"Medicare enrollees warned about deceptive marketing schemes"

[Morgana]

It's open enrollment time and apparently the predatory marketing is going strong.
Here is an Associated Press article describing some scammy behavior, mostly by Medicare Advantage vendors, and recommending some things to look out for -- including documents, and even vehicles, that look like they come from the government but don't really.
This is not to say Medicare Advantage is a bad thing -- just choose carefully and ask a lot of questions.

 

[mattvei]

can't see any Medicare advantage plan making sense for a 100% nomadic senior.

 

[jacqueg]

can't see any Medicare advantage plan making sense for a 100% nomadic senior.

Me either. When you have a for-profit plan, that profit comes from SOMEWHERE.

 

[Morgana]

Ditto here, but I remember somebody in a recent thread was very enthusiastic about it and seemed to believe you could go mobile with it.

My point in posting the article was to say "beware of predatory advertising during open enrollment period" not to say "beware of Medicare Advantage," but I feel pretty leery of M.A. too.

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

 

[bullfrog]

Remember Medicare Advantage is neither “original” Medicare administered by the federal government or an advantage because you and your treatment are being brokered by a private insurance company who are out to make a profit. Please get your information about your health care plan for your state from a non profit organization that has no connection ( free to you but paid by a company) or solicitation ties to a private insurance company.

 

[Morgana]

YES. And make sure it's really one of those, not just impersonating one.

 

[wayne49]

My characterization of Medicare sickcare providers is ranchers/farmers who gather their livestock to get cash. For a dairy farmer, the cows are herded into the barn. Beef cattle are herded into stock trailers to head to market.

Trying to find information on Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans. After going round and round without finding a link to an actual provider, i finally found a provider, that has an appropriate name:

Lasso Healthcare

"Head 'em up, move 'em on." Rawhide theme song.

 

[NctryBen]

It sure saved me going with a provider the last number of years. Not sure from this point going forward though.

 

[user 35711]

It's open enrollment time and apparently the predatory marketing is going strong.
Here is an Associated Press article describing some scammy behavior, mostly by Medicare Advantage vendors, and recommending some things to look out for -- including documents, and even vehicles, that look like they come from the government but don't really.
This is not to say Medicare Advantage is a bad thing -- just choose carefully and ask a lot of questions.

So true! Unfortunately, my broker, a woman who was my mother's friend also, died. Honestly, here where I live, I am not sure where to turn to trust too many others. I have been bombarded with information, and recently received the information about Medicare advantage. When I signed into my account on Medicare's website, I just got caught in a loop. So for me, I decided it's simply easier to stick with the plan I have, which is working fine. Luckily I don't see a lot of doctors and only have 1 medication. It's too much of a gamble to try to switch. Don't fix what ain't broken.

 

[user 22017]

Help for yourself or your loved ones​

• Considering making coverage changes during Medicare’s Annual Election Period (Open Enrollment)? Contact your SHIP for one-on-one assistance with reviewing health or prescription drug plan options.
• Worried about the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare? Contact your SHIP to find out about assistance programs you or your loved one might be eligible for.
• Unsure about Medicare’s eligibility criteria? SHIPs can help you understand the guidelines.
• Wondering what Medicare does and doesn’t cover? Medicare can be complicated. Contact your SHIP for answers.
• Confused about who pays first, Medicare or another insurance? SHIPs can explain how Medicare works with supplemental policies, retiree coverage, Medicaid, and other insurers.
• Uncertain of yours or your loved one's rights, under Medicare? Contact your SHIP for assistance.
• Can’t find your SHIP? Use the SHIP Locator or call 1-877-839-2675.

SHIPs are federally funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Florida help: https://www.floridashine.org/

Nationwide: https://www.shiphelp.org/

 

[user 35711]

Thanks