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

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi. Thanks for watching. My name is Steve and I'm the husband, half of the husband and wife Medicare team here in Arizona. Sue is off today. The question is, don't you think Medicare should ban all of those Celebrity Medicare Advantage commercials? Yeah. You see the commercials with Tom Selleck. I think there's been a bunch of them. But you got to remember Medicare Advantage are private insurance companies with a contract with Medicare. So they want to advertise their plans so people will enroll in them. It is kind of annoying because what happens is a lot of times you get call centers that call you as a result of these commercials and they're shady. They ask you all kinds of questions. They're not supposed to do any of that. They're not supposed to call you ever unless they have your permission to call you. So right away, right out of the gate, they're not following the rules. But yeah, it's a little misleading, but I understand why they do it. They are private insurance companies and they're trying to sell their product.

Daniel Brechin · Answer

The problem is the actor is an actor. Remember they are being paid to represent that company. The easy thing is that an Insurance Agent is licensed and tested every year. They can loose their license for lying.

Answered by Daniel Brechin on February 16, 2026

Agent Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MS & TN

Answered by Daniel Brechin 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.

Terri Reagin · Answer

My opinion is irrelevant. They don’t ask me my opinion on their commercials. So I try not to lose too much sleep over what I cannot control.

Tony Capraro III · Answer

Here's a great question. Don't you think Medicare should ban all those celebrity Medicare Advantage commercials? I couldn't agree with you more. The problem with all of those commercials featuring celebrities and non-celebrities is that they only sell Medicare Advantage. They're gonna get you with all the shiny objects, the dental, this, that. But those Medicare Advantage plans change every year, and they've changed dramatically for 2025. So here at my State Farm Agency on Kelly Street in Manchester, we talk about Medicare Advantage, and it works in certain situations, but we also offer Medicare Supplement or Medigap. So deal with someone like myself who can help you with either Medicare Supplement, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage and knows the ins and outs of both and can give you great information so that you can make a good decision. But I absolutely agree those Medicare Advantage commercials should be taken off the air because they are misleading. And again, I offer Medicare Advantage, and in the right situations, they work perfectly. So work with someone like myself. I'd be glad to help you. I'll let you know all the good, all the bad, and then you can make a great decision for you and your family.

Ray McCauley · Answer

I wouldn’t say ban them. But my real question is how effective are they because everybody uses celebrities and personally I have never bought anything because of a celebrity endorsing it seems like a waste of money to me.

Answered by Ray McCauley on December 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & ID, NV, SC & TN

Answered by Ray McCauley Medicare Insurance Agent

Shelly Hefley · Answer

I would prefer that Medicare ban the overseas phone calls coming into the US.  These calls are more intrusive than any celebrity advertisement.

Steven Lovell · Answer

I absolutely 100% believe that celebrities should not be endorsing any products unless they themselves are customers of those same said products. Also, more than likely, celebrities do not and are not medicare advantage recipients as they have the means and income to pay for other coverage.

Answered by Steven Lovell on December 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Steven Lovell Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Pennington · Answer

YES___________________________________________________________________________________________
YES___________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Jim Tretola · Answer

If not ban, curtail them. The celebrities getting paid to pitch Plans, most likely do not have the same Plans they are pitching. It is very misleading with all the promises, without explaining everything. That is impossible in a 30-60 second commercial.

Answered by Jim Tretola on September 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in NJ, CA, CT & 6 other states

Answered by Jim Tretola Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

YES! I do! Joe Namath should stick to football. His commercials about Medicare Advantage are very misleading.

Barbara Patterson, CFP · Answer

Yes I think so because they can be misleading and celebrities are often paid to do the commercials.  There’s so much confusion already from the commercials.

Daintee Hurst Dietz · Answer

I believe they have cracked down on celebrities endorsing plans as to the confusion and complaints by beneficiaries when plans weren’t as they understood. Another reason a local and compliant agent is important.

Answered by Daintee Hurst Dietz on June 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ & CA

Answered by Daintee Hurst Dietz Medicare Insurance Agent

Nickey Baxter · Answer

That is a hard question to answer. There are benefits to the commercials, as many people don't realize they have options. The commercials let the consumer know when it is very important for them to just take a second look at what they have, and if something might provide more benefits. I will agree, however, that the commercials do get annoying. I am honestly relieved when the Annual Enrollment Period is over and they are fewer and far between.

Answered by Nickey Baxter on October 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CO & 18 other states

Answered by Nickey Baxter Medicare Insurance Agent

David Tedrow · Answer

No. We live in a free society. I just wish for the following two things; people were more discerning regarding their choices and carriers had more integrity.

Arash Asadi · Answer

Whether Medicare should ban celebrity endorsed Advantage commercials depends on the impact they have on beneficiaries. Some argue these ads can misleading, especially when they exaggerate benefits or don't explain the limitations of Advantage plans. Others believe they help raise awareness and provide choices. It might be more effective to regulate the content rather than ban them outright-ensuring transparency and accuracy."

Answered by Arash Asadi on August 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Arash Asadi Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

ads can be misleading and confusing, leading people to believe that plans are more beneficial or less costly than they actually are, and that they don't fully disclose limitations such as network restrictions and potential out-of-pocket costs. you should only rely advise from your licensed agent and not from overpriced actor. call me anytime

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on October 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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.

Ray Rios · Answer

Medicare needs to control these commercials to help clients confusions. As is, Seniors get bombarded with calls, commercials and mailings.

Mike Wetsel · Answer

Banning is a really strong word. 
I do wish they would clearly state the differences in coverage for metropolitan area vs rural area options and perks.

Babs Atwell · Answer

I believe that all misleading commercials involving Medicare should be banned. They make honest agents and brokers look bad and give us all a poor reputation.

Brian Williams · Answer

No, the commercials bring awareness to what is available. What is important to the viewers is to pay attention to the fine print or the disclosures associated with the commercials.

Brittany Morris · Answer

Definitely! They’re paid to sell plans and they boast about benefits that are not available to all seniors. Additionally they pay big personalities and continue to reduce or eliminate agent commissions making it harder for seniors to navigate coverage

Answered by Brittany Morris on December 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in LA

Answered by Brittany Morris Medicare Insurance Agent

Susan Winters · Answer

The commercials often oversimplify complex benefits, gloss over limitations, or promote benefits not available in all areas. I think that the commercials can be misleading but CMS Center for Medicare Services has been monitoring these commercials closely. This is not only with celebrities. The monitoring helps, but when you have an honest agent they help you make sense of all the benefits or limitations in plans

Answered by Susan Winters on August 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 16 other states

Answered by Susan Winters Medicare Insurance Agent

Cristy Flores · Answer

It's not the celebrity as much as it is the D-snp information going out, letting people think that is the benefit level that they are going to get. They should inform people that there are different levels of benefits and that by calling an agent they will help you decide what plan works for you and your situation. What works for your neighbor will not necessarily work for you.

Answered by Cristy Flores on February 3, 2026

Broker Licensed in MI, OH, OK, TN & TX

Answered by Cristy Flores Medicare Insurance Agent

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?

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