Medicare Plan Ads: Too Good to Be True? Why Working with a Local Agent or Broker is the Smart Choice

Medicare plan commercials, advertisements, flyers, and mailers flood the airwaves, newspapers, and mailboxes every year during the annual enrollment period. They also inundate you just before you turn 65 years old. These ads often promise the world, touting low premiums, comprehensive coverage, and the promise of no out-of-pocket costs. While these advertisements seem too good to be true, it's essential to approach them with a critical eye and avoid falling for their traps.

One of the most significant problems with these Medicare plan advertisements is that they can be misleading. The fine print often tells a different story than the bold claims in the ads. For example, a plan may have low premiums but high deductibles or copays, which can add up quickly. Or, a plan may not cover all the medications or doctors you need, leaving you with unexpected bills. They also try to 'bait & switch' you by advertising benefits only available to those that meet certain criteria like low income. Then when you don't qualify, they will still switch you off your current plan and into another plan so they can receive a commission.

Moreover, some companies use fear tactics to get seniors to switch to their plans, using phrases like "limited time offer" or "don't miss out." Such phrases create a sense of urgency and can make seniors feel like they need to act quickly, even if they don't fully understand what they're signing up for.

It's crucial to remember that not all Medicare plans are created equal. The right plan for you will depend on your unique health needs, medications, and budget. A one-size-fits-all approach to Medicare plans simply doesn't work.

That's why it's essential to work with a local agent who can assess your needs and help you find the best plan for your situation. A local agent will take the time to get to know you and your health care needs. At Utah Avenue, we will research your prescriptions, doctors, hospital preference, and take into consideration how often you have doctor visits to ensure that you are not paying to much for your health care. We will help you find the right Medicare plan that will cover your needs and be affordable for you.

When working with a local agent at Utah Avenue, you can be confident that you're getting unbiased advice. Unlike some of the commercials and advertisements out there, your agent has your best interests in mind and will work hard to find you the right plan.

At Utah Avenue, we are brokers which means that we can show you and help you enroll in any plan offered in Utah. When it comes to finding the right Medicare plan for you, working with a broker can have several advantages over a captive agent. A captive agent is someone who works for a single insurance company and can only offer you the plans from that company. On the other hand, a broker works with multiple insurance companies and can provide you with a range of plan options to choose from. This means that brokers are not tied to a single insurance company's plans and can offer you more choices, which can ultimately lead to finding a better plan that meets your needs and budget. Additionally, brokers typically have a fiduciary duty to their clients, meaning they are legally required to act in their clients' best interests. This ensures that brokers are working in your best interest rather than trying to sell you a specific plan for their own financial gain.

Another benefit of working with a local agent is that they can help you navigate the Medicare system. Medicare can be confusing, and the rules and regulations can change from year to year. A local agent can help you understand these changes and ensure that you're taking full advantage of your benefits. This is especially true for beneficiaries who have delayed their Part B because they were on a work plan and now need to enroll and submit the right forms to avoid having a gap in coverage.

Medicare plan commercials, advertisements, flyers, and mailers can be too good to be true. They can be misleading and use fear tactics to get seniors to switch plans. That's why it's essential to work with a local agent who can assess your needs and help you find the right Medicare plan for you. Your agent will ensure that your medications and doctors are covered and that you're taking full advantage of your benefits. By working with a local agent, you can be confident that you're getting unbiased advice and that you're making the best decision for your health care needs.