What's a common Medicare myth that even some agents still believe?

Question

Bryan Smith · Accepted Answer

I'd say that some agents still think they have to take additional tests in order to get a non-resident license.

William Lawler · Answer

A common Medicare myth that even some agents believe is that there are significant coverage gaps in Advantage plans. This is not true. Advantage plans have copays and coinsurance as part of standard cost-sharing.  Advantage plans also have a maximum-out-of-pocket per calendar year. There are NO gaps in coverage. 
Bill
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Robert Pennington · Answer

I would not know how to respond to this question?""……."……………………..
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Brian Krantz · Answer

That Medicare Advantage plans are always the best option. A lot of agents push them because they’re paid more to sell them — but that doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for everyone.

Lauryn Ivey · Answer

I believe a common myth is that Medicare Advantage plans are bad. There are pros and cons to everything. Having Medicare only, pros and cons, Supplements aka Medigaps there are also pros and cons. Some agents are only writing Supplements, so why would they want to tell anyone about another option. I believe in giving my customers the unbiased pros and cons about every option and then let them decide what fits their specific needs.

Answered by Lauryn Ivey on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL

Answered by Lauryn Ivey Medicare Insurance Agent

Dustin Haffner · Answer

Medigap is only for rich people” → Not true; it’s about risk tolerance, not wealth

“You can switch to Medigap anytime” - false due to underwriting

“Medicare covers long-term care” - it does not

“All Medicare Advantage plans are the same” → false

Jane Ahrens · Answer

If a Medicare agent knows their stuff, they don't believe any Medicare myths because they know their stuff.
I wouldn't call it a myth, but the misconception we hear most often is that if they don't sign up for Medicare when they turn 65, they will be penalized, even though they are still working and have an employer plan.

Patrick Bullock · Answer

I still run across folks who think Medicare will cover nursing home costs. It is surprising how many people think that when the time comes, they will move to a nursing home and it will be paid by Medicare. I always take the time to explain the difference between custodial and skilled care so there are no illusions about what is and isn't covered.

Answered by Patrick Bullock on April 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL, NJ & VA

Answered by Patrick Bullock Medicare Insurance Agent

Antonio Espino · Answer

This question is going to get me in trouble LOL!

I believe some agents believe that no matter what other agents say... to get a Medicare Supplement is ALWAYS the best way to go. 

I do not believe that. I believe it depends on the persons health, lifestyle, and financial means. Also, how one frequents the doctors.

Even a Medicare Advantage with a giveback plan can be a great plan for some people.

I understand it's a hot take, but I truly stand by this.

Angela Bertetto · Answer

A common misconception some people, including agents, believe is that once you enroll in a MAPD plan you can’t change it. 
In many cases you can make changes at certain times and with special circumstances. 
I hope that any people who want to make changes would consult a broker to see if they qualify for a change of plan even outside of AEP

Christopher Dewey · Answer

Plan G is the best plan money can buy:
Agents often consider Plan G to be the best Medicare supplement for seniors, but agents don’t consider that Plan N typically offers better long-term value. Since January 1, 2020, Plan G has been the primary "Guaranteed Issue" plan. This means individuals with chronic health conditions can enroll without medical underwriting. These high-cost claims have caused Plan G premiums to skyrocket. In contrast, Plan N requires stricter medical underwriting in most situations, keeping its risk pool healthier. As a result, Plan N clients experience much lower, more stable rate increases. Coverage comparison between both plans is nearly identical with only three minor differences on Plan N: Doctor Copays: $0 Up to $20 per visit, Emergency Room: A $50 copay (waived if admitted), and Excess Charges: You pay the 15% difference if a doctor charges above the Medicare-approved amount, though this is rare and in my fifteen years I have not encountered it yet.

Timothy Brown · Answer

If you 're a Medicare agent, there shouldn't be any myths on your behalf, Our job is to dispel the myths that existing or potential clients believe.

James Stang · Answer

That everyone should be in one type of plan. Different people might get more benefits from different plans, no Medicare plan is one size fits all.

Satoshi Aoki · Answer

First, I will speak under the assumption that there is no Medicare myth among most agents.

I think some agents think that it is better to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan with Part A and Part B rather than a Medicare Advantage Plan. This is an assumption considering the advantages of the scope of coverage and the greater number of doctor choices.

Conversely, there may be agents who think that the Advantage Plan is better.

However, this differs depending on each customer's situation, so it is not absolute.

I think that the agent's role is ultimately to suggest which plan is most suitable for the customer's situation.

Brian Kulis · Answer

That everyone over 65 is eligible for Medicare. There are many situations where people turning 65 may not have worked enough quarters or still have group insurance etc.

Kim Gibas · Answer

I can’t say that Medicare agents believe this myth, but most people think they can get Medicare when they take Social Security early, like age 62.

Janet Cruz · Answer

A common Medicare myth—even some agents still believe is that Medicare covers long term custodial care. This is not true. Medicare does not cover long term care services. Such long term care services like nursing homes or asisted living care. 

The only service that Medicare covers under care, is short term skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay and only under specific conditions and up to 100 days. This is considered as helping with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or eating.

Areasha Lockhart · Answer

A common Medicare Myth that agents still believe is that Medicare Advantage plans are not good. Some agents only like to sell Medicare supplements. I believe that in order to help a Medicare recipient, you need to be able to provide them with all the options so they can make their own informed healthcare decisions. It is not up to the agent to make those decisions for the client; it is up to the client.

Answered by Areasha Lockhart on May 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, IA & ME

Answered by Areasha Lockhart Medicare Insurance Agent

Trina Knoche · Answer

I had a call this morning from a prospect who was advised by a licensed agent that they should at least sign up for Medicare Part A when turning 65. The person had a Health Savings Account with credible coverage. You can't have an HSA and be on Medicare.

Answered by Trina Knoche on June 8, 2026

Agent Licensed in WA, AK, MT & OR

Answered by Trina Knoche Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

A common Medicare myth, even among some agents, is that you can enroll in Medicare Part B at any time after age 65 without penalty. This is incorrect, as there are specific enrollment periods and penalties for late enrollment. Enrollment periods are designed to ensure people don't delay coverage unnecessarily. Delaying enrollment can result in a penalty.

Answered by Fred Manas on May 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Jack Mayer · Answer

That Medicare will cover routine physical exams, dental, hearing and vision. As well as prescription medications and that Medicare covers long-term care.

Toni Cormier · Answer

Medicare Advantage Plans are always cheaper.  Many  of these plans are low or no premiums but Medigap plans can be inexpensive and offer more control for the members when it comes to their care.

John Messler · Answer

I believe the common Memphis is that Medicare is too confusing. Most people just don’t take the time to properly learn. When I sit with a client the first time we discuss how Medicare works and what their options are. When it’s all done most people believe that it is a lot easier, but if you make a mistake because you didn’t do enough research, it can cause some issues. Asking the local agent for help and asking enough questions about your situation. Will ensure you get the best plan for you.

Answered by John Messler on October 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH, ME, NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by John Messler Medicare Insurance Agent

Patrick Stinson · Answer

“You can’t change your Medicare Advantage plan after you enroll.”
The truth: While it's true that you're generally locked in for the year after choosing a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan during Annual Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7), there's a lesser-known window:

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): Jan 1–Mar 31
During this time, beneficiaries already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can:

Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or

Drop their Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan if they want).

Many agents forget or overlook this option, which could help clients who regret their decision, dislike their network, or have unexpected issues with coverage.

Knowing this sets great agents apart — and gives clients peace of mind.

Alyssa Gonzales · Answer

I hear this all the time! "You can only change your Medicare Supplement plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)."

 That’s not true! You can apply to switch your supplement plan any time of year — as long as you can pass medical underwriting (in most states).

If you are wanting to go from a Medicare Advantage Plan to a Medicare supplement outside of Annual Enrollment Period then you need to make sure you have a qualifying Special Enrollment Period (SEP) before you begin.

Velvet Ohlen · Answer

Medicare is a scam. It is not a scam. Medicare is for people 65 or older. You may be able to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Answered by Velvet Ohlen on November 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL

Answered by Velvet Ohlen Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Loquist · Answer

The common belief that I see some agents make is believing that Medicare stays primary when a client signs up for an MA plan. This is just not true. The private company must provide the same benefits as Medicare, but Medicare is not primary. This makes the consumer subject to that company's network.

Answered by Brian Loquist on August 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC, GA, NC & SD

Answered by Brian Loquist Medicare Insurance Agent

Ryan Ross · Answer

Medicare is totally free... 

The truth is, Part A might be "free", you will still have costs with Part B, dug plans and any extra plans like dental, vision, Advantage plans or Medigap. The extra costs can add up. If you would like a review of your plan or if you have questions I would be happy to help.

Jeff LeSourd · Answer

One often overlooked fact is when someone turns 65 and keeps working. 
If you work for a company that has less than 20 employees you MUST sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 or you will have a Late Enrollment Penalty as Medicare becomes Primary in that situation. 
If your company has more than 20 employees you can defer signing up for Medicare until you retire.

What's a common Medicare myth that even some agents still believe?

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What's a common Medicare myth that even some agents still believe?

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Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

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A non-government resource website