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

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.

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.

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 at 239-848-8893.

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski on April 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski Medicare Insurance Agent

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 
269.339.4433
MI, IN, OH, and KY

Steve 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 Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

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 
940-395-6572

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

Direct: 773-370-2644

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

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.

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! YouTube.com/@berrealinsured

Answered by Brianna Douros on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, CO & TX

Answered by Brianna Douros 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

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 myself that will actually meet with you, and explain it in a way that makes sense. Call or text me at 501-380-5899.

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!

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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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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