What action should an agent take if an application for health insurance has blank items?

The appropriate action for an agent to take when an application for health insurance has blank items is to return to the customer to have them initial the changes. This process ensures that the customer is aware of any modifications made to the application and agrees to those changes. Obtaining the customer's initials signifies their consent and understanding, which helps maintain transparency and accuracy in the application process. This step is crucial as it protects both the agent and the insurer by providing a clear record of the customer's approval for any alterations.

In contrast, submitting the application without addressing the blanks could lead to issues with underwriting, as the underwriters rely on complete and accurate information to assess risk. Having the manager initial changes or initialing the application on behalf of the customer could create potential conflicts or misunderstandings about who authorized the modifications, which is not in line with proper protocol for handling applications. Thus, returning to the customer for their consent is the most effective and professional approach.