Why do some clients ignore your advice and end up in bad Medicare plans-what makes them resistant?

Question

Michael Ryan · Accepted Answer

Great question.. It happens occasionally.. I represent all the major plans and focus on their doctors and prescriptions not the shiny objects that some plans offer. So I don't run into it very often.. When I do it usually has to do with an added benefit.. Example: I recommend a plan that fully covers all their docs and prescriptions. Say it has a $1500 dental benifits.. They see a plan with a $3000 benifits and they decide to go with that.. However that plan doesn't have the same coverage for doctors rxs. It's not that they got bad plan, they just end up making a decision based on that shiny object that reduced the real important coverages.

Answered by Michael Ryan on April 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Michael Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

Because they ignore the advice or talk to someone else who may have given misinformation, it's important to feel comfortable with the licensed Medicare agent and be clear about your options.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

When I meet with people, I seldom feel like they ignore my advice. Once we go through their options and I explain how different plans work, they usually decide what is best for them and we usually agree. The bigger problem is people choosing to not use a broker to help them with the process. 

Many people feel they are going to save money by doing it themselves. They won't. Brokers are paid a commission by the insurance company and it in no way affects what the client pays. If you call an 800 number on T.V. that company is an agency and they are getting paid commissions too.

Or, people are swayed by the T.V. commercials and Facebook ads they see. They have a fear of missing out on benefits that sound too good to be true, which they are. Those ads at best are evasive.

The best advice if you want to get the most out of Medicare is to ask around for references in your area. Someone with a good reputation will work to keep it. Someone with no reputation has nothing to work for.

Norman Smith · Answer

Most are focused on what it costs right now. They won’t allow themselves to see the future picture where everything they saved today will lost and then some when major health issues arise. As agents we’ve experienced this many times are left shaking our heads just as you do!

Answered by Norman Smith on May 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Not all clients sign up for Medicare Advantage plans and have difficulties. For example, Dual Eligible (Medicare & Medicaid) beneficiaries are able to gain additional benefits from the correct Medicare Advantage Plans. Other groups such as military retirees, like myself with Tricare, can gain additional benefits from a Medicare Advantage plan as long as they follow all of the guidelines of both Tricare For Life and the Advantage Plans. Additionally, some Veterans who chose the VA exclusively for their healthcare, may gain additional benefits from an Advantage plan, again, as long as they follow all plan guidelines.

However, for those beneficiaries (the majority) who do not have some form of government assistance (medical or financial), Advantage Plans can create large out of pocket costs for those members who become ill and require more than average medical care. Those who leave Original Medicare often switch to Medicare Advantage for the lower premiums and additional benefits such as gym memberships, dental coverage, over-the-counter benefits, etc. A diligent insurance agent will provide a thorough review (summary of benefits) of all Advantage Plan network(s) and copays, if the client decides to switch to the Advantage Plan, they can do so with the full knowledge of the plan limitations and potential out of pocket costs. 

For the many clients of mine or those I have been referred to, whom chose Medicare Advantage and later regretted it due to paying much larger out of pocket costs than their supplement, did so because they were lied to by the broker. Most of these were via a telephone call, a few were face to face. The biggest lie was "no payments, no copays", which is not true for folks who have large medical costs with no form of government or hospital financial assistance.

Charise Karjala · Answer

Fear.  Resistance comes from fear.

Fear of making the wrong decision; fear of unknown; fear of the system; fear of being victimized by insurance companies.

Fear of bad advice is the common theme here.  Agents and Brokers are not a homogenous bunch -- there are people with only a little knowledge of one or two companies in the same category of 'agent' as those with decades of experience, advanced designations in underwriting and financial planning and inside industry knowledge.  From the outside looking in, these agents all kind of look the same.

I suggest to consumers to ask these questions to determine if your prospective 'agent' is worth listening to:


What year did you start representing medicare products
How many carriers do you broker for.
Can I check your insurance license number.
What training and industry experience do you have.
What is the most difficult client you have taken on.
What is your website and review information.

Responses to these conversation openers will inform the consumer of the depth, breadth and capacity of the agent to be reliable and accurate.

Once these clarifying background questions are answered, the consumer generally has a greater ease in trusting the advice of the agent.

Gregg Matheny · Answer

It does happen where clients will ignore my advice and end up on a bad plan. That is usually due to a plan having a few very attractive features like a high dental/vision benefit that the clients feel overshadows procedures/services that have higher than average costs or substandard RX coverage with high deductibles. I sure don’t steer clients to specific plans but rather teach them about their plan choices and highlight pros and cons.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Moore · Answer

Some clients hesitate to follow my advice because of a common misconception that Medicare advisors like me drive up their premiums or costs due to commissions, when in reality, our guidance doesn’t change what you pay—plans and pricing are set by insurers and Medicare, not us. There’s also a false narrative that we can push you into specific plans for higher payouts, but the truth is, we earn the same regardless of the provider or product, so my focus is purely on what fits your needs best. Ignoring tailored advice can lead to picking the wrong plan, missing out on key benefits, and facing unexpected costs that hit both your health and wallet hard.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Cody Biggs · Answer

Some clients ignore good advice because Medicare feels overwhelming, and when people are stressed, they often default to whatever seems quickest or most familiar—even if it’s not in their best interest. Others get swayed by flashy advertisements, misleading offers, or friends’ experiences that don’t actually apply to their own situation.

There’s also a natural resistance to change; if someone has been on a plan for years, switching can feel risky, even when the facts clearly show it would help them. And sometimes people misunderstand the details and think all Medicare plans are basically the same, so they underestimate the consequences of a poor choice.

Marsha Reiniers · Answer

Sometimes people listen to their friends and family when choosing a health plan. The plan you select should reflect your own personal lifestyle, budget, and healthcare needs. A licensed agent who works with many companies can help guide you to the plan that works best for you.

Answered by Marsha Reiniers on July 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, MI & NC, PA, SC & VA

Answered by Marsha Reiniers Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

This question is pretty easy to answer. Most people who ignore a broker's advice usually take what their friend said is the best. Although that plan may be best for your friend it absolutely does not mean it is best for you.

Next time your friend say's you should sign up for their plan, ask them if they completed their 24-hour continuing education, or their annual HIIPA training which consists of new regulations etc. Also ask them if their drug needs are exactly your drug needs. 

These are just a few examples of why you should not take your friend's or doctor's advice on which plan is best for you. 

Most insurance brokers have your best interest at heart. That is why we are appointed with multiple carriers, so we don't bang a square peg in a round hole for all. If you feel the broker you are talking to does not have your best interest then move on to another broker. We are here to help you. I lifelong client is definitely better than a short-term client.

Adam Ashby · Answer

The biggest hurdle I run into as a Medicare Broker is those who hear my advice, but listen to the advice of family or friends. While I appreciate the relationship and the trust that you have with friends and family, their experiences are not the same as your experiences. Medicare is ever-changing, it is specific to your location and your physical and financial health play a part in what will work for you. It is important to realize that as great as your neighbor is, they probably have not had the ongoing training and certification which is required for proper Medicare Plan referrals.

Answered by Adam Ashby on June 24, 2025

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

Answered by Adam Ashby Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Krantz · Answer

A lot of people just listen to friends or colleagues instead of getting advice based on their situation. What worked for someone else might not work for them — and they often learn that the hard way.

Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025

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

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Mitch Anderson · Answer

Sometimes clients may think that my advice is based on a motivation to sell them something. This could not be further from the truth. My goal is to educate and translate Medicare into something that makes sense and help people find the plan that best fits their individual needs. There is no single plan that works for everyone.

Answered by Mitch Anderson on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in MN, IA & WI

Answered by Mitch Anderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Paula Duffy · Answer

Possibly branding or wanting to have same plan as their spouse.  Not everyone has the same needs.  As an agent I am transparent about why Medicare doesn't have family plans for this reason.

Chad Sickle, RN · Answer

The client needs to be sold on you as the agent.  You need to come across as trustworthy and not as a salesman.

Joseph Meyers · Answer

My personal goal or wish would be that everybody has the chance to sit down or speak with a professional, licensed and morally sound broker. 
  The opposite side of the coin could involve an agent over selling secondary benefits of a plan or perhaps overstating how this plan is "the best".

The most important parts of helping a client with their Medicare plan should be; does the client understand the plan they are choosing & are doctors and prescriptions IN NETWORK.

Lauryn Ivey · Answer

Sometimes their friends or family persuade them to do whatever that did, and the plans are not a one size fits all. There are doctors, medications, and budgets to consider. Sometimes they see something on TV and they think it sounds good but unfortunately that’s not always the case. A local agent will always know more about the plans in the area where you live than any 1-800 number telemarketer ever could.

Answered by Lauryn Ivey on September 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in AL

Answered by Lauryn Ivey Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Sannes · Answer

When we advise a client of plan options, we have reviewed their needs first, then looked at their doctors and prescription list, as well as the plan benefits. Then the client can choose from the best top options. We work with the client, and there is no obligation and no cost for our services.

It's rare, but now and then, a client chooses a plan just because.... could be that they like the carrier name, could be that one benefit outweighs all of the others. It could be price. 

We will help them get signed up with whatever plan they want, and we are always there to help them in the future if they need it.

Rose Cahill · Answer

Sometimes people get distracted by a plan's extra benefits and shop for the best extra benefits. What's most important with a Medicare Plan is that your preferred doctors and hospitals take your plan. Yes, it's nice that your Medicare Advantage Plan may offer you some dental, vision or hearing benefits, but these aren't worth it if your doctor isn't in-network for your plan. Be sure your plan is taken by your doctors and covers your prescriptions. These are most important!

Answered by Rose Cahill on August 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in MA

Answered by Rose Cahill Medicare Insurance Agent

Joel Hill · Answer

Some clients ignore good Medicare advice for a variety of reasons:
	1.	Information Overload – Medicare is complex. With so many commercials, mailers, and opinions from friends or family, it’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed and make quick decisions without fully understanding the consequences.

	2.	Trust Issues – Some may have had bad experiences with salespeople in the past, making them hesitant to believe an agent has their best interest at heart.

	3.	Influence of Advertising – National TV ads and celebrity endorsements can be persuasive, even when the plans being pushed don’t fit someone’s specific needs.

	4.	Fear of Change – Seniors often stick with what feels comfortable, even if it’s not the best option financially or medically. Change can feel risky.

	5.	Focus on “Perks” Over Coverage – Many get attracted to extra benefits (like dental, vision, or gym memberships) without realizing that provider networks, drug coverage, and out-of-pocket costs matter more in the long run.

	6.	Misinformation From Friends/Family – Well-meaning loved ones often give advice based on their own plan or situation, which may not apply at all.

Dustin Haffner · Answer

Friends, neighbors, and Facebook beat expertise.
You explain Medicare for a living. But: “My neighbor loves his plan”
“My cousin said this works great” “I read online that…”

Next Fear of being “sold” assume there’s a catch, Worry you’re steering them.

Patrick Bullock · Answer

Sometimes people will listen to friends of theirs not realizing that each person's needs are individual. What may be best for their friend my not necessarily be the best plan for them. It very important to look at all the aspects that can affect their decision.

Answered by Patrick Bullock on April 1, 2025

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

Answered by Patrick Bullock Medicare Insurance Agent

Doug Dent · Answer

As an independent Medicare Specialist with over 40 years helping people on Medicare I find that my clients value my advice. If a client decides to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plan instead of using traditional Medicare with a Medigap/Medicare Supplement it is almost always a financially based decision.

Answered by Doug Dent on July 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in NM, AZ, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Doug Dent Medicare Insurance Agent

Kristine Gurley · Answer

Due to the Medicare beneficiary answered a phone call from a Call Center speaks to an agent on the line not even from the state or county nor city as they proclaim,  Agent proceeds to convince the Senior that they can get them more this and that, never look up providers nor medications do not know the network for the plan they are insisting they go onto. Never having the Senior Medical or Pharmaceutical interests. 
The importance of using your LOCAL Trusted Health Advisor that has studied each plan along with networks, list of medications that work to find the coverage that meets YOUR NEEDS!

Shauneen Sullivan · Answer

The main reason that clients ignore advice is because of a lack of trust they have with a new advisor. Another reason is that seniors don’t like change. They are hesitant to switch plans because they fear the unknown. They don’t want to make a mistake. They want to have a Plan just like their neighbors and friends have. A different Plan you propose to them might put them in a better situation financially or with more comprehensive coverage. But, they would rather choose what they know and understand or makes them feel more secure.

Answered by Shauneen Sullivan on January 26, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, AZ, GA & 9 other states

Answered by Shauneen Sullivan Medicare Insurance Agent

Christine Gross · Answer

Some clients are told by their friends and family members that they don't need an agent, and that the agent is only in it for the money. As a result, some beneficiaries choose a plan that doesn't cover all of their medications or doesn't fit all of their medical needs. By working with a trusted Medicare independent advisor, you will take the guess work out of choosing your plan and also have an advocate to help you manage your plan going forward.

Answered by Christine Gross on August 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH

Answered by Christine Gross Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Human nature is such that nobody wants to ever admit that they have made a mistake. Their personality is simply resistant to finger-pointing. In other words, they refuse to say that they are just not perfect after all!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Garner · Answer

Most of the time, if I lose a client, it's because they were approached by a third party (phone calls) who reached out to them and made a certain plan sound good by describing the upside to the plan, but not always the downside.

Usually (not always), those clients call me to come and fix whatever problem they have encountered.

Jim Tretola · Answer

People have a right to choose what they want. Unfortunately sometimes it is what is best for”sold” to them with all the ads. I try my best to make sure they understand, when they deal with me.

Kristen Skinner · Answer

Sometimes they think Googling the advice or taking the advice of a friend or relative is better than an agent. Always taking the time to make sure you have the right plan for you. Talk to your agent . Let them know what you want .

Answered by Kristen Skinner on October 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Kristen Skinner Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Pyers · Answer

Ignorance. Also, agents who are only interested in selling that person the plan that pays them the most. There are many factors involved in choosing the right plan and an Agent who properly does their job will cover those factors.

Answered by Michael Pyers on May 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & MI

Answered by Michael Pyers Medicare Insurance Agent

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

Most people who ignore an advisors advice want a plan that has a 0 premium & another agent is NOT completely truthful with them & the Senior really wants to believe them so they buy something that is usually based off of lies, only to find out later plan they bought isn't what they thought it was!

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock on June 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock Medicare Insurance Agent

Vernon Jones · Answer

I personal don’t have resistance to my advice but if they do i would say clients resistance to Medicare advice often stems from a combination of psychological, financial, and informational factors. The complexity of Medicare, coupled with misinformation and the human tendency to seek easy solutions, can lead people to make poor decisions that result in bad plans. I have discovered some seniors listen to what their friends or family member has and believe it is the best option for them which is not the case but they should get advice from a veteran and knowledge broker/agent.

Answered by Vernon Jones on August 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Vernon Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

David Haynes · Answer

Good question. I don't know the answer to that one. Maybe the client and broker didn't "click" and the beneficiary went with someone else. That is fine of course, but the person who needs a Medicare plan should make sure they work with someone who understands the local business and is interested in keeping a client long term.

Answered by David Haynes on September 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by David Haynes Medicare Insurance Agent

Casey Ahlbum · Answer

People usually don't ignore advice on purpose. Most of the people I work with are trying to make the best decisions that they can, with an awful lot of noise coming at them from multiple directions. 

They are seeing celebrities in ads on TV that promise "extra benefits" or allege that they're "missing" part of their benefits.  They hear different opinions from friends or loved one or they're focused on just the premium without understanding all the trade-offs. 

People have a natural tendency to stick with what feels familiar or easy in the moment, even if it's not necessarily the best for the long term. Medicare decisions have consequences that often don't show up right away, and when someone doesn't realize this it's easy to go in a different direction. 

My role as an advisor is to cut through as much of that noise as I can, so that they clearly understand their options and can make clear, confident decisions for the long term.

Shalonda Cave · Answer

I believe it’s a trust issue because they’re being scammed repeatedly. Imagine receiving phone calls from 8 AM to 9 PM every day from third-party organizations claiming their plans are superior to the one you sold them. Meanwhile, the plan they purchased wasn’t thoroughly checked to ensure their doctors were in-network or that their medications wouldn’t incur higher copays or be excluded from the formulary.

Answered by Shalonda Cave on December 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH, AZ & FL

Answered by Shalonda Cave Medicare Insurance Agent

Carolyn Duncan · Answer

Clients should always do what they believe is best for them, I do not respond to the term "Bad Medicare Plan" A plan that does not work based on your needs and wants -but that is why knowing the pros and cons before signing any paperwork is very important.

Answered by Carolyn Duncan on July 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, CA, CO & 12 other states

Answered by Carolyn Duncan Medicare Insurance Agent

Dee Ethridge · Answer

I honestly don’t know., But with all the scams going on it there a lot of people are scared to trust anyone. They don’t know who to trust.

Julie Joyce · Answer

Normally that just comes from listening to a family member or friend saying they have the best plan. Everyone should have the best plan for them! Everyone is different and needs their insurance to work for them.

Answered by Julie Joyce on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 9 other states

Answered by Julie Joyce Medicare Insurance Agent

Chris Bell · Answer

Some clients only want the absolute cheapest thing. Even when showing a different plan might be a few dollars more. No one cares about customer service until they have an issue. Most people think they are immune to the max out of pocket on plans until a surgery is needed.

We can advise but when people say we are only out for money or they have friends that have a different plan that say it better without actually comparing.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Clients might ignore advice and choose less suitable Medicare plans due to a combination of factors, including the allure of $0 premiums, a preference for familiar or readily available options, or a lack of understanding about the nuances of different plans. Misinformation or conflicting information from other sources, like aggressive marketing tactics, can also contribute to this resistance.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on August 16, 2025

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

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Kramer · Answer

First, there's no such thing as a "bad" Advantage plan. All Advantage plans, by law, cover what Medicare covers. The difference between Advantage plans are the Dr networks and co-pays, plus ancillary benefits, that's it. My clients trust me and don't ignore my advice! Those who respond to illegal calls from telemarketing agents, or call the TV ads, well, those are not my clients!

Answered by Andrew Kramer on May 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

People don't follow professional advice because they question that advice or think he/she knows more than the licensed professional.

Mike Henry · Answer

Bad advice or just looking at cost. Your agent needs to find out what best suits you?  A Medicare supplement with a Part D?  Or a Medicare advantage plan

Todd Bostic · Answer

Typically people want to go with the plan that is least expensive, and if they do that, you are losing benefits somewhere.

Jack Mayer · Answer

If someone is being taken care of and the agent has their best interest at heart there should be no problems but some people's kids lol

Jennifer Kalbach · Answer

I think sometimes people are afraid of change of any sort even if the change will be better for them. In addition, I think they have had bad experiences or have been inundated in calls and direct mail that it all gets very confusing for them. I am local and deal with local people where we can meet face to face and I can answer all their questions. I with at a local agency so this is a perfect fit.

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach on December 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach Medicare Insurance Agent

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

The marketing sways most clients, and they also rely on their colleagues, friends, and family. They have brand loyalty because they work in the doctor's office.

They are also not used to a professional agent asking lifestyle questions so that we can make sure that this plan benefits them and their complete lifestyle.

Antonio Rodriguez · Answer

I just wanted to share something I see happen a lot with Medicare. Sometimes people end up in plans that aren’t a good fit simply because the whole system can be overwhelming. There’s so many ads, “$0 premium” offers, and different rules with doctors, prescriptions, and networks that it’s easy to get pulled in the wrong direction.

A lot of folks also go with what seems familiar, or what a friend or relative recommended, even if their situation is totally different. And honestly, Medicare gives so much information that it can feel easier to just stick with whatever’s in front of you.

That’s exactly why I like to walk people through their actual costs, doctors, meds, and what works best for them—so they don’t get stuck in a plan that ends up costing more later. If you ever want me to look over your coverage or compare anything, I’m happy to help you avoid those headaches.

Ray Rios · Answer

They don't take the time to provide all information necessary to make a solid Needs Analysis. This is a crucial factor.

Robin Duffey · Answer

Some clients ignore my advice, which is unfortunate, as they prefer to rely on family and friends instead of a licensed Medicare agent.

Cynthia Allen · Answer

I would think that because some people feel that they can figure it out for themselves or they just don’t trust the agent has their best interest at hand, they decide to go their own route. As a result, sometimes the plan they have chosen, while not knowing information that primarily agents know, they might experience a plan they thought would be the best for them but turns out not to be….there really aren't any “bad plans” — but agents help with selecting plans that accommodate a person’s needs. That said, I make sure that the client knows all their choices and gear towards the least out of pocket costs but also getting what they need in coverage.

Answered by Cynthia Allen on June 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, GA, ID & 6 other states

Answered by Cynthia Allen Medicare Insurance Agent

Greg Strasma · Answer

Some people “think” they know all about Medicare because they have done some research on the subject. Why they don’t listen to credible agents who sound like they know what they are talking about is beyond me.

Answered by Greg Strasma on November 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA

Answered by Greg Strasma Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Tretola · Answer

I think it has everything to do with trust and some people still view insurance agents in the same light they view used car salespeople. They may have had a bad experience 25 years ago and carry around that resentment and make every new person they come in contact with wear the black eye.

Answered by Joseph Tretola on March 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 26 other states

Answered by Joseph Tretola Medicare Insurance Agent

Sonya Chandler · Answer

Some clients think they know what's best. Other times clients tend to listen to their friends or take the advice from something they seen on television. There are a lot of variables that make people susceptible to enrolling into bad Medicare plans. This is why it's best to work with a knowledgeable Insurance Agent like myself.

Answered by Sonya Chandler on May 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, AZ, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Sonya Chandler Medicare Insurance Agent

Stanley Wittenberg · Answer

Too much advertising on TV that directs them to call centers. The people answering don’t really get to know the people and their situation. It is impossible to advise them properly or on a personal level . They also listen to family and friends who don’t know the full extent of the misinformation they give them

Answered by Stanley Wittenberg on October 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in CT

Answered by Stanley Wittenberg Medicare Insurance Agent

Leisha Stevens · Answer

Many beneficiaries feel that changing plans involves too many trade-offs and prefer to stick with what they know rather than risk a potentially worse situation. Also, they are not happy changing their doctors and Part B medication to another plan.

Answered by Leisha Stevens on June 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, CA, FL & NC

Answered by Leisha Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Debbi Wallace · Answer

Great question. I do not know the correct answer. Many are afraid of the many plans out there. Some just don't have a reliable agent to guide them. Find someone you can trust to guid you along the way.

Answered by Debbi Wallace on December 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in KS

Answered by Debbi Wallace Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Turkaly · Answer

The agent they worked with didn’t educate them enough on the different plans and made the wrong decision.

Dan Green · Answer

Many seniors are bombarded with telemarketing calls and they chase the " shiny object" that may not always be in their best interest. Just because a plan has a giveback of money or a better dental benefit or a card to use for groceries doesn't make it better by those merits alone. It is in a senior's best interest to seek out a licensed professional agent with more than ten years of experience to guide them.

Answered by Dan Green on April 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Dan Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Tami Baker · Answer

Sometimes there is just too much information given at one-time & people make knee-jerk reactions for whatever the simplest.

We, as Agents,need to make sure we go over things slowly & in a way that people can absorb it. The Prescriptions are usually the most confusing part. I have found that print outs definitely help.

Michael Cavanaugh · Answer

Honestly, I can't remember when that happened. Medicare beneficiaries usually heed my advice. However, I do recall one prospect that did ignore my advice only to come back to me later.

Kristin Ingram · Answer

Clients often ignore Medicare advice due to cognitive overload from too many options, aggressive marketing tactics promising "$0 premiums," and a misunderstanding of restrictive networks.

Shannon Brenneke · Answer

Some clients are easily persuaded by family/friends advise. Unfortunately, the advise typically is unfounded, and those advising are basing their knowledge of Medicare from Facebook and TV advertisement which does not explain full details to make an educated decision.

Answered by Shannon Brenneke on May 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO

Answered by Shannon Brenneke Medicare Insurance Agent

Kevin Price · Answer

Most of it has to do with confusion about what they have already signed up for. It is the agents responsibility to educate their client on what they have and give them reassurance that they are in the best spot.

Answered by Kevin Price on September 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in VA, NC & SC

Answered by Kevin Price Medicare Insurance Agent

Shaneathia Armstrong · Answer

Some folks don’t take the advice because they’re worried about change or they think the cheapest plan must be the best. Others may listen more to a friend’s story than the details I share. In the end, it’s usually fear of change or too much information at once that makes them resistant.

Answered by Shaneathia Armstrong on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, FL, KY, MI & NC

Answered by Shaneathia Armstrong Medicare Insurance Agent

Zachary Montgomery · Answer

Preconceptions about Medicare often “poison the well”. For instance, many times clients will be expecting their Medicare rights and options to be the same as one or more of their peers, but those options only exist for their peers because they meet certain prerequisites such as dual enrollment with the state Medicaid or Medicare Savings Programs, chronic illnesses, or being in a service area for which a given plan is not located. Unfortunately, some Medicare beneficiaries believe that plans and options are being withheld from them and not that my hands are tied as the agent. Fortunately, this is not common, and most beneficiaries will call me back when they do follow up research to verify.

Answered by Zachary Montgomery on May 20, 2026

Agent Licensed in GA, AL, IA, IL, SC & TN

Answered by Zachary Montgomery Medicare Insurance Agent

Rodrigo Ferrer · Answer

We can sometimes be our own worst enemies. In the YouTube era, it seems like you can DIY most things that probably should be done by a professional. Chances are the person in the DIY video is a professional in their field. If you could have the professional services of a career agent at no charge why would you not take their advice? Maybe they didn't seems to grasp your dilemma? Maybe your case is different from all the others? Maybe you just didn't get a good vibe. Or maybe, your second cousin who's been on Medicare 8 months is the family guru now. Could be a lot of reasons. As a broker with 22 years in the field I do my all to make my advice and recommendations tailor made to the new member. If there's still a cloud of doubt I recommend they get a second opinion before using my services. A good broker will show you good reasons as to why they are making the recommendation they are. They should present themselves as your advocate and stand by their commitment to see the plan through. Trust should be earned and not be taken for granted. If you have that trust after your meeting with your new advisor then go with them!

Answered by Rodrigo Ferrer on May 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Rodrigo Ferrer Medicare Insurance Agent

Kayla Thola · Answer

Medicare choices can depend on personal preferences, understanding of options, and individual needs. Sometimes people just need more time or information before making a decision.

Why do some clients ignore your advice and end up in bad Medicare plans-what makes them resistant?

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Why do some clients ignore your advice and end up in bad Medicare plans-what makes them resistant?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website