I went to a free Medicare seminar and it felt like a timeshare pitch. Are any of those events actually helpful?

Question

Steven Bleicher · Accepted Answer

Though those seminars can be somewhat helpful, your best choice is a one-on-one visit with an independent agent/broker who will take your personal information into account and be specific toward your health issues, your family history and naturally, your pocketbook. With a seminar, it's a numbers game while a visit to your home or at a neutral site is more beneficial.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

It really depends on who's running the show! The Medicare seminars, if they are "Educational", should be done without using any sales tactics. Agents can pass out their business cards and ask if they can call attendees, but other than that, they should be ONLY educational. This can be a shady industry.... you have to choose your Independent Agent wisely!

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Terri Reagin · Answer

There are 2 types of events that you can register with CMS: sales events which are meant to steer or “sell” a product and educational events which is prohibited from discussing copays or features. They can only be generic in nature. The RULES are that you are not even allowed to distribute marketing materials or contact attendees without them soliciting you in a separate appointment. The challenge is not every agent follows the rules and people inherently will want to know the details of copays and features when you open it up for questions. I think it’s just important to know what type of event you are going to (you can ask) and know that there are no obligations just because you listen. It sounds like you just encountered someone that wasn’t very good at it.

Answered by Terri Reagin on August 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Capraro III · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/i-went-to-a-free-medicare-seminar-and-it-felt-like-a-timeshare-pitch-are-any-of-those-events-actually-helpful#tony-capraro

Charise Karjala · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/i-went-to-a-free-medicare-seminar-and-it-felt-like-a-timeshare-pitch-are-any-of-those-events-actually-helpful#charise-karjala

Tasha Riggs · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/i-went-to-a-free-medicare-seminar-and-it-felt-like-a-timeshare-pitch-are-any-of-those-events-actually-helpful#tasha-riggs

Steven Whetstine · Answer

If you feel like a Medicare seminar is like a timeshare pitch, it may be important to trust your gut feeling.  

Unfortunately, there are bad actors out there that will hold Medicare seminars to push certain Medicare products because it will give them the most commissions.  Often, this is a person that is holding seminars to push Medicare Advantage plans.

While Medicare Advantage plans are not a bad option for some people, it is a good idea to go to an Educational seminar or ask an agent the pros and cons for both Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans.  You would want an unbiased perspective to identify what option makes sense for you.  

A licensed and ethical agent will ask you questions to identify what Medicare options make sense for you and your specific situation.

If you ever feel any pressure to sign up now, it also can be a warning sign.  The only time where you may ever need to sign up immediately is if you waited until the last minute for your election period and may be forced to make a decision as soon as possible.  Identify an agent you can trust that can guide you through the process.

Randall Taylor · Answer

Seminars can be helpful - up to a point. But one of the problems is that because Medicare has many different parts and options, a person is best served with a one-on-one consultation.

Justin Sonon · Answer

While we do not offer in person events, our website's blog page has helpful articles about Medicare basics, including comparisons between Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, as well as prescription drug plan information. 

We also offer live pricing and plan details and instant enrollment options on our website's pages for Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans, giving you a way to read about the products, then go and sign up or shop pricing and coverage details.

If you need one-on-one assistance, you can also schedule a call or virtual meeting with an experienced agent for further product support.

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

When looking for an educational event on Medicare, it is important to look for those that express Medicare 101 or non-specific to any carrier in particular. This is crucial, if you would like to make sure that your Medicare advise remains neutral to Medicare and not carrier specific information. Medicare seminar should not feel like a sale.

Answered by Yasmery Vargas on June 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Yasmery Vargas Medicare Insurance Agent

Cleo Martin · Answer

There are 2 kinds of events, educational and marketing. At the educational they can do NO marketing or even talking about specific policies or benefits. So if it was like a timeshare thing then you must have been at a marketing presentation.

Answered by Cleo Martin on July 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC, FL, GA, MI & NC

Answered by Cleo Martin Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Willis · Answer

It depends on who puts it on and what they have to say.
A good Medicare Information Session will explain all aspects of Medicare and the types of plans.  If they are focusing on one plan, it's a marketing lecture.
You need to have an agent who will sit down and discuss your health problems, medications, and doctors and help you find the plan that is best for you.

Harold Randolph · Answer

There are lots of educational events that are helpful! Most are as they give you the basic information for understanding the core elements of Medicare which are Parts A, B and D. I recommend you reach out to me or another broker in your area for a free 1 on 1 sit down. We do a needs analysis and answer all of your questions as to which route of options fit your situation best. 

Harold Randolph 
MI, IN, OH, and KY

Paul Dzierzanowski · Answer

Only if you want a free piece of pie. If you want detailed answers on Medicare, it's best to talk to a broker that represents a number of different companies. If you have any questions, please call me.

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski on April 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski Medicare Insurance Agent

Craig Kirscht · Answer

They can shady be but it depends on who's running the show. If it's a legit local advisor/broker/expert giving you tools to make your own informed decision, awesome! But if it feels like you're being sold instead of taught, you're not crazy. That's what's happening. 

Not all Medicare seminars are shady like a timeshare presentation. Good ones are hosted by a local broker who actually educates you without pushing a plan. Cover Medicare basics, timelines, penalties, and differences between Adavantage and Supplement plans. No pressure, no sign ups, just good information.

Marcie Barnes · Answer

You can gleen some good information from events like that.  I always recommend speaking directly with a licensed professional agent.  

I am an expert in my field and would be more than happy to assist with in depth questions and answers.

Marcie Barnes 
Licensed professional agent

Carol Thompson · Answer

To stay on track with a presentation it may sound like a timeshare.  However, seeking guidance by a reputable agent would be your best choice. Where they can sit down with you and explain things.

Deborah Webster · Answer

I don't know why a timeshare pitch would coincide with a Medicare 101. These educational events can be very helpful (when done correctly) for learning the parts of Medicare and things to look out for when entering Medicare. Information on how to avoid penalties and learning about the general ins and outs of Medicare.

Answered by Deborah Webster on August 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Ansell · Answer

Yes they can be very helpful but you are right depending on the group giving it can sound like a big sales pitch. I would attend several meetings and then work with a local agent who can help you choose the best plan for your individual needs.

Answered by Karen Ansell on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, KY & OH

Answered by Karen Ansell Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Baez · Answer

They are mostly helpful but to get the best in what your needs are it's best to do a one on one with a Licensed Trusted Advisor. 

Robert Baez

Licensed Trusted Advisor

Más Health & Life

Health | Wealth | Life | Medicare

Kevin Chaikin · Answer

Of course some are but it sounds like you went to one that was really just a sales pitch. Every seminar held by an agent/agency is intended to generate leads but some do better than others at making it more educational vs. a hard sell. Seek education and trust and figure which agent/agency is the right fit for you. We are all providing the same products. Who is offering the best service?

Answered by Kevin Chaikin on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, AL, AZ & 31 other states

Answered by Kevin Chaikin Medicare Insurance Agent

Brianna Douros · Answer

I’m sorry it felt like that. A Medicare seminar should be educational. It should have been a presentation on what the parts of Medicare are, what they cover, how to enroll, your options, etc. Feel free to follow my Facebook or YouTube channel as I post weekly videos about aging into Medicare. Best of Luck to you!

Answered by Brianna Douros on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, CO, NC & TX

Answered by Brianna Douros Medicare Insurance Agent

Donnie Vermillion · Answer

Yes, attending a free educational medicare 101 seminar is a great way to learn the basics of medicare. If it is titled an educational event it should not be plan specific. You will learn how to enroll in medicare. You will learn about the basics of Part A and B , what they cover. 

You can get your medicare coverage in different ways. Whether that be just using Original Medicare A/B, a Medicare Supplement / Medigap plan or a Medicare advantage plan.

Ellen Diehl · Answer

Well - that depends on how long the Broker has been in the business. Sometimes new Agents (not quite the same as a Broker like me) want to fit everyone into the same plan, like an Advantage. I like to consider Supplement Plan G because we need to consider your access to Drs when you are 70 or 75. Not just do you get a free dental cleaning or eye exam. Let me know if you need help.

Answered by Ellen Diehl on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA

Answered by Ellen Diehl Medicare Insurance Agent

Curtis Stoner · Answer

There are two main types of Medicare Seminars. Educational & Sales/Marketing. Educational seminars are should be informative about the different parts of Medicare ie. A,B,C & D along with Medicare supplements. There are no specifics about any certain plan. Sales/marketing seminars are more like a sales pitch. The objective of sales/marketing seminars is to get enrollments. Educational seminars are to be educational only. No sales pitches No enrollments. I hope this helps.

Answered by Curtis Stoner on August 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, KY & LA

Answered by Curtis Stoner Medicare Insurance Agent

Julia Alves · Answer

Yes, some Medicare seminars can be genuinely helpful — especially when they’re hosted by independent brokers who focus on educating you, not selling to you. These types of events walk you through all your options and don’t pressure you to enroll in anything on the spot.

That said, a lot of seminars out there do feel like timeshare pitches. They're often run by agents tied to just one insurance company, so the information is limited and sales-heavy. That doesn’t mean all events are bad — the key is finding one that puts education first.

What to look for:

Hosted by an independent broker, no heavy branding from a specific insurance carrier, focuses on Medicare in general (not just one plan), & no pressure to enroll — just helpful info to get you informed.

If it checks those boxes, it’s probably worth your time!

Steven Rukhman · Answer

Yes, those events can be very helpful. I host monthly Educational Medicare Seminars in the local community, where I am not allowed to talk about plan benefits, nor enroll people onto a plan. An Educational Event can be helpful for someone not yet on Medicare because it will give you a great foundational understanding of the program, and if you make a connection with the presenter, that person will likely be a good resource to help you with the next steps.

Answered by Steven Rukhman on July 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, NM, NV, OR & TX

Answered by Steven Rukhman Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelly Allen · Answer

They can be beneficial - If you attended, you most likely had some questions you were looking for answers to. It should have also brought up new questions you hadn't thought of yet. Always have a one-on-one conversation with several Medicare Agents and work with the one that you feel has your interest at heart:)

Answered by Kelly Allen on August 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AR, AZ & 21 other states

Answered by Kelly Allen Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Keenan · Answer

The goal of a "free Seminar" is to generate leads for the presenters. I rely heavily on referrals because every client thanks me for helping them set up their Medicare program and I ask that they just pass my name along to people they know or meet who are wondering how to do everything related to Medicare and Social Security.

Answered by Daniel Keenan on June 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Daniel Keenan Medicare Insurance Agent

Anita Hawkins · Answer

Medicare seminars are often very helpful. There are two different kinds, Educational seminars (all of the content is about Medicare and Medicare plans in general, no plan details and no sales activities are allowed), and Sales seminars (specific plans and their benefits are discussed, and plan enrollment may be encouraged). Either can be helpful depending on what you are looking for. If you would like information about how Medicare works, but you don't need to know about the benefits of specific plans and you don't want a sales pitch, choose an Educational meeting. The marketing will specify 'For Educational Purposes Only'.

Answered by Anita Hawkins on August 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC

Answered by Anita Hawkins Medicare Insurance Agent

Anthony Scott · Answer

Yes, they are actually helpful, IF they are conducted in an educational manner. I conduct Medicare T-65(turning 65)Dinners as well as Medicare 101 meetings/events regularly. These meetings are strictly to provide information on how Medicare works and what the options are. These are strictly non sales events!

Answered by Anthony Scott on June 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA

Answered by Anthony Scott Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Rivera · Answer

Some Medicare seminars can be helpful if they’re run by trusted, unbiased sources, like local SHIP programs or community centers, because they explain your options clearly. Be cautious of events that push specific plans or incentives, since those are often more about sales than education.

Answered by Mary Rivera on August 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Mary Rivera Medicare Insurance Agent

Rick Ried · Answer

The simple answer is yes they are potentially helpful.

If you look at it as free education from an industry expert it can be very useful.

I approach these seminars as educational and strive to have those that attend be much better informed on their options

Eric Palmer · Answer

Yes. It can be. You really need a personal agent like me that will actually meet with you and explain it in a way that makes sense. You can contact me.

Angela Brewer · Answer

The Medicare Seminars that I hold in six different locations monthly in my area are not pushy, and are purely educational. I want to help you learn about Medicare and your options. I want you to feel comfortable with me so you can trust me with helping you decide on this important options.

Answered by Angela Brewer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, FL, MD & 5 other states

Answered by Angela Brewer Medicare Insurance Agent

I went to a free Medicare seminar and it felt like a timeshare pitch. Are any of those events actually helpful?

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