A disturbing new trend is emerging in Medicare, and I want to make sure you’re fully aware so that you’re not caught off guard. Some insurance carriers are actively targeting their Medigap Supplement and standalone Part D drug plan clients, hoping to switch them into Medicare Advantage plans—even when it may not be in your best interest.
Here’s how they do it:
– Confusing Mailers: Insurance carriers are sending mailers that make it unclear what coverage you currently have. They hope you’ll call for clarification, at which point they attempt to switch your plan.
– Aggressive Call Tactics: If you call your carrier with a question about your current plan, they may try to switch you to a Medicare Advantage plan, even if you’re happy with your current coverage.
– Targeting Part D Plans: Some carriers will call you about your Part D drug plan, only to use that conversation as an opportunity to attempt to switch you to a Medicare Advantage plan.
– Agent of Record Changes: Even if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, carriers may attempt to switch you to a different one. This often results in a change to the Agent of Record, meaning the agent who originally helped you enroll gets replaced by one from the insurance company. If the Agent of Record is changed, I will no longer be your agent on this plan and cannot help you if you run into any issues.
How to Protect Yourself
It’s critical that you don’t let these tactics pressure you into making a decision that isn’t in your best interest. If you receive a call from your insurance carrier, I recommend saying the following multiple times during the call:
“I know this phone call is being recorded, and I do not want to change my coverage or my agent.”
This reinforces your decision to keep things as they are.
And most importantly, if you have any questions about your coverage, call me first. I am here to help you and ensure that your coverage meets your needs, not the insurance company’s agenda.
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