Medicare rules ban cold-calling by insurers

Medicare has issued new rules that restrict insurance agents' contact with the elderly and disabled when selling prescription drug plans and more comprehensive health coverage through Medicare Advantage. Lawmakers and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acted after beneficiaries and advocacy groups complained of high-pressure sales tactics that led some people to sign up for plans that didn't meet their healthcare needs. Some, for example, signed up for plans that didn't cover their medicines, or required them to change doctors.