only basic information would hinder beneficiaries from making well-informed decisions, making it critical for agents to offer comprehensive details about the plans available to them during the election period.