Is verbal permission granted to discuss plan details sufficient for an authorized representative to complete an application on behalf of the beneficiary?

Verbal permission alone does not provide the necessary authorization for an authorized representative to complete an application on behalf of a beneficiary. It is important to have formal documentation of the authorization to ensure that the representative has the legal right to act on the beneficiary's behalf. Typically, this documentation often includes a signed authorization form that specifically grants permission for the representative to handle sensitive information and make decisions regarding the beneficiary's plan details. This requirement is in place to protect the privacy and rights of beneficiaries, aligning with legal standards and regulations governing healthcare and personal information. Therefore, the appropriate procedure involves more than just verbal permission, establishing the necessity for formal documentation to validate the authorized representative's actions.