05/26/2026
Had a client today call me because a fast-talking Medicare call center guy got ahold of his spouse, told her he could save her some money that would go back into her Social Security account ... and that all she had to do was say "yes" and it was a done deal.
Tomorrow, she will now spend time calling the carrier and have that app rescinded because of all the details this "agent" did not share with her that were negative about this plan ... like raising her max out of pocket potential to almost double, higher in-patient co-pays, it's maybe not a plan that her doctor or hospital takes ... and several other aspects that made the switch less advantageous.
Rules of thumb:
- If they identify themselves as "with Medicare" or with a specific carrier, they are not. Medicare doesn't call beneficiaries. By rule, Seniors are required to reach out for plan information if they want it ... not the other way around.
Hang up.
- There are only specific periods and instances where a Medicare beneficiary can make plan changes. We are currently not in one of them, unless you have moved into a new service area, had a health condition change to a chronic disease, etc.
Hang up.
- When you agree to change plans with these rules violators, you also lose the local agent you've been working with. They are no longer your agent of record. Which means that next time you want to make a change, you'd better try to contact that out of area phone number to do so.
Hang up.
To summarize ... hang up.😀
And call your local agent if you have questions about your plan or any plan.
