Never Too Late November/December 2024

Medicare Corner

Medicare Marketing Violations Beginning in October, you likely started receiving mail from different insurance companies about the plans they offer. You can use this marketing information to compare your options. Although companies can send you mailings, you should know that they must follow certain rules when marketing their plans. Some examples of marketing violations include: • A plan cannot use language that suggests their plan is preferred by Medicare. • A plan cannot call or email you if you did not ask them to do so. • A plan cannot leave information like flyers or door hangers on your car or at your home if they came from a company that did not have an appointment with you.

Where You Can Go for More Help

If you think you have experienced marketing violations, you should report it. Keep any documented proof, such as an agent’s business card, marketing materials, emails, or phone call records. You can report marketing violations to 1-800-MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Pima Council on Aging is your local SHIP and SMP in Pima County. Contact us at (520) 546-2011 or email SHIP@pcoa.org for assistance. SHIP counselors can explain the government’s marketing rules, help you review the incident, and report it to the correct authorities, if needed. They can also help you understand the notices you receive in advance of the fall Open Enrollment Period. When you contact your local SHIP, a certified Medicare counselor will give you one-on-one guidance based on your unique situation and needs.

This project was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0022, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

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Pima Council on Aging

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