AHIP Practice Exam

Is discussing plan-specific premiums permissible at an event advertised as educational?

1. Yes, it is allowed

2. Only if it’s a paid event

3. No, it is prohibited

4. Only if members are present

The correct answer is: No, it is prohibited

In the context of healthcare education and outreach, discussing plan-specific premiums at an event advertised as educational is prohibited to maintain compliance with regulations governing Medicare plans and other insurance programs. The primary reason for this prohibition is to ensure that educational events remain neutral and do not inadvertently become promotional tools for specific plans. The intent behind educational events is to provide unbiased information about healthcare options without leading participants to make decisions based solely on plan details, such as cost-specific premiums. Allowing discussions about plan-specific premiums would blur the lines between education and marketing, potentially misleading attendees and leading to confusion over their healthcare choices. In addition, regulations dictate that any discussions related to specific plans should take place in a more controlled environment, such as during one-on-one consultations or marketing presentations, where consumers can receive tailored information and have their questions addressed in a non-pressured setting. This helps protect consumers by ensuring that they have access to comprehensive and understandable information when making healthcare decisions.