Protect Yourself From Marketing Violations

During Open Enrollment, October 15 thru December 7, health insurance companies try to reach people in various ways, like television commercials, radio ads, events, mailings, phone calls, and texts. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has rules for marketing Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans. These rules protect Medicare beneficiaries from aggressive or misleading marketing.

Here are a few things to watch for:

• People who ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank information, especially before you decide to enroll. Someone can use this information to enroll you in a plan without your permission.
• People who say they represent Medicare. Plans are never allowed to suggest they represent or are endorsed by Medicare or any other government agency. They cannot use the Medicare name or logo on their marketing materials. Be aware of people who send you unsolicited text messages or phone calls. Plans must provide you with the option to opt out of communications about Medicare products. It must be done annually and in writing.
• People who pressure you with time limits to enroll in their plan. You can use the entire Open Enrollment Period to make your decisions. You will not receive extra benefits for signing up early for a plan, and you will not lose your Medicare coverage if you don’t pick a plan.
• Especially watch out for people who offer you gifts to enroll in their plan. Gifts must be given to everyone at an event regardless of their enrollment choice, and cannot be worth more than $15.

You should report potential Marketing violations to your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Please call Lynn Hixon at the DeKalb County Council on Aging, 256-845-8590, to make an appointment for Open Enrollment or report marketing violations. Also, remember DiAnne Callahan is ready to assist you with the Senior Rx program and reduce the high costs of prescription medications.