Don't you think Medicare should ban all those celebrity Medicare Advantage commercials?

Question

Paul Dzierzanowski · Accepted Answer

In my opinion, yes. They are misleading and cause a lot of confusion with Medicare beneficiaries. I usually have to address misinformation caused by those commercials on a daily basis

Scott Sims · Answer

I think it's their right to make commercials. If they are giving false information and misleading people to think that all plans come with $1,800 in grocery benefits every year, they need to make those things clear. I just make simple commercials and educational videos, which seem to work!

Answered by Scott Sims on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Scott Sims Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

My concern isn't with "Who" they bring in to assist with the advertising, but the lack of full disclosure they present in those commercials. 
The MA commercials are always pressing on the "free" items, and the benefits they tell you they can give you, but aren't disclosing that by taking those plans, you have boxed yourself into their Network, which will not have the highest quality doctor, specialists, or hospitals, based upon the amount and the payment time from the carrier versus Original Medicare. These plans most likely will not travel with you as they do not have a National PPO plan to cover you outside of your county region. They have limitations, and even though they may tell you about limited or no co-pays or low deductibles, they don't acknowledge that to offer the highest plans that you will pay for them - they're not free!
If individual control of your health is important to you, or if picking the doctor you want anywhere in the country is important to you, then what you really need to compare is the "free" plan to the "free" choice you have instead when taking Original Medicare and a Supplement.

Michael Pyers · Answer

Should eliminate confusing, deceptive ads.  Plans should present the true facts including the fact that you may have a huge out of pocket.

Fred Manas · Answer

Many people, including government officials, think Medicare should ban or heavily regulate celebrity-driven Medicare Advantage commercials due to concerns about their misleading nature & potential to confuse seniors. These ads often promote the idea that seniors are missing out on benefits by not enrolling in Medicare Advantage & some have been found to use deceptive tactics to get people to sign up. Here's why there's a push for tighter regulation:
Deceptive & Misleading Claims: Ads often claim that seniors are missing out on benefits, including higher Social Security payments, to encourage them to call broker hotlines. 
Misleading Information: Some ads don't fully disclose that Medicare Advantage plans have limited networks of doctors & hospitals, potentially leading seniors to switch plans only to find they can't see their preferred providers. 
Predatory Sales Tactics: Brokers & agents using hotlines have been accused of using "bait-and-switch" tactics & other misleading techniques to enroll seniors in plans. 
Confusion for Seniors: The sheer volume of these ads, combined with their misleading claims, can make it difficult for seniors to understand their Medicare options. 
Financial Incentives for Brokers: Brokers receive higher commissions for enrolling seniors in Medicare Advantage plans than for Medigap or Part D plans, creating a financial incentive to promote Advantage plans. 
Government Actions: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is working to crack down on misleading Medicare marketing practices.  Congress is also investigating Medicare Advantage plan broker pitches on TV & has proposed regulations to address deceptive advertising.  Some states have seen an increase in complaints about deceptive marketing leading to further investigations & proposals for stricter regulations. 
In essence, the concern is that these ads are not providing seniors with accurate & unbiased information, making it difficult for them to make informed decisions.

Mike Henry · Answer

I personally think celebrities should not advertise Part D plans. Just because xyz person says doesn’t mean it’s the best for you. Explore your options

Robert Simm · Answer

100% yes please for the love of God destroy those commercials it is the most hurtful thing they can do to somebody like myself who's been on the brunt end of those commercials for years we're starting to make changes to make the experience of getting a Medicare health insurance plan easier for everyone.

Answered by Robert Simm on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 15 other states

Answered by Robert Simm Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Ansell · Answer

I believe these commercials are misleading and should be banned. These celebrities will not be your agent and are not a licensed agent.

Natalee Nimmo · Answer

Yes because the commercials are misleading and you know those celebrities don’t have a Medicare advantage plan.

Don't you think Medicare should ban all those celebrity Medicare Advantage commercials?

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Don't you think Medicare should ban all those celebrity Medicare Advantage commercials?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website