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What’s Behind the Medicare Ads and Fliers?

When you see a flashy ad on TV or a postcard in the mail promising incredible Medicare benefits, chances are it’s from a call center or telemarketing agency trying to enroll you into a plan—whether it’s a good fit for you or not.

They might say they’re “with Medicare” or “an official partner,” but most of the time, they’re not. Their job is to get you to switch plans—often without explaining the full details or checking if your doctors and medications are even covered.

And once you say “yes” on a recorded call, you’ve been enrolled into a new plan, and your previous coverage—and even your agent—is wiped out.

Real-Life Consequences of Calling Those Numbers

I’ve had many clients come to me after falling for one of these offers, and here’s what happened to them:

  • They couldn’t see their primary care doctor anymore because the new plan wasn’t accepted.
  • Their prescriptions tripled in cost or were no longer covered.
  • They lost their healthy food card or dental and vision benefits they previously had.
  • Their trusted, local agent was removed, and they were left dealing with a 1-800 number and no real help.

These mistakes can take weeks—or even months—to fix, and sometimes they’re stuck with the new plan until the next enrollment period.

Why This Happens


When you call those numbers, the agent on the other end is often working for one insurance company or under pressure to meet quotas. They don’t know you, your health needs, your doctors, or your prescriptions. They’re just reading from a script and trying to make a sale.

Unfortunately, many people don’t even realize they’ve been enrolled in a new plan until they go to the doctor and get turned away or go to the pharmacy and face a $200 copay for a medicine that used to cost $5.

How to Protect Yourself


Here’s how to keep your coverage—and your peace of mind—safe:

  1. Don’t call random numbers from TV ads or postcards.
    If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many of these offers are bait-and-switch tactics to get your personal information and enroll you without proper explanation.
  2. Work with a licensed local agent you trust.
    Someone like me who knows your health needs, doctors, and prescription history can walk you through real options—at no cost to you—and explain all the fine print.
  3. Don’t make changes over the phone with a stranger.
    Saying “yes” on a recorded line can legally authorize an enrollment. Even if you were just asking questions, you may have unknowingly changed your plan.
  4. Keep your current plan and agent info handy.
    That way, when you have questions or see something that looks interesting, you can call your agent first and let us check it out for you safely.
  5. Ask questions—and demand clarity.
    A legitimate agent will always verify your doctors, medications, and current benefits before suggesting a change. If someone doesn’t do that, walk away.

Final Thoughts

Your Medicare plan is personal. You deserve someone who treats it that way. Don’t let a smooth-talking commercial or a piece of junk mail take that away from you.

If you’re ever unsure about a call, flier, or offer you received—call me first. I’ll look into it, explain what’s real and what’s not, and help you avoid a costly mistake.
 

If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you navigate your options and find a plan that works best for you.

Brenda Gilliam, Your Insurance Agent, Medicare Insurance Agent & Extra Help Coordinator

Phone: 423-276-5807

Email: brenda@gilliaminsuranceadvisor.com
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* Not affiliated with any government agency.

*We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 13 organizations, which offer 131 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1–800–MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.