Isn't it suspicious that Medicare Advantage plans offer gift cards and incentives to enroll?

Question

Diana Garner · Accepted Answer

I do not feel it is suspicious, but it is against regulations. Offering such gift cards to entice a beneficiary to enroll is not permitted.

Offering gift cards to beneficiaries for completing health assessments is permitted, but not for enrollment.

Mike Alexander · Answer

You have to be careful and not be swayed into enrolling in a plan that is not right for you.
I agree its a marketing tactic to steer you into a certain plan, so beware

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan offers incentives because Medicare is big business. Remember, all Advantage plans must provide the same coverage that Original Medicare covers and usually have many "extra" benefits. It's just a different model for administering Medicare.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

William Lawler · Answer

No, it is not suspicious. Competition is fierce in the Medicare Advantage arena and insurance companies will offer all kinds of different incentives to encourage you to enroll in their plan. Remember Joe Namath and Jimmy Walker? Do you think they are experts on Health care?

Answered by William Lawler on June 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent

Terri Reagin · Answer

I don't know of any legitimate advantage plans gift cards. The only legal incentive I'm aware of is the "GIVEBACK" feature which gives back a certain portion of the part B premium on your social security check. Other plans may have features like food card benefits or dental/vision plans as part of the package of the plan. If someone is either advertising a gift card or promising a gift card to enroll, then they are doing so against CMS guidelines and could lose licensing if found out.

Answered by Terri Reagin on August 18, 2025

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

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

Charise Karjala · Answer

This question is very interesting, and it's even sad that it needs to be asked. Isn't it suspicious? The question is, can Medicare Advantage plans offer incentives to enroll? Well, it's illegal to offer incentives to enroll. They can offer value, but they can't offer incentives.

Where I see this, and it really makes me angry, is when we have the national advertising programs that are going to be starting on October 1st, and they tell people that there's money available for food. It's just... I've cried so many tears over this because I get calls from usually senior women who are very, very poor, and they've been living on a compromised income for a very, very long time. And the people on the television told them that they can get money, and it's not true. They have to apply for Medicaid, and that's the money that they will get.

Now, some communities do have resources, but that's not typically through the Medicaid or Medicare programs. Now, another element that seems to be an incentive is, "I give back to your Social Security." So if you don't have Medicaid or Medi-Cal and you need to have a little bit of extra money, and they offer you that, you will get another $40 back onto your Social Security check if you enroll with them.

Be very careful. That $40 that you're getting every month, that $500 a year, may end up costing you $5,000 in co-pays. This is the structure of those policies. Or you may lose all your doctors. Be very careful. This more than ever is a very tricky time to be trying to select a health plan. And guess what? I want you to know this: if you already have a health plan or a Medicare Advantage plan, don't do anything during October 15th to December 7th because you have a whole easy breezy time between January 1st and March 31st where you can make a real decision with real agents like me that will spend an hour or more with you.

So that's my suggestion. Go nice to yourself this year. Don't buy into any of these incentives because there's always something bad that's going to happen behind it. Just don't believe it. And then take your time in January through March because that's a whole other open enrollment period. If you already have a plan, you can take your time. So promise yourself, be kind to yourself, turn the damn TV off so you don't get confused, and you can call me.

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

Agents and companies are allowed to offer up to a $15 gas card, gift card etc. for marketing purposes not to enroll you. It's just to get the opportunity to speak with you about your needs.

Jonathan Potter · Answer

Medicare advantage plans aren’t allowed to be offering gift card or incentive to enroll. These rules come from cms. If you are getting these kind of offers you should be suspicious.

Answered by Austyn Harris on August 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ut, ID & WY

Answered by Austyn Harris Medicare Insurance Agent

Shelly Hefley · Answer

That’s definitely interesting. I would be very interested to hear what plans are offering incentives to enroll.?? That is not something that should be happening- I would be very leery

Justin Doherty · Answer

Yes and No. They have the ability to offer these incentives which is a good way for some seniors to get a few extra bucks. However, it is also a chance for companies to increase their enrollment even if their plans are not the best fit for their enrollees. Medicare Advantage plans can be very profitable for companies, so it makes sense that they want to increase their enrollment through various methods. That's why it is so important for seniors to review the plan benefits and make sure the plan will actually fit their needs.

Answered by Justin Doherty on September 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CO, CT & 11 other states

Answered by Justin Doherty Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Denniston · Answer

No, not suspicious at all. Companies use profits to build better benefits into their plans to attract more clients. These are extra benefits you usually dont receive when on standard Medice. Makes the Medicare Advantage plans more attractive.

Answered by Michael Denniston on September 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Michael Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Darlene Murphy · Answer

Yes because true Original Medicare does not provide the same benefits. So who actually pays for it?

Andrew Firmin · Answer

I am not aware any insurance plans that offer gift cards and incentives to enroll. Actually that is specifially prohibited by your states Division of Insurance. 

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.

Mike Odle · Answer

Any plan offering a gift card for simply enrolling is breaking the law and should be reported. Some companies offer a spendables card that can be used for food, utilities, rent, transportation, among other things. The benefit is only available to people with certain chronic health conditions, or economic needs. Most plans will offer some sort of an over-the-counter benefit for use at the pharmacy, but only for certain items, brands, and locations. Neither of these are gift cards.

Answered by Mike Odle on October 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & IL

Answered by Mike Odle Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Maisel · Answer

The question begins with an improper premise.

Labyrinth plans may have a reward for caring for your health. 

But I do not see plans giving enticements of gift cards to enroll.

Nicholas Depke · Answer

It is a fair question, and the skepticism is understandable, but the extra benefits you see advertised with Medicare Advantage plans like grocery allowances, over-the-counter cards, and utility credits are actually funded by the government rebate dollars that carriers receive when they operate efficiently. That said, the marketing around these benefits has gotten aggressive and sometimes misleading, which is why CMS has cracked down on how carriers can advertise them. The most important thing to remember is that a flashy benefit should never be the main reason you choose a plan, because a $50 monthly grocery card means very little if the plan has a narrow network, high out-of-pocket maximums, or does not cover your medications well. Always look at the full picture of the plan before enrolling.

Answered by Nicholas Depke on March 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in NE, AZ, FL & 15 other states

Answered by Nicholas Depke Medicare Insurance Agent

Ryan George · Answer

Nope! Some people think it comes from the Medicare tax that you've paid in to your whole life, but in reality, that isn't technically true. CMS (Center for Medicaid/Medicare Services) pays each Medicare Advantage plan a fixed rate per enrollee. They're essentially funded by the insurance company operating more efficiently than what they're supposed to by CMS guidelines.

Seems fishy, but they're just trying to entice you to use their company!

Michael Wehner · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans are not allowed to offer any kind of inducements to get someone to enroll in a plan. If you are being offered some sort of inducement to enroll in a plan, that is not the Medicare Advantage plan offering that, but someone who is not acting ethically.

Answered by Michael Wehner on August 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, NC, OH, PA & SC

Answered by Michael Wehner Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Meyers · Answer

They are not allowed to offer incentives to induce enrollments. I advise prospects and clients to be wary of offers like this.

Eli Roque · Answer

IF THAT IS HAPPENING THEN THEY MUST BE REPORT TO MEDICARE BECAUSE THAT GOES COMPLETELY AGAINST THE RULES .MEDICARE PLAN OR IT AGENT/BROKERS CAN'T OFFER GIFT CARDS OR INCENTIVES FOR BENEFICIARIES TO ENROLL IN THEY'RE PLAN.

Answered by Eli Roque on August 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Eli Roque Medicare Insurance Agent

Marc Rheingold · Answer

Medicare Advantage Plans can offer rewards and incentives but only for approved health related activities not for an incentive to enroll

Joel Hill · Answer

That’s a great question, and this is going to be a bit of a long answer because there’s a lot to think about with it. 

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.

Kent Arrington, FICF, CSSCS · Answer

Gift cards are not offered by insurance companies as an incentive for enrollment in their plans. This practice would be considered illegal by Medicare. If an agent is offering gift cards to enroll, then you need to find another agent that does not do these things. 
There are 4 things that Medicare does not mandate that an insurance company provide to their clients. Those would be Over the Counter benefits, Dental, Vision, and Hearing benefits. Insurance companies provide these things with most Part C plans because they know that those areas are instrumental in the overall health of medicare beneficiaries. Even though the Flex card is used with these plans it a vital benefit for beneficiaries, and certainly not a gift card!

Steven Bleicher · Answer

There are rules in this area which are found on Medicare.gov. For example, if you attend an educational event, whomever is the host cannot specify names of ANY insurance companies that she/he is appointed with. AND by the same token, a gift card cannot be handed out as THAT IS ILLEGAL since that is considered to be "cash"! BUT, she/he can have light snacks available at a single event as long as it does not cost more than $15.00 per attendee. Anything valued more than that can cause a fine to be levied and a refresher course to be given to the agent.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Houchens · Answer

I don’t see it as suspicious. Some plans offer additional extra benefits but these shouldn’t be used as incentives to sell or for a client to buy. Different plans may offer different things to set them apart from other carriers but your decision on which plan to purchase should never be the reason to but that plan but to pick a plan that best fits your personal medical needs.

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Rich Baker · Answer

They don’t actually offer gift cards, but they may offer benefits that include Over The Counter (OTC) or Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI). In addition they may offer other benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and rewards for physical activity or certain healthy activities like getting your wellness exam, getting your flu shot, etc. 

Not all plans offer all of these benefits. It depends on the provider and the market and the plan you enroll in. Your agent will work with you to determine your unique situation (doctors, medications, chronic conditions, etc) and any other benefits that are important to you (like higher dental coverage, or lower Maximum Out Of Pocket cost (MOOP)). 

I don’t consider it suspicious as a good agent will generally use those OTC, SSBCI and rewards benefits as pieces of the coverage puzzle, not typically the sole reason for making a change.

One exception could be people who receive Medicare AND Medicaid, as they have access to a different type of medicare advantage plan, but that’s a longer answer than we have room for here.

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

Medicare advantage plans don't offer incentives to enroll. While there are a wide variety of plans out there, Health Insurance companies are just trying to encourage recipients to utilize their insurance to support good health Maintenance. All Medicare advantages are different and may cater to areas differently. All Medicare advantages are different and may offer additional benefits based on financial eligibility. Low-income recipients may be eligible for more benefits, than a recipient who is not classified as low-income.

Answered by Yasmery Vargas on April 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Yasmery Vargas Medicare Insurance Agent

Don Golding · Answer

Some plans do offer that as an incentive, and, if you are like me, ask yourself why? As an independent agent, I do not offer gift cards or attempt to steer you toward a particular plan. My goal is to be your guide, helping you choose a plan you are most comfortable with.

Answered by Don Golding on June 15, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 5 other states

Answered by Don Golding Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelly Linster · Answer

All Medicare Advantage plans have to submit to CMS all extra benefits and incentives they plan to offer to all potential enrollees. They will not discriminate who gets these benefits.

Anna Davis CIC-RSSA · Answer

Yes, that’s definitely suspicious—and illegal. No one is allowed to offer you any incentive to enroll in a Medicare plan. That’s a major red flag and a violation of CMS rules.
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!

Brianna Douros · Answer

Hey y'all, it's Brianna, your favorite life and health insurance agent and owner of Be Real Insurance, bringing you solutions. Today we're gonna touch on Medicare Advantage plans. What are they? So Medicare Advantage is also known as Part C. Medicare Advantage plans are sold through private insurance companies that are approved by CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. They wrap up your Part A, your Part B, and usually your Part D all into one program for you.

Now, Medicare Advantage plans typically have a zero to low cost premium. You do have to continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium in most instances. Now Medicare Advantage plans do have some advantages like dental, vision, hearing, sometimes over-the-counter benefits, and even grocery cards. That's gonna depend on the area that you reside in, your health conditions, and what you may qualify for.

Okay, it is important to remember that Medicare Advantage plans are not going to cover you at 100 percent, just as traditional Medicare doesn't cover you at 100 percent. So you could be looking at some copays and coinsurance for your hospitalization, surgeries, and even doctor visits. So it is something you can consider when reviewing the Medicare Advantage policies that are available in your area.

And be sure to follow along for more. We are gonna go over some information on how to cover some of those gaps. I hope that cleared it up for you, son. If you guys have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me. And until next time, y'all, we are out!

Jeffrey Adams · Answer

It is suspicious if a plan is offering you any incentive to enroll.  If you attend a meeting, promotional items not to exceed $15 can be handed out, with no requirement to enroll to receive the items.  In addition, items that can be easily converted to cash are illegal. 

Any such thing should be reported to Medicare

Shannan Pruitt · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans by federal law cannot offer an enticement to get enrollments into their plans. That’s the prime reason Medicare agents are not allowed to even buy you a meal at a carrier specific sales event. There are no Medicare Advantage plans offering gift cards or anything else to get you to sign up for a plan and if an agent is offering you a gift card or anything else to entice you it’s illegal and maybe you might want to find a new agent that is federally compliant. I don’t think you would hire a convicted felon that robbed the store to come in and clean your house. You would want to deal with someone honest, law abiding and trustworthy. Would you not want the same with your Medicare Agent/Broker? Someone you can trust, law abiding and trustworthy?

Answered by Shannan Pruitt on June 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in AR, MO, OK & TX

Answered by Shannan Pruitt Medicare Insurance Agent

Gloria Laymon · Answer

no Medicare Advantage plans offer gift card or incentives to enroll. Medicare doses not allow it is not allowed

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, it can be suspicious when Medicare Advantage plans offer gift cards and incentives to enroll, as it can be a sign of potential fraud or misleading marketing. While some legitimate plans use incentives to attract new members, others may use these tactics to lure people into providing personal information or enrolling in plans that aren't in their best interest. 
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.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, it can be suspicious While legitimate Medicare Advantage plans may offer some extra benefits, such as flex cards for certain expenses, it's crucial to be aware of potential scams and misleading marketing tactics.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on April 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

They provide you incentives because they want to increase the max out of pocket per year. It's going to be somewhere between 5:00 and 10,000. The more perks you get the higher that amount so avoid Medicare advantage plans. If you can afford a supplement plan that is your better choice plan n is the most cost effective next plan G would be the next best 
Give me a call to go over your Medicare need and see if we can find something for you 
737-530 -4626 pick option 2. My name is Gary henderson

Andrew Kramer · Answer

You are mistaken. Advantage plans do not offer incentives to enroll, that is forbidden by CMS. However, agents can offer incentives, but those are also strictly controlled by CMS. Gift cards that can be readily converted to cash are forbidden. Any incentive over $15 is also forbidden. So nothing is suspicious.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on August 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

That's because they're trying to get seniors on managed plans. That's more cost effective for Medicare.

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

It is a little sketchy. You need to use an insurance broker who represents several different companies and compare benefits. Brokers Make a Difference!

Deborah Webster · Answer

I have not heard of any Medicare Advantage giving gift cards to enroll. This practice would not be permissible by Medicare. They have Advantage plans available that may give you a card to purchase over-the-counter medications after enrollment, or gift card rewards you may earn for doing healthy activities during the year. This is not the same as an incentive to buy.

Answered by Deborah Webster on July 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Charles Borg · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans are issued by private insurance companies. They can use almost any incentives they want. If their plans were so good they wouldn’t need incentives.

Lillian Hill · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans use competitive marketing — including gift card incentives — to get your attention. While these can feel like gimmicks, the OTC benefits can genuinely help your budget.

What matters most is choosing a plan that truly fits your needs. If multiple plans are available in your ZIP code, you’re not limited to one. Compare your options and choose the plan that supports your health now and protects you in the future. Confirm your doctors, drug formulary, pharmacies, hospitals, and out‑of‑pocket costs all align with your needs and budget.
If a plan doesn’t meet those basics, it’s appropriate to choose another carrier. Supplemental perks may add value, but the right plan is the one that fits you or your family member — not the one with the flashiest promotion.

🦉

Jami Mead · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans are not offering gift cards or incentives to enroll. The incentives are part of their plan that they have agreed to with CMS prior to the year beginning. Because Medicare Advantage plans have higher out-of-pocket expenses they subsidize that with the benefits card to help with the extra cost associated with their co-pays and deductibles. Even though the benefits card does not cover copays and deductibles, it helps with food and utilities so that the money they would have used for food and utilities can go towards their medical expenses.

Answered by Jami Mead on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states

Answered by Jami Mead Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeremy Watson · Answer

Medicare Advantage Plan companies are not allowed to incentive any enrollment. This would be a direct violation of CMS codes. The additional benefits they offer, such as dental/vision/hearing, over the counter cards, etc., are included as extras. These are things that Medicare generally doesn't cover, still offer medical benefit, and still need approved by CMS to be included. The plans themselves should be chosen by the medical and prescription coverage needs of the individual. This may mean the "best plan" for you doesn't include the extra benefits, or maybe not as robust of benefits. Agents and brokers should not be using the extra benefits as enrollment incentives either.

Answered by Jeremy Watson on September 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY & MI, OH, SC & TN

Answered by Jeremy Watson Medicare Insurance Agent

Angelina Watkins · Answer

Offering gift cards or incentives to enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage (MA) plan is illegal and a red flag for potential fraud or a scam. Federal regulations strictly prohibit offering any form of remuneration to induce a beneficiary to enroll in a particular plan. 

However, some MA plans can offer legitimate rewards after enrollment for completing specific health-related activities, such as getting a preventive screening or a health risk assessment (HRA).

Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans can offer incentives like gift cards, as permitted by CMS, to encourage enrollment and healthy behaviors. However, it is important to look beyond these immediate benefits and carefully evaluate the plan's coverage, network, and overall suitability for your healthcare needs before enrolling.

Answered by Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & TX

Answered by Steven Rodriguez Giudicelli Medicare Insurance Agent

Lori Crivelli · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans work differently than Medicare Supplement plans. The insurance company is paying for everything as Medicare pays them to handle your health insurance needs. By offering the OTC card "gift card" they hope members will take care of minor health needs early before things become serious. They use their incentives as differentiators for enrollment.

Answered by Lori Crivelli on November 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Lori Crivelli Medicare Insurance Agent

Rob Baer · Answer

It would seem suspicious until you realize why they do it. These carriers are paid $1000-$1200 or more each month to provide you with a plan. Medicare is paying the carrier to give you a plan. How each carrier spends on the plans that really what differentiates the plans. Do they offer you cash back or incentive to enroll, or are they using the funds to offer extra dental, vision, and hearing. Or do they keep it to offer you a great health plan? 
We each have different health and therefore can find a plan to fit us. United Healthcare offers 28 plans in NC. They are trying to make one that fits each person.

Susan Winters · Answer

To be clear gift cards and incentives are used for educational seminars and not incentives to enroll. It is part of the Marketing strategy many carriers use, it is not considered illegal. There is however a limit on how much can be given they are considered nominal gifts under $15 to thank you for taking the time to learn more about your Medicare options.

Answered by Susan Winters on July 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 16 other states

Answered by Susan Winters Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Dooly · Answer

It would be suspicious if someone was offering a gift card to enroll, but that’s actually not allowed under CMS rules. Agents and plans can’t offer anything of value tied to enrollment. Most of the time what people are seeing are member rewards after enrollment for things like completing a health risk assessment, getting a wellness visit, getting a flu shot, etc. Those programs are allowed because they’re meant to encourage preventive care rather than influence someone’s enrollment decision.

Answered by Andrew Dooly on March 16, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC, CT, GA & 6 other states

Answered by Andrew Dooly Medicare Insurance Agent

Stacy Cogar · Answer

I am unaware of any gift cards or incentives being offered just to enroll into a plan. It would be very suspicious indeed if an agent was telling you of such. Some carriers will offer OTC benefits as part of the benefit package, which in some instances can be used for groceries or utility bills if clients have a qualifying chronic condition.

Answered by Stacy Cogar on March 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Stacy Cogar Medicare Insurance Agent

Dionisio Guillermo · Answer

No, this part of their marketing strategy which is allowed by Medicare, however, prospective enrollees must consider the value of the plan such as coverage, cost, etc.

Howell Silverman · Answer

The cards provided are not gift cards. For member use, no one else. They are also not incentives to sign up or enroll. They are provided in order to offer healthy options and to be used for health and safety products and services.

Answered by Howell Silverman on April 20, 2026

Broker Licensed in NY, CT, FL & ME, NJ, PA & TX

Answered by Howell Silverman Medicare Insurance Agent

Curtis Griffith · Answer

It would be incredibly suspicious and very much in violation of CMS Regulatory rules. So, if anyone ever offers gift cards or any other incentive to enroll, I would immediately assume it is a scam and report it to the Insurance Commission, CMS, or Medicare. If, on the other hand, a plan offers an incentive to spend time at the gym or other healthy related activities, or for completing a Health Risk Assessment or other related survey. But it is CMS noncompliance to offer any incentive to enroll in any Plan.

Answered by Curtis Griffith on November 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in VA & WV

Answered by Curtis Griffith Medicare Insurance Agent

Austyn Harris · Answer

Medicare advantage plans aren’t allowed to be offering gift card or incentive to enroll.  These rules come from cms. If you are getting these kind of offers you should be suspicious.

John Anderson · Answer

I am not sure what you are referring to using the word suspicious. Yes, some MA plans do give Food Cards and "Getting healthy" gift cards. Typically to get the food card you must qualify as someone in need. Getting health rewards help keep health care cost down. MA plans are not for everyone, but many enjoy the extra benefits. If you need help with medicare options, just let me know.

Answered by John Anderson on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by John Anderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Isn't it suspicious that Medicare Advantage plans offer gift cards and incentives to enroll?

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Isn't it suspicious that Medicare Advantage plans offer gift cards and incentives to enroll?

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