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from NCOA
During Medicare’s Annual Election Period, commonly known as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which takes place Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year, Medicare beneficiaries can choose the plans that are best for them. Beneficiaries in Original Medicare can compare and change prescription drug plans (Part D) and Medigap plans. They can also decide if, instead of Original Medicare, they would prefer to sign up for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan (Part C).
During OEP, plans are actively marketing their products through television ads, social media ads, radio ads, text messages, phone calls, and mailings. In an attempt to get your interest, the ads may intentionally or unintentionally mislead you into thinking one plan is better for you than another. Unlike Original Medicare, Part C and Part D plans are administered, marketed, and sold by private insurance companies.
Watch out for agents who:
Report potential Medicare marketing violations and/or misleading marketing concerns if you see these red flags:
For more information on potential Medicare marketing violations and misleading marketing, visit the Fraud Schemes website. To report Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse, visit www.smpresource.org or call 1-877-808-2468.
Comparing plans and knowing what is best for you can be overwhelming. And since Medicare fraud and abuse is a reality, it can be hard to know who really has your best interests in mind. That’s why NCOA is here to point you in the right direction with resources for free, unbiased Medicare advice.
One way to get reliable help comparing Medicare plans is by contacting your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). These programs are located in all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Additionally, NCOA partners with licensed insurance brokers who have been trained and certified in our Medicare Standards of Excellence. These standards hold our partners to the highest expectations in providing consumer advice. These brokers will: