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 16 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.
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.
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.
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.
.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.
The "Medicare agent" calls are frustrating for both members and agents.
CMS rules on marketing allow members of a plan to be contacted and offered other benefits.
It is true there may be a plan specific benefit that offers groceries, however, there are often qualifying conditions that must be met to be eligible. Your trusted agent knows what plans are available and what a beneficiary would qualify for.
It's not and I'm glad you didn't take the bait.. Agents shouldn't promise folks anything based on a phone call. IF you're interested in Value Added benefits you can contact an agent for more information. Don't ever give any personal identifying information over the phone to a stranger.
This is true only for people what have both Medicare and Medicaid referred to as Dual Eligibles. The type of plans that do offer some coverage to cover the cost of groceries as a benefit are HMO plans only that require you choose a Primary Care Physician from the network and get a referral to see a specialist. You cannot go out of network or risk paying 100% of the bill. Very rich in benefits, but only for people who qualify.
That form of marketing is not allowed, and that agent from a call center was not honest, which is not allowed. I am glad you didn't fall for the marketing.
It is not. It is not legal to cold call Medicare beneficiaries. Unfortunately, this continues to be a problem. The best way around this is to ONLY speak with your agent/broker or your current insurance carrier about your Medicare plan and options.
It's a very difficult thing to realize that everyday you are a prime target for scammers and thieves. That type of marketing isn't allowed or sanctioned by Medicare, but who's to stop it? A legitimate agent will not cold call you. It's illegal. A legitimate agent won't make false promises or mislead you. That's illegal too. A legitimate agent won't rush you to enroll or use scare tactics. Illegal and Illegal. So who can you trust? Remember what we all learned in kindergarten? Never talk to strangers. That may seem harsh, but it's a good rule of thumb. If someone calls you and you have not requested them to, it's illegal and most likely a scam. Ask some questions about the agent... where are they licensed (and license number), who do they represent, how long have they done this, what's their website etc etc. Get to know who you are dealing with so it's no longer just a stranger helping you with your Medicare. If not, buyer beware.
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.