What's the most misleading Medicare Advantage ad you've seen, and how do you explain the reality to clients?

Question

Dana Dane · Accepted Answer

An agency out of state sent a Medicare Advantage plan ad/mailer to my husband. The plan they were advertising was a plan not in our zip code or county. I called the agency and it took a bit of time for him to tell me that United HealthCare plan is not available where we live. I contacted United HealthCare about this ad. Hopefully they contacted the agency. When shopping around for a Medicare plan, please contact a local agent who will care if you happy with your plan and will try to keep you happy to keep your business.

Answered by Dana Dane on April 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 6 other states

Answered by Dana Dane Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Brechin · Answer

The Reality is that a Medicare Advantage plan only misleads people by false agents and misleading ads.
A Medicare Advantage may have a monthly premium and may not, depending on the particular County in a state.  Those that have zero monthly cost noes not mean free.  It will have copays for items in the plan. Such ad Dr visits generally no cost or a small copay.   Hospital stays have a daily copay.  Everything covered by the plan will have a cost and an annual out-of-pocket maximum.   They are not FREE.   

Daniel S Brechin (Danny)
Contact me.

Norman Smith · Answer

I feel they are ALL MISLEADING!! The push is to hear the words "Free" or "No Charge". They sell the benefits they give, but not what is NOT COVERED. And the benefits they list aren't as fluid, as it would seem, to use. The failure to discuss how the plan is not portable on trips, how much Co-Pay or deductible, or Max out of pocket the end user is responsible for, is very misleading. They talk about In Network so sweetly, but don't tell you the best health practices won't accept it! So, be careful when you listen for what they AREN'T TELLING YOU, more than what they ARE telling you!

Answered by Norman Smith on April 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

William Lawler · Answer

Beware1 There are a lot of scams out there! Ads will offer you money or Flex cards. But when you click on the link they offer, you are asked for your zip code to see if you qualify. Guess what? Surprise! Your zip code does not qualify. But, since you`re here, why not enroll in my health plan? Beware!

Answered by William Lawler on March 26, 2025

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

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Commercials, letters, or postcards that mention $0 co-pays and grocery cards are the most common misleading type of advertising. They are usually limited to Dual Eligible Medicare and Medicaid enrollees. A traditional Medicare Advantage Plan with no associated government or other financial assistance, will have co-pays for most chronic illnesses, hospital stays, specialized care, chemotherapy, etc.

When I sign someone up for a plan, we review every page of the summary of benefits which outlines ALL mandatory co-pays and network related restrictions.

Christy Jones · Answer

Some ads say ‘Grocery Benefit’ and ‘Get what you deserve’. Those extra benefits are typically for people who have Enhanced Medicaid. (If you don’t have Medicaid then you won’t qualify for those benefits, but it gets the phone ringing!) Once you call the number on the advertisement, your information is sold to many different Agents and your phone never stops ringing. I show beneficiaries the various plans available to them, go over the differences in all of the companies and plans, and see if they qualify for Medicaid. Based on their qualifications, health needs, finances and other things, I am able to make realistic plan recommendations.

Answered by Christy Jones on May 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Christy Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Luke Rhoads · Answer

I don't think Medicare Advantage plan ads are misleading. I believe that once a benficiary receives the proper education about the gaps in original medicare and the options available to transfer that risk, that they have a easier time making the decision.

Answered by Luke Rhoads on June 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Luke Rhoads Medicare Insurance Agent

Sandra Teel · Answer

Good question. Television ads that talk about extra benefits like grocery money are misleading. I've had several clients call me because of these ads. Most seniors living off their social security income would LOVE to have extra money to pay for groceries. The advertisers know this, so they run ads telling Medicare beneficiaries to call them so they can get them the extra benefits they're missing. Unfortunately, unless you have a qualified chronic condition AND you are a qualified Medi-caid beneficiary, there is no money for groceries with any insurance company. These ads are misleading, and all the company really wants to do is sell someone a new policy. This can be very dangerous for a senior. Often that new policy will affect which doctors you can no longer see, or there can be a change in your prescription costs. Before you call a phone number on the television, call your agent and find out the truth.

Answered by Sandra Teel on April 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, AZ, CA & 13 other states

Answered by Sandra Teel Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Krantz · Answer

The ones that advertise free dental, OTC cards, and tons of extra benefits — but don’t mention those are usually for people on Medicaid. Most folks don’t qualify for those extras, so it’s very misleading. I always explain what you actually qualify for, not what’s in the fine print.

Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Mitchell Jerome · Answer

I'd have to say when Joe "Willie" Namath, the famous football star would get on TV and say "FREE, FREE, FREE" to whatever he was hawking. First of all the correct lingo would've been "no charge." If we legitimate agents used that language we'd been fined up and down.

Answered by Mitchell Jerome on September 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Mitchell Jerome Medicare Insurance Agent

Eddie Tune · Answer

Misleading Medicare customers to allow more conversation with customers by letting them know that they COULD BE ELIGIBLE for up to a $300 a month grocery benefit..... when only Medicaid and Medicare or (Dual Eligible) customers are the only ones that can get that benefit...

Answered by Eddie Tune on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Eddie Tune Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Caldwell · Answer

Oh, that’s easy. It’s the bait and switch ads about food cards, flex cards, grocery cards and free dental implants. The lead vendors putting those ads out there are flat out lying to people. 

The fact is that not everyone on Medicare is eligible for those cards. If you don’t have a low enough income to qualify for a high level of Medicaid or a certain illness to qualify for a Chronic plan, you aren’t getting a card, at least not the amounts being advertised. If you do get a card but don’t qualify for a high level of Medicaid or a Chronic plan, then I guarantee you that it won’t be a very big one, and you’re giving up something else like dental, vision or hearing, or you are paying higher out of pocket costs in terms of deductibles and copays. There is no such thing as a free lunch. 

There is not a single Medicare Advantage Plan offered that will pay for an entire set of Dental Implants. In fact, most plans won’t pay for implants at all, and the few plans that will pay for any implants at all will only pay for one or two per year at the most. 

I beg my clients to not call the numbers on those ads. First, they’re going to called 30 times a day from 8 AM to 8 PM every single day if they do, and if they answer those calls they’re likely to have their plan switched without their permission to something that may not cover their doctors or their prescriptions or not fit their needs in some other way.

Medicare just flat out isn’t doing enough to reign in the bad actors in the industry.

Janix Barbosa-LLanos · Answer

Answer from Janix Barbosa-Llanos, MBA, PMP, CEP, RSSA, FSN
(Licensed Insurance Agent — For Educational Purposes Only)

In my opinion, many of the large national advertisements are designed to capture seniors’ attention — but they can easily be misunderstood.

In reality, Medicare Advantage plans vary by state, county, and even ZIP code. There are also special types of plans for people who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, as well as Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) that serve individuals with specific health needs.

What often happens is that national advertising uses an example of a plan from one area of the country and promotes it as if everyone can get the same benefits. That’s where confusion begins — and yes, it can be misleading.

The best way to avoid disappointment is to work with a licensed, local Medicare broker who can review the plans available in your service area and match your personal health and budget needs. That way, you’ll know exactly what benefits you qualify for — no surprises later

——————————-

Medicare / CMS Disclosure
For educational purposes only. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Plan availability and benefits vary by ZIP code and individual eligibility.

Dino Pappadis · Answer

Call us.  You qualify for extra benefits such as groceries,  Dental,  Vision etc.  The truth is, soon most of these benefits are subject to qualification

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Easy. A few years ago, Joe Namath, Jimmie Walker and actor Wm. Devane hosted a TV ad that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) forced them to do over. It explained some Medicare benefits in a roundabout way. It turned out that those folks who called the toll-free # on the screen already had those perks in place but did not know it. This was just an enticement to try to convince you to switch to their plan. Once the uproar began, a number of months later, this practice came to a halt and to a certain extent, besmirched their “careers”.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

The most misleading Medicare Advantage ad I have seen is where they offer extravagant "extra benefits" in an ad for a plan that Medicare beneficiaries may not qualify for, just to get them to call in.

An example of this is a Medicare Advantage plan set up to help people of lower income or who have a chronic health condition. Most of the time, these types of plans have a higher benefit amount for over-the-counter, dental, vision, and hearing, or may even include benefits to help cover groceries or utilities.   

These plans are not available to everyone, and if you don't understand that, these ads get you to call in, and then you reach someone who may or may not have your best interest at heart, so you end up in a plan that doesn't necessarily fit your individual needs or cover everything you need it to.

I have had several clients call in to an (800) number because of these types of ads, reach someone who switches their plan, and then they call me to get it fixed because they either lost benefits, doctors were not covered, or medications were either not covered or they had a higher copay.

Kristen Skinner · Answer

The ones that say they offer $2400 in grocery benefits. Usually you have to be not only on Medicare, but Medicaid also.

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

I absolutely hate the ad from Joe Namath saying that you can get money back for moving to Medicare advantage. While it is technically true, it is so misleading. You might be able to get money back in your Social Security check because the Medicare advantage plan pays a portion of your part B premium, but you need to know what Risk you are taking on to get that small amount back. There is nothing wrong with using a Medicare advantage plan, but you need to understand exactly how it works and what the requirements are before you make that decision. You should talk to an experienced agent to find out how the plan will work for you.

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® on April 17, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

I make sure that My Medicare Advantage client understands they are restricted to a network for lowest cost & Mayo Clinic & MD Anderson cancer center usually will not accept ANY Medicare Advantage plan

Vernon Jones · Answer

I would say the most misleading Medicare Advantage as i have seen is leading Medicare Beneficiaries to believe they are eligible for an OTC benefits with food and utilities benefits to all whose enrolls in any plan regardless of their eligibility which is not true.

Answered by Vernon Jones on August 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Vernon Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Patterson, CFP · Answer

Offering on TV Ads and Facebook a Dual Medicare and Medicaid plan with many extra benefits like food cards that you only qualify for with Medicaid.  They don’t explain that Medicaid is required.

David Wylly · Answer

I think my all time favorite was the Advantage plan a couple of years back that touted $20,000 in Dental. Of course most people would think that was incredible until they found out after the fact that it only covered cleanings. These ads can be pretty misleading and you need to pay very close attention. "Benefits" can be a far cry from actual dental insurance!

Answered by David Wylly on September 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL, AZ, CO & 17 other states

Answered by David Wylly Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

they offer the same level of freedom and benefits as Original Medicare with Medigap (supplemental insurance), while also suggesting they provide extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage. The reality is that Medicare Advantage plans often have limited provider networks, requiring you to see doctors within the plan's network to receive full coverage. Additionally, while they may offer extra benefits, the quality and coverage of those benefits can vary significantly.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on July 8, 2025

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

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Boone · Answer

When I explain the reality to clients, I highlight that these ads don't include details like provider network limitations, potential costs for treatments like dental work, and the differences between Medicare Advantage plans. I focus on the importance of reading the plan's detailed benefits, checking that their preferred doctors are in-network, and understanding that "free" doesn't mean all costs are covered.

Answered by Mark Boone on December 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA

Answered by Mark Boone Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Kim · Answer

Medicare Advantage Plans don't cover your hospital stays or surgeries. These are just fails and misleading.

Rich Baker · Answer

In my experience the most confusing thing are the ads on TV that talk about a “food card.” There have been various permutations of this ad over the last few years, but the crux of them is a statement that you may be eligible for a monthly debit card of $100, $200, or more, to be used for the purchase of healthy foods.

I say this is confusing rather than misleading because those benefits DO exist - but only for certain people, and that’s often buried in the fine print. Also, people can tend to hear what they want to hear from a TV ad which makes the confusion worse. 

The benefit is known as SSBCI - Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill, and there are several different versions of it.

If you have medicare AND Medicaid, AND your Medicaid is the right level, you likely have access to plans that offer you a healthy benefits card. The amount on that card will vary based on your level of Medicaid and what service area you’re in. If you don’t have a Chronic Illness (CI), you can only use the card for over the counter products. If you DO have a CI, you can use it for food, utilities, even rent and transportation depending on the provider.

What if you don’t have Medicaid? There are still options available, though they don’t typically offer as much. If you have diabetes or a heart condition, there are many Chronic Special Needs Plans (CSNPs) that have a similar benefit. Generally, if you qualify for the CSNP, you’ll qualify for the SSBCI. 

If you don’t have either of those conditions, but have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain lung conditions, or other chronic illnesses (there are several that vary by provider) you may be eligible for a plan with SSBCI included.

I personally don’t try to lure people in with a promise of these benefits. They may not qualify, and the plans often have higher copays and coinsurances than a plan without SSBCI included, but I’m happy to go over them if they match my client’s needs.

Tristan Gibbs · Answer

There is an ad out right now claiming that seniors are entitled to a $150 food card and they have to act right now to “qualify”. This is misleading because 1)you have to have a qualifying Special Election Period to actually change your plan right now. 2)that food card is not guaranteed to everyone, as those type of benefits are typically only found in special needs programs. The best thing to do if you are interested in finding out if you can get that plan, is to call a trusted, licensed, LOCAL agent who is familiar with the plans in your area.

Answered by Tristan Gibbs on May 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Tristan Gibbs Medicare Insurance Agent

Angelina Watkins · Answer

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approves all Medicare Advantage advertisements and commercials to ensure they are clear, accurate, and not misleading. The CMS has specific marketing guidelines and a review process that private insurance companies must follow before they can distribute their marketing materials. 

If the agent misrepresented the plan you can file a complaint against the agent.

Jason Marshall · Answer

I haven’t seen too many misleading ads. CMS has done a great job of minimizing the misleading TV ads.

Elliot Andrews · Answer

The most misleading is food benefit cards.  The reality is that most seniors are eligible for some sort of assistance for over the counter health and wellness items, but it is a smaller group that qualifies for assistance with groceries.  Those that do also often are not eligible for the extremely high amounts that are advertised.

Often times those that qualify aren’t able to receive those very high amounts because those plans are not actually available in their area, or there are other factors that contribute.

As always, the best option is to speak to a qualified, licensed agent who can explain all your available options from multiple carriers.

Lance Stanley · Answer

Ads that urge viewers to Call a so-called Medicare Hotline. These ads are very deceptive the only Medicare hotline is 1-800-Medicare.

Wayne Hartzler · Answer

Free food cards is the most misleading that I have had to deal with. I tell my clients it only applies to people on Medicaid as well. The majority of my clients do not qualify for Medicaid.

Amine Amraoui · Answer

There was a Facebook ad that I saw once, that promised a $3000 per month grocery card. Unfortunately it wasn't true a statement, it was an incentive to get clients to respond to that ad. If you see an ad that makes certain promises, you can compare plans on Medicare.gov to see if such a thing exists, or working with a knowledgeable broker who can verify the authenticity of that ad.

Answered by Amine Amraoui on November 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Amine Amraoui Medicare Insurance Agent

Charles Wimmer · Answer

That one Medicare Advantage plan is more accepted by CMS than another.
That one MA plan has greater overall benefits than another. 
(They all even out when all is said and done. The key is... who has the best star rating, including customer service.

Mark Enright · Answer

Most of the misleading ads for Medicare Advantage have to do with costs. The important thing to remember is that Medicare Advantage plan costs are tied to copays, NOT monthly premiums. For example, if you are relatively healthy and don't go to doctors/providers very often, Medicare Advantage is a very low-cost option.

Answered by Mark Enright on April 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, CO, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Mark Enright Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Manning · Answer

I had a client tell me that she saw an ad stating that seniors could receive up to $900 in a food allowance and so she ended up calling the phone number because it was very enticing only to find out that she didn’t qualify for the plan and they ended up taking her and putting her in a different plan where she lost a lot of her benefits that she had initially in the plan that I had put her in.  

Any plan that has major benefits with regards to food or over-the-counter credits or utilities and allowances towards those items usually requires that the patient has both Medicare and Medicaid.

Kimberly Hill · Answer

The most misleading Medicare Advantage as I have seen was advertising for a electronic companion pet for comfort. Call in to make sure to receive yours.
My explanation is that if only 1 county in the country offers a specific benefit like the companion pet, it can be advertised as available all over the country.
It is bait to entice seniors to call in and have their plans switched to something else that may not be as good as the one they already have. Well trained, professional callers are hard to say no to once they have you on the phone.
Tell them you have a trusted advisor and hang up the phone!

What's the most misleading Medicare Advantage ad you've seen, and how do you explain the reality to clients?

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What's the most misleading Medicare Advantage ad you've seen, and how do you explain the reality to clients?

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