Beware of These Non-Compliant Medicare Agent Practices

Selecting a plan and enrolling in Medicare can be overwhelming. Thankfully, a Medicare agent, also known as a consultant, serves as a guide to help those who are Medicare-eligible find a plan that works for them. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regulates Medicare sales to ensure Medicare-eligible individuals are not taken advantage of. Unfortunately, some bad apples disregard these guidelines and exploit enrollment opportunities. 

That’s why our team of licensed consultants is here to ensure you are respected in making your Medicare decision. Keep reading to familiarize yourself with practices a Medicare agent shouldn’t do. 

A Medicare agent shouldn’t be reaching out to you. 

Did you know that agents are not allowed to call you unless you have requested to be contacted or you are a member of a plan they helped you join?

Even if you did request to be called or they are your existing agent, Medicare plan representatives cannot do certain things. For instance, they cannot ask for your personal information over the phone unless it’s for verification or enrollment purposes. 

Additionally, a Medicare insurance agent cannot come to your home uninvited. Of course, you can meet with a licensed Medicare consultant at your home if you request an appointment. 

Finally, it’s important to be aware that agents cannot market their plans or enroll you during an educational event like a health fair or conference. 

Review the complete list of Rules for Medicare plans to protect yourself from agents stepping outside the bounds of acceptable action.

Leaving out details is kin to lying.

Leaving out information when providing plan details can lead to costly consequences for Medicare-eligible individuals. These negative outcomes could include overpaying for things that don’t apply to them. Or worse, lacking coverage for care that they need in the future.

If your Medicare agent isn’t telling you the whole story, that can be a big problem for you later.

Non-reputable agents will omit information or questions so that they can maximize their commission rather than your benefit. 

For example, an agent may suggest a zero-premium Medicare Advantage plan because the name implies a zero cost. An unsuspecting individual might sign up for the plan and be shocked to find themselves responsible for medical bill expenses down the road. 

Choose a Medicare consultant who you can trust.

You need to choose a Medicare consultant whose desire is to be with you every step of the way. 

You should have peace of mind throughout the enrollment process and beyond. Therefore, you should look for these things in a Medicare insurance consultant:

Experience and tools to help you find the best plan for your specific needs and budget in your coverage area.

Grace Agency is a trusted local resource for those who are Medicare eligible. Our team of licensed consultants understands that it can be confusing to navigate Medicare. 

That’s why we’ve cultivated a team whose only goal is to help. We always prioritize checking your doctors’ networks, reviewing prescription drugs, and discussing your needs. Then we can lay all of the options before you and help you enroll in the plan or plans that make the most sense for you. 

Ready to take the next step? Schedule an appointment with an experienced, reputable Medicare insurance consultant who will take the time to find the plan that is right for your specific needs.