Navigating the world of Medicare can be complex and overwhelming.
If you’re considering enrolling in a Medicare plan, or if you’re already enrolled and thinking about changing your plan, it’s important to understand tactics that some Medicare advisors might use that could potentially lead to less-than-optimal outcomes for you.
While most Medicare advisors work in the best interest of their clients, there are some tactics to be wary of if you are approached by or working with a Medicare advisor.
These include:
- Misleading Information: Some Medicare advisors may try to entice you by mentioning plan benefits for which you may not be eligible.
- Hidden Permission to Contact: In accordance with federal regulations, Medicare advisors are required to obtain explicit permission before they can contact individuals regarding Medicare plans. This rule is designed to protect consumers from unsolicited calls, emails, or other forms of contact. If you’re contacted by a Medicare advisor without having given prior permission, this could be a red flag. Some advisors may circumvent these contact permissions, and you could unknowingly be granting them permission by clicking on pop-up advertisements or entering your information on a website.
- Unnecessary Switching of Plans: The compensation structure for Medicare advisors may incentivize some to encourage clients to switch plans, even if it’s not in the client’s best interest. Advisors earn a larger initial payment when a client enrolls in a plan or makes a plan change. If someone contacts you about a specific plan without asking detailed questions to assess your unique needs and situation, it could indicate that they may not have your best interest at heart.
- Limited Provider Options: Some Medicare advisors might not fully disclose the limitations of provider networks in Medicare Advantage plans, which can restrict the choice of doctors and hospitals available to you.
- High Costs: Advisors might not adequately explain the potential costs associated with certain plans, especially for people with major health issues. Advisors may also fail to accurately disclose the cost for your prescription drugs.
- Aggressive Marketing: Some advisors might use aggressive marketing tactics to attract consumers to their plans when they become eligible for Medicare. This could include making false promises or not fully explaining the terms and conditions of the plans.
It’s important for individuals to be aware of these tactics and to do their own research or consult with a trusted advisor when choosing a Medicare plan. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. By being aware of these tactics, you can make more informed decisions about your healthcare, and ensure that your choices are truly aligned with your healthcare needs and financial situation.
If you are exploring Medicare options or are approached by a Medicare advisor, here’s some things to keep in mind to best advocate for yourself:
- Work with a local advisor: Nobody knows the local market like a local advisor. Get with a trusted professional, face to face, who can identify the plan options available to you in your area.
- If you are approached, ask for the person’s name, phone number, and how they received permission to contact you.
- Understand your healthcare needs. We would never make recommendations regarding plan options until we have fully understood your prescription drug details and provider network. With this information, your advisor should help to explain the options that may be best suited for your needs. The more information you provide, the better your advisor can assess your plan needs.
At OneGroup, we operate with complete transparency and prioritize the needs and best outcomes of those we advise. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and we’re committed to working with you to address your specific needs. Our team is here to guide you through the complex world of your Medicare coverage options, helping you make informed decisions that align with your healthcare needs and financial situation.
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Standard disclosure: We are not a government agency. We are licensed insurance agents who discuss insurance programs such as Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-Medicare to get information on all of your options.
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.
Please note coverage can not be bound or a claim reported without written acknowledgment from a OneGroup Representative.