How to Detect Deceptive Medicare Marketing

The Problem with Misleading Medicare Marketing

Misleading Medicare marketing is everywhere—commercials, TV ads, mailers, robocalls—you name it. You’ve probably seen ads for $0 monthly premium Medicare plans that promise free dental, vision, and even groceries or utilities. These commercials make it seem like you’re missing out on amazing benefits, but the reality is far more complicated.

While some $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans do exist, these advertisements are misleading because they fail to mention:

• Out-of-pocket costs
• Network restrictions (which may prevent you from seeing your preferred doctors)
• High deductibles and copays
• Limited drug coverage

These ads are designed to get you on the phone as quickly as possible so they can sign you up—without giving you the full picture.

Misleading Mailers: What to Watch Out For

Another common scam involves deceptive Medicare mailers. These letters are designed to look official, sometimes even appearing to come from Medicare itself. They often include phrases like “Medicare Enrollment Notice” or “Final Reminder”, urging you to respond immediately.

Here’s the truth: Medicare does not send mailers encouraging you to enroll in a specific plan. The only official Medicare-related mail will come from Social Security or Medicare.gov. If you receive a mailer that asks for your personal information, it’s likely an attempt to sign you up for a plan—often through a high-pressure sales tactic.

5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Medicare Scams

1. Verify the Source of the Advertisement

If you see a Medicare-related ad, check where it’s coming from Official Medicare communications will always come from:

• Medicare.gov
• 1-800-MEDICARE
• Social Security

If the advertisement directs you to a third-party website or a suspicious phone number, proceed with caution.

2. Never Give Out Personal Information Over the Phone

Scammers often ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank details. Never provide this information unless you initiated the call and verified the legitimacy of the agent.

3. Research Medicare Plans Yourself

Before enrolling in any plan, visit Medicare.gov and enter your ZIP code to compare options. Look at the summary of benefits, check for network restrictions, and ensure your medications are covered.

4. Work with an Independent Medicare Agent

Independent agents (like us at Bluewave Insurance) provide unbiased advice because we offer both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. We can help you:

• Check if your doctor is in-network
• Review prescription drug coverage
• Understand out-of-pocket costs

5. Review the Summary of Benefits Before Enrolling

Every Medicare Advantage plan includes a Summary of Benefits that outlines:

• Copays and deductibles
• Prescription drug costs
• Doctor and hospital networks

Taking the time to review these details ensures you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected expenses.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Many people fall victim to deceptive Medicare marketing every year. We’ve spoken to countless clients who signed up for a plan based on an ad, only to find out later that their doctor wasn’t covered or a critical medication was excluded.

By following these steps, you can avoid Medicare scams and choose the right coverage with confidence. If you have any questions or need assistance, give us a call at 800-208-4974 —we’re happy to help!