When advising clients about plan options, under what condition is it appropriate to make plan comparisons?

• A. Avoid making any direct comparisons between plans.
• B. Make comparisons between plans if you can support them by studies or statistical data and such comparisons are factually based.
• C. Provide comparisons based on personal opinion only.
• D. Only compare plans from the same sponsor without data.

Answer: (B)

When advising clients about plan options, you should only make plan comparisons when you can back them with studies or statistical data and ensure the comparisons are factual. This keeps guidance objective and helps clients understand real differences in cost, coverage, and quality rather than relying on opinion. Use credible data sources—such as published studies, CMS or state agency reports, quality ratings, and plan-specific cost and coverage data—to create an apples-to-apples comparison across plans for the same year and similar treatment needs. Without data backing, comparisons can mislead or oversimplify the differences, which isn’t appropriate for helping clients make informed choices.