Independent BROKERS TIME Act Introduced in Senate

• By: Corey Miller
• September 4, 2025

Last month, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) introduced the “Independent Broker Relief and Oversight of Knowingly Egregious and Repetitive Sales Tactics in Medicare Enrollment Act of 2025” (Independent BROKERS TIME Act).

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) joined Sen. Rounds as a co-sponsor and the bill, S. 2625, has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee to await further action.

This bipartisan bill directs the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to update regulations for independent agents, brokers and third-party marketing organizations (TPMOs) under Medicare Parts C and D.

It aims to protect seniors and licensed professionals by clarifying TPMO definitions, strengthening oversight of predatory call centers, standardizing agent registration, and removing certain barriers, such as the 48-hour waiting period.

Additionally, it requires the HHS inspector general to review and report on the impact of harmful marketing practices on Medicare beneficiaries.

 The Big “I” continues to communicate with members of Congress about the valuable role that licensed and certified independent agents and brokers play as they work directly with Medicare beneficiaries. Throughout the year, the Big “I” and other interested agent and broker trade associations will participate in meetings with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to discuss issues agents are facing, as well as potential solutions. 

Prior to his election to public office, Sen. Rounds, a Big “I” member, ran one of the largest independent insurance agencies in South Dakota and understands the valuable role that agents play across all lines of insurance.

 Corey Miller is Big “I” director of federal government affairs.