Pitfalls & Red Flags to Watch for in Medicare Plan Marketing

How to Separate Truth from Hype During the Annual Enrollment Period
Every year when the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) rolls around, the airwaves fill with commercials, the mailbox overflows with postcards, and the phone rings more often than usual. The goal of all this marketing is simple: to get your attention.
The problem is, not all marketing is accurate or complete. Some materials highlight only the “good stuff” while leaving out the fine print that may matter most to you.
In this post, we’ll cover common red flags, the types of marketing you’ll see, and how to protect yourself from making a decision based on hype rather than facts.
Here are some signs that a piece of Medicare marketing may not be telling the whole story:

Common Red Flags in Medicare Marketing

What to Do Instead:

  • “$0 Premium!” with no explanation
    – Many Medicare Advantage plans advertise a $0 monthly premium. What they may not emphasize is that you’ll still be responsible for copays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs.
  • “Free Dental, Vision, Hearing” promises
    – These benefits can be valuable, but the marketing often glosses over limits. For example, dental coverage might only cover cleanings, not major work. Always ask what’s included.
  • Celebrity endorsements or “too good to be true” offers
    – Just because you recognize a face on TV doesn’t mean the plan is right for you. Stick to facts, not hype.
  • Mailers that look like official government notices
    – Some companies design their materials to resemble Medicare or Social Security letters. Remember: if it’s official, it will usually come directly from Medicare or the Social Security Administration , not a third-party company.
  • Pressure tactics (“You must act now!”)
    – No one should pressure you into signing up on the spot. You have until December 7 to review your options.

Types of Marketing You’ll Encounter

During AEP, you might see or hear:
  • TV and radio commercials
  • Postcards and flyers in the mail
  • Phone calls and text messages
  • Community “informational” events
Some are legitimate, others are more aggressive. Keep in mind: Medicare has strict rules about what agents and companies can and cannot do — but not everyone follows them.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe and informed:
  1. Verify the source – Check if the plan is listed on Medicare.gov.
  2. Don’t share personal info – Unless you know who you’re dealing with, don’t give out your Medicare number or Social Security number.
  3. Ask questions – If a benefit sounds too good to be true, ask for details.
  4. Get everything in writing – Never rely solely on what someone says over the phone.
  5. Talk to a trusted advisor – An independent broker can help you sort through the noise and compare plans side by side.

The Bottom Line

Medicare marketing can be confusing — and sometimes misleading. Instead of reacting to flashy ads or postcards, take time to review your plan options carefully . Check your Annual Notice of Change, confirm your doctors and medications are covered, and schedule time with your broker to go over your plan options in detail.
Remember: during AEP, the decision is yours. Don’t let marketing tricks make it for you.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:
  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
    hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
    coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
    potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
    out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
    copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
    three months before your 65th birthday month.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
    each year for those who missed their IEP.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
    allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
    plans.
  • Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
    those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
  • Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
    calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
    new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.
No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.
There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.
Scroll to Top