Isn't it suspicious that Medicare Advantage plans offer gift cards and incentives to enroll?
Answered by 26 licensed agents
Offering gift cards to beneficiaries for completing health assessments is permitted, but not for enrollment.
Answered by Diana Garner on May 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN
Answered by William Lawler on June 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states
Answered by Jonathan Potter on June 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states
Answered by Joseph Meyers on April 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in MI & TN
Labyrinth plans may have a reward for caring for your health.
But I do not see plans giving enticements of gift cards to enroll.
Answered by Daniel Maisel on April 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, MI & NV, OH, TN & WA
Answered by Eli Roque on August 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, FL & 8 other states
I’m guessing you’re talking about the over the counter cards or the healthy foods benefit cards. The grocery cards you’ve heard about are not incentives to enroll, they’re actually benefits included in certain Medicare Advantage plans. These cards are typically part of what’s called an ‘over-the-counter (OTC) or healthy foods benefit,’ and they’re meant to help members afford nutritious food, which supports better health outcomes.
As far as gift cards, Medicare has strict rules that prohibit offering gifts over a certain value to influence enrollment decisions. What you typically see are small, government-approved tokens, usually under $15, used to encourage people to attend educational events or complete health assessments after they’re already enrolled. These are designed to promote preventive care and overall wellness, not to sway anyone’s plan choice.
The grocery cards or Flex Cards you see advertised, especially with dual-eligible Medicare Advantage plans, are not sign-up incentives. They’re actually approved supplemental benefits offered to people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
These benefits are designed to support low-income individuals with things like groceries, over-the-counter items, or utilities, depending on the plan. The government allows Medicare Advantage plans to provide these extra benefits to improve health outcomes and help members manage chronic conditions.
So, it’s not about getting a gift for enrolling, it’s about providing real, ongoing support to those who qualify.
Providing the best healthcare plan for each individual should be the focus of any agent when helping a client with a healthcare plan.
Answered by Joel Hill on August 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in MS, AL, FL & GA, NC, SC & TX
Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Answered by Steve Houchens on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in KY & TN
Answered by Yasmery Vargas on April 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA
Some plans can offer small gift cards or incentives after enrollment, but only for things like getting a routine mammogram or prostate cancer screening—to encourage preventive care and help you stay healthy.
But if someone is offering you something to enroll?
Run!
Answered by Anna Davis CIC-RSSA on July 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA
Answered by Dionisio Guillermo on May 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in HI
Answered by Shannan Pruitt on June 23, 2025
Broker Licensed in AR, MO, OK & TX
Elaboration:
Fraud and Abuse Concerns:
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued special fraud alerts highlighting suspicious characteristics of Medicare Advantage marketing schemes, including payments like gift cards that are made in exchange for referring or recommending patients to a particular plan.
Misleading Marketing:
Agents may pressure individuals into signing up for a plan, offer gifts as an incentive, or suggest that Medicare endorses or prefers their plan, which can be misleading and may not be in the enrollee's best interest.
Potential Scams:
Scammers may offer incentives like gift cards or cash refunds in exchange for personal information, which they can then use to steal identity or submit fraudulent claims.
Legitimate Incentives:
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer legitimate incentives like gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or fitness programs to attract and retain members.
Verification is Key:
If you are offered an incentive to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, it's important to verify the legitimacy of the plan and the offer. Ask for identification, business cards, and check for customer reviews and complaints.
Traditional Medicare Doesn't Offer Gift Cards:
It's important to remember that traditional, government-run Medicare does not offer gift cards or incentives for enrollment.
Answered by Fred Manas on May 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on April 17, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
Answered by Deborah Webster on July 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in Ia & SC
Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on July 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD
Answered by Charles Borg on June 24, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL & NY
Answered by Jami Mead on July 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states
Answered by Kelly Linster on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in ND, AZ, CO, IA & SD
Answered by Brianna Douros on June 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in VA, CO, NC & TX
Answered by Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli on June 3, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL & TX
Answered by Susan Winters on July 16, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 16 other states
I do think much of the advertising around Medicare Advantage plans - highlighting the annicillary benefits offered is a bit misleading. This is why it is important to work with an independent broker who represents multiple insurance companies AND shows you both supplemental (Medigap) plans and Advantage plans. The independent broker can help you understand the pro's and con's of each and help you identify which option is most suitable for your particular option.
An important question to ask anyone helping you is: Are you an independent broker and how many different insurance companies do you represent. And will you show me both Supplemental and Advantage plans. You want a broker who will show you both options and discuss the pros and cons of each. And you want an independent broker who represents multiple insurance companies.
Answered by Andrew Firmin on May 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in MA, CT, DE & 13 other states
Answered by Austyn Harris on August 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in Ut, ID & WY
Tags: Advice for Seniors Medicare Advantage The Medicare System
Agents: Share Your Expertise
Have insights or experiences related to this topic? Help others by sharing your knowledge and answering this question.
Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own
Questions are generally answered within 1 to 3 business days. Receive valuable perspectives from multiple licensed agents and brokers.
Ask a Question