At Heartland Financial Group, compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential. We are committed to meeting all CMS communication and marketing regulations, along with individual MAO guidelines.
Before anything goes public, all communications and marketing materials must be reviewed and approved to ensure full compliance.
What You Need to Know
🚫 Carrier Logos Using carrier logos? Not so fast.
Written approval from the carrier is required—no exceptions.
📋 MAO Review Requirements
Before submitting your materials, make sure you’ve included:
• How the material will be used
• Who the audience is
• Where it will be distributed
⏱️ Deadline: Submit materials to HFG Compliance at least 30 days before use or publication.
Note: Requirements may vary depending on the material type.
🩺 Medicare Part C Marketing
If your content mentions any plan benefits, it likely needs approval.
This includes (but isn’t limited to):
• Dental, vision, hearing
• OTC benefits
• Food cards
• Fitness memberships
• Premiums or copays
✅ CMS approval is required per guidance issued October 8, 2021.
Quick rule:
If your material is meant to drive enrollment or highlights benefits not covered by Original Medicare, approval is required before use.
📞 Scripts (Inbound & Outbound)
All scripts must be reviewed before they go live.
Already have a CMS approval number?
Submit:
• The script
• Lead Plan Sponsor (LPS) communications
• Any usage guidance
🌐 Public-Facing Materials
If it’s created by an agent or agency and the public will see it, it must be approved.
This includes:
• SOAs, PTCs, BRCs
• Social media ads
• Direct mail
• Member letters
• Needs assessments
• Landing pages & websites
• Marketing tools and support documents
📨 Communications Materials
Even educational or awareness materials require review.
Examples include:
• Medicare 101 materials
• T65 letters
• Educational event flyers
• Member awareness or retention letters
• AEP notifications
When in doubt—submit it.
📊 Sales Presentations
All non-carrier-created presentations must be approved before use.
Stay Compliant, Stay Confident
These guidelines are here to help you navigate CMS and MAO requirements with confidence. While they don’t cover every scenario, they provide a strong foundation to keep your marketing compliant and effective.
🔄 Keep in mind: Regulations and best practices evolve. Always check for updates and submit materials when unsure.