Medicare and solicitation

Part of being an informed consumer is knowing when you are being solicited. We’ve all seen the TV commercials. If you are nearing the age of 65 or Medicare age, there is no shortage of mail advertising Medicare plans and benefits. I’m going to point out the most common methods of solicitation and what you should know about them. 

1. Direct mail - The amount of mail you are receiving can be overwhelming. It also makes it difficult to tell what is important and what is solicitation. Some of the mail you receive looks very official, when in fact, it is solicitation. The easiest way to determine if it is official is to look for fine print. A lot of times it will say “this is solicitation for insurance” or “not affiliated with or endorsed by government agencies”. If you fill out your information on the card and return it, you will be contacted by an insurance agent.
   
2. Telephone - Medicare will NEVER call you. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have very strict guidelines that prohibit insurance agents from calling you to promote Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans. There are no restrictions on calls about Medicare supplement plans. The only legal way for you to be contacted about Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription drug plans is if you filled out and returned something you received in the mail, or you filled out an online form. Insurance companies can call or appoint someone to call you if you currently have one of their products. For example, you have a Prescription Drug plan with company X. They can call you to promote their Medicare Advantage Plan.
   
3. Websites - Most of us turn to the internet when researching a topic. There are many websites with information on Medicare. Many of them provide basic information up front, but in order to receive the information you were actually looking for, you must enter your contact information. Expect your phone to start ringing once you enter that information.
   
4. Television commercials - These commercials talk about extra benefits and money back on your Social Security check. They are talking about Medicare Advantage plans. The benefits they mention might not be available in your area, or they are only available to certain people. If you call the number on the screen, you will be connected to an insurance agent to discuss Medicare Advantage.
   

Not all solicitors are bad. They should take the time to help you evaluate your current coverage and inquire about your Medicare coverage needs. When it comes to your Medicare, it is important that you know what you are signing up for AND that you understand it. Medicare is not one-size-fits-all.