Cold Calling Against The Law ?

smithgroup82 · 09-06-2008, 09:15 AM

Some other agent told me while talking that Cold Calling against the law. Is this true???? I know that there is specific rules, however I do know know if there has been so changes in the regulations. Thanks!

Mr. Bill · 09-06-2008, 09:30 AM

The DNC registry did make a change that went active this year. Once registered, the number is permanently on the list.

National Do Not Call Registry

smithgroup82 · 09-06-2008, 10:06 AM

So we cant make cold calls any more? This is no longer a option in relation to marketing?

GPaq17 · 09-06-2008, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by smithgroup82

So we cant make cold calls any more? This is no longer a option in relation to marketing?

Not to anybody on that list.

GreenSky · 09-06-2008, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by smithgroup82

So we cant make cold calls any more? This is no longer a option in relation to marketing?

Yes you cold call, either to a business number or residential that is not on the DNC.

Soon, you will not be able to cold call to anyone regarding Medicare Advantage or (I think) PDP plans.

Rick

Reuben · 11-09-2008, 09:47 AM

The key to this is getting a list scrubed and clean. The problem is the cost.

A pity there's not a web page where the phone numbers could be entered and checked.

Frank Stastny · 11-09-2008, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Reuben

The key to this is getting a list scrubed and clean. The problem is the cost.

A pity there's not a web page where the phone numbers could be entered and checked.

When I order a list it is already scrubbed. I believe the cost from Lead Concepts is about $100 per thousand. At least it was with the last list I ordered. I think that is pretty reasonable.

I like Lead Concepts because they traditionally have had the most up to date data compared to others I have used.

I'm sure there are places that cost less. I get quality information from them and don't mind paying for it. It is a "cost of doing business".

patch36 · 11-09-2008, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Reuben

The key to this is getting a list scrubed and clean. The problem is the cost.

A pity there's not a web page where the phone numbers could be entered and checked.

There are lots of companies that do that. I don't telemarket, but I know there are sites that you can check the number for DNC. When I was a Farmers Agent we were required to run the numbers through the site first before we called potential clients. They also sell scrubbed lists based on the demographics you order.

You cannot cold call for MA's or PDP's as of Oct 1. No exceptions unless they are existing clients.

HomeService · 11-09-2008, 11:42 AM

CMS wishes to make cold calling against the law for MA and MAPD part D stuff.

patch36 · 11-09-2008, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by HomeService

CMS wishes to make cold calling against the law for MA and MAPD part D stuff.

No. They DID make it against the law. Oct 1.

HomeService · 11-09-2008, 03:06 PM

OK, They DID make it against the law, as per their wishes.

patch36 · 11-09-2008, 04:09 PM

I knew you knew

But the new guys reading it may have misunderstood. If they don't know and did it, then they would have an advantage over us that do know and don't do it.

Alston · 11-09-2008, 07:47 PM

This doesn't apply to CMS products:

You can call someone who is in the DNC list if they request that you call. When someone requests information on insurance and includes their phone number in the information they provide you, I think it is fair to consider it an implicit request for a call.

There is a time limit, however which escapes me. I think it is 90 days from the date of the request. Also you can call people who have an active business relationship with you (a.k.a clients). I think that is even an exception to the CMS rules.

beltland1 · 11-09-2008, 07:49 PM

My advice is to anyone that is a new agent STAY OUT OF THE MA&PDP market. I have owned an agency for 22 years and with all that CMS is making us do now it just is not worth it.

moonlightandmargaritas · 11-09-2008, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by beltland1

My advice is to anyone that is a new agent STAY OUT OF THE MA&PDP market. I have owned an agency for 22 years and with all that CMS is making us do now it just is not worth it.

Here's yet another example of how government run health care works:

Transfer of VA patient goes awry - St. Petersburg Times