Why providing blood pressure screenings at a marketing event is non-compliant, and what you can do instead.

How healthy is your booth at a marketing event? Let’s unpack a scenario that often shows up in UHC event circles and why it matters for everyone involved.

Doctor Westberry and a tricky moment at a marketing event

Imagine this: Doctor Westberry is speaking at a health insurance conference booth. The crowd is friendly, curious, and, yes, a little overwhelmed by the maze of Medicare options. To be helpful, the doctor offers blood pressure screenings right there, between brochures and short Q&A sessions. It feels like a quick, thoughtful service—until you realize something important: that activity could be non-compliant.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s allowed and what isn’t at a Medicare-focused event, this example lands squarely in the heart of the matter. The easy, well-intentioned gesture becomes a cautionary tale about keeping educational outreach distinct from medical services.

Why is a blood pressure screening at a marketing event a no-go?

Here’s the thing about these events: the primary goal is to inform participants about Medicare products and the choices available. They’re about education, not examinations or health care delivery. When a blood pressure screening pops up in that same space, it can blur lines—making attendees think they’re receiving medical care or a health assessment in a setting meant for information sharing and product discussion.

CMS guidelines exist to keep that boundary clear. In practical terms, the rule is simple: show people what Medicare plans can do for them, without offering health services on the spot. A screening can carry the impression of medical care, even if it’s well‑meaning. That perception isn’t just a nicety; it can affect eligibility, trigger liability questions, and distract from the educational purpose of the event.

Now, what’s still considered compliant?

• Providing informational brochures and printed materials about Medicare Advantage plans or other options. Clear, accurate, and accessible information helps people understand what’s available without stepping into clinical territory.

• Discussing plan features, costs, and enrollment processes. Transparent explanations of benefits, network coverage, premiums, and eligibility criteria keep the conversation focused on products and choices.

• Networking with other agents in a way that respects boundaries. Building a professional network is useful, as long as it doesn’t morph into offering medical services or health procedures at the stand.

• Offering help with enrollment questions or navigating the online sign-up process. Guidance on how to apply or compare plans is appropriate, provided there’s no medical testing involved.

• Providing a space where attendees can ask questions and receive neutral, general information about Medicare, benefits, and coverage rules.

With those boundaries in mind, the goal is to create an environment that’s informative, transparent, and compliant. It’s not a battle between helpfulness and compliance—it’s about aligning every activity with the central purpose of the event.

A practical picture: what compliant event setup looks like

Let me explain with a simple, practical image. Picture a well-organized booth with:

• A clear sign: “Medicare Information Station” with a short description of what attendees can learn here.

• Staff trained to explain plan options, eligibility, and enrollment steps.

• A printed take-away library: brochures, comparison sheets, FAQ cards, and contact information for follow-up questions.

• An online element: a tablet or QR code linking to plan details and a neutral checklist for attendees to note questions.

• A quiet corner for people to discuss plans with a licensed agent, away from any clinical services.

Notice what’s missing: no on-site health tests, no health assessments, no medical devices, no “care” moments at the stand. The emphasis remains on information and decision support, not on care provision.

If a scene around the same booth shows a clinician taking blood pressure or performing a screening, that’s a signal to pause and re-root the activity toward purely informational exchange. It’s not about distrust; it’s about keeping the event’s purpose unambiguous for attendees who are trying to understand their Medicare options.

Real-world parallels that make the point

Think about it in everyday terms. If you’re at a bookstore, you don’t expect someone to diagnose a medical condition between the travel guides and cookbooks. You expect information, recommendations, and perhaps a friendly chat. The same logic applies to Medicare event spaces: information first, care second, and never the two in one place when the setting is marketed as an educational or enrollment-focused event.

Let’s mix in a tiny digression that helps the point land. In many industries, there’s an intuitive boundary between “learn here” and “do something here.” For example, at a community fair, you might see a booth with DIY kits for kids and a separate health screening tent next to it—but those tents are clearly marked as health services and located in a different zone. The separation helps people navigate what is information and what is service, reducing confusion and protecting everyone from unintended interpretations.

A quick, friendly checklist for staying compliant

If you’re helping organize or assess an event, these guardrails can help:

• Is the primary activity information sharing about Medicare products? If yes, you’re on the right track.

• Are any health screenings or medical services offered on-site? If so, redirect those activities to a medical setting or remove them from the event to stay compliant.

• Are all materials factual, non-promotional in a health service sense, and clearly labeled with sources and disclaimers where required?

• Is there a clear statement indicating that the event is for educational purposes and enrollment information only?

• Do staff members understand the boundary lines and respond to questions about care by referring attendees to appropriate medical settings or legitimate care providers, not the event?

• Are there dedicated spaces for enrollment questions that avoid any clinical or diagnostic actions?

• Is there a plan for handling questions about medical conditions that arise in the conversation, with a ready filter to keep the dialogue on products and benefits?

Common mistakes to avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to slip. A few missteps to keep in mind:

• Blurring the line between information and care by offering health tests or assessments at the booth.

• Letting language imply medical advice or diagnosis in a marketing context.

• Allowing staff to perform tasks that resemble clinical procedures, even if it’s a quick screening.

• Loading the event with “care” imagery or messaging that creates expectations of medical service on-site.

• Over-promising what a plan can do without clear enrollment steps and disclaimers.

Staying true to the learning objective while keeping things human

Here’s the human part of the story: people come to these events to understand their options, to feel confident about their choices, and to know what steps to take next. When you keep the focus on information, clarity, and respectful dialogue, you’re helping them in a real, tangible way. You’re also protecting yourself, your team, and the organization from confusion or unintended consequences.

If you’re a student examining UHC event dynamics, you’ll notice a subtle but important pattern. The most effective outreach blends warmth with precision. It offers what attendees need—clear plan details, enrollment guidance, and practical tips—without stepping into the realm of direct medical care during the marketing moment. That balance isn’t always easy, but it’s doable with careful planning and a simple, honest message.

A little artistry in communication

People remember stories, not slogans. So rather than a dry recitation of benefits, tell a real-world story: a potential member learns about Medicare options, asks practical questions, and leaves with a path carved out for next steps. The story stays in the realm of information, while the emotion comes from relief, empowerment, and a sense of being looked after. It’s a tune you can hum at every booth.

Final takeaway: keep the focus, preserve trust

In the end, the action that crosses into non-compliance—the blood pressure screening at a marketing event—sends the wrong signal. It hints at medical services happening in a space meant for information and decision-making. When that line is clear, trust follows. Attendees know exactly what to expect: honest, factual information about Medicare plans, not on-site health care.

So if you’re curious about how to structure, staff, and run a compliant, informative event, start with the basics: clear signage, straightforward materials, trained personnel who know where to draw the line, and an environment that invites questions about plans and enrollment. The result isn’t just compliance—it’s confidence. And confidence is what turns curious visitors into informed decision-makers.

If you’re navigating these environments—from clinics to conferences to community fairs—keep the conversation human, keep the boundaries intact, and always steer back to the information people came for. After all, the best learning moment isn’t a quick health check; it’s the moment someone understands their options and feels empowered to choose what fits their life.