N.C. Commissioner Warns About Advantage Marketing

Senior citizens should be aware of aggressive marketing of Medicare Advantage plans by insurance companies according to North Carolina’s Insurance Commissioner Jim Long. He said some seniors are being advised to make decisions that may not be in their best financial interest.

The warning comes after the Department of Insurance’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, or SHIIP, received an upsurge in calls from senior citizens, their family members and government agencies worried about the advice being given by companies offering Medicare Advantage products. Recent Medicare reform laws have allowed more companies to sell these products, which are HMO, PPO or private-fee-for-service products. The influx of companies into North Carolina–and, more significantly, the surge in aggressive marketing of these products–has created many questions for Medicare recipients and those who care for them.

According to Long’s office, complaints about aggressive marketing tactics range from insurance agents soliciting seniors at discount stores to “cold calls” by agents wanting to pitch their product in seniors’ homes.

Complaints have included incidents of agents advising the seniors’ on financial decisions, such as canceling other insurance policies, which may not have been in the best interest of the client.

Long pointed out a list of things that Medicare recipients should know about Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Health) plans:

Medicare Advantage products ARE NOT Medicare supplement or Medigap plans. Medicare Advantage products are part of the Medicare program and will provide Medicare-covered benefits under Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance for doctor visits and other outpatient services) and sometimes extra benefits.

Representatives from companies offering Medicare Advantage plans may call to schedule an appointment, but they can not come to a home without permission.

Make sure doctors and/or hospitals or other medical providers accept the Medicare Advantage plan!

Some health insurance plans, such as an employer plan, may not coordinate with the Medicare Advantage plan. Though a Medicare Advantage plan may cost less, it does not offer the same benefits.

Long warned consumers not to allow themselves to be pressured into making quick decisions. This is a serious decision that should be considered carefully. He advised them to discuss it with a trusted family member or financial advisor before signing anything. Or, to contact SHIIP for free counseling or to arrange for a counselor to visit with you in your hometown. SHIIP counselors are specifically trained to assist you with your health insurance questions, call (800) 443-9354.

“Above all, trust your instincts,” Commissioner Long said. “If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Don’t give in to high pressure tactics, and don’t hesitate to call SHIIP with any questions you may have.”

Topics North Carolina