Independent BROKERS TIME Act of 2025

The Independent BROKERS TIME Act of 2025 (S. 2625) is a Senate bill aimed at tightening oversight and clarifying the roles of different Medicare enrollment entities, with a focus on independent agents/brokers, third-party marketing organizations (TPMOs), and call centers. Key elements include: updating the regulatory definition of TPMOs to better differentiate them from independent agents/brokers; creating new rulemaking to address lead-generation practices and cross-border call centers; establishing a standardized registration process to distinguish independent agents/brokers from TPMOs; providing a monetary incentive for tips about predatory call centers; removing a mandated 48-hour waiting period between a Scope of Appointment and an in-person meeting with beneficiaries; and requiring an Inspector General review of predatory call centers with a report to Congress within a year. The bill would direct HHS to complete these rulemakings within one year of enactment and includes public comment procedures. Introduced July 31, 2025 by Senators Rounds and Cortez Masto, the measure seeks to increase oversight of Medicare marketing and enrollment practices under Parts C (Medicare Advantage) and D (Part D drug plans), and to reduce regulatory friction for legitimate independent agents and brokers while boosting enforcement against abusive marketing schemes.