U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) recently proposed bipartisan legislation to address barriers that discourage local independent agents from assisting Medicare beneficiaries, while tackling telemarketers who exploit the confusion and anxiety created by the complexity of the Medicare process. “Seniors rely on local, independent brokers to navigate them through the complicated process of Medicare enrollment,” Sen. Rounds said on Sept. 17. This distinction would determine whether local, independent agents are regulated the same way as large, high-volume call centers, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Rounds’ staff. “Nevada seniors rely on independent agents and trusted brokers to help them enroll in the Medicare coverage that is right for them,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “This common-sense, bipartisan bill would cut red-tape for small insurance businesses that help seniors, while cracking down on misleading marketing and predatory call centers.”The bill is supported by numerous entities, including Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, among others.