I got a call from a "Medicare agent" promising me free groceries and I almost fell for it. Why is this kind of marketing allowed?
Answered by 8 licensed agents
It’s unfortunate but there are a few loopholes in Medicare marketing guidelines that allow agents to discuss benefits associated with “DSNP’s” (Dual Special needs plans) on cold calls. These types of plans require that you have both Medicare and Medicaid, if you have both of these then there may be a DSNP plan available in your area that includes a”healthy food and produce” benefit that gives you a monthly allowance towards OTC items and groceries. Unfortunately I think a commonly used tactic is the “bait and switch”. Agents/brokers have to be a little more transparent if you were to physically meet them and go over your plan options. Be a good practice To ask these individuals “how are these benefits available to me” or simply just hang up. This sure isn’t a way to conduct good business but some brokers do engage in this.
Answered by Gregg Matheny on April 1, 2025
Agent Licensed in AZ & UT
Medicare is trying to stop these unwanted calls. However, they still contact you even if your name is on the Do Not Call List. Most of these calls are made illegal and transferred to a contracted agent. Upon answering the phone, I was told this was what I had been told. I am 65 and have blocked over 600 numbers on my phone.
The information on the free grocery card is partially correct. It depends on your qualifications, location, plan type, or whether you are on Medicaid. These plans are available through some Medicare Advantage plans.
Answered by Larry Dalton on April 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK & TX
There are some Medicare advantage that offer that. Many times it’s tied to being on Medicaid but not all plans.
Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on April 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO & 10 other states
This kind of marketing is not allowed. No one is supposed to be soliciting you regarding Medicare or enrolling in a Plan or any special offers that you might not even qualify for. Please do not give out any personal information to anyone over the phone that you don't know.
Answered by Diane Andree on March 29, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY
You should not be receiving unsolicited calls from an insurance agent it is not allowed regarding Medicare Advantage plans.
The benefit that is being discussed is available under certain plans but should not in my opinion be the main reason to choose a plan.
I think the primary concern is that there are people who willfully violate marketing rules and this is one of them if not solicited by you.
Answered by William Gray on April 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, GA, KS, MI, OH & VA
This is not allowed and against CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) rules, you can report the agent and the company for this act. With that said, there are plans that have built in amounts for groceries and over the counter items. Check with your local agent.
Answered by Jay Carlton on April 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in UT
.Believe it or not, there ARE some plans that offer you free groceries and free over-the-counter products if you join their plan. This is an enticing offer and sometimes that very benefit overwhelms someone since anything free is a boon (supposedly) to your finances. You must look at the overall benefits of the plan & not just a "niche" benefits. The crackdown on enticements like that have already taken place a few years ago when Joe Namath, Jimmie Walker and actor William Devane talked about a plan that many people already had in place but didn't know it. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) forced this company to re-shoot those TV commercials to eliminate the misleading parts of their plan.
Unfortunately, there are some bad actors in the industry who will try to sow doubt that you have a good plan for you so you will invite them into your life. Many of the promises including free groceries and "money back from the government" are available only to those on government assistance.
This isn't marketing nor is it allowed.
Answered by Jennifer Ragborg on April 21, 2025
Agent Licensed in MN, AZ, FL, NC & WI
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