Page 17 - North Haven Magazine Issue 22 Winter 2022

Medicare Insurance Questions?

203-239-4044

FRANK LANDINO Sick of those NICK CASELLA

Medicare Commercials yet?

hese days, I find myself watching very little TV because it is not as relaxing as it used to be. Between negative
Tnews and TV programs that lack quality and substance, I am very selective on what I will watch. Add to that
the increasing number of commercials, it is enough to drive you insane.
Speaking of commercials, how about those non- “Extra Help”, when, in reality,
stop Medicare commercials? I am in the Medicare they do not. Remember, Social
Insurance business and it makes me uneasy to Security and Medicare do NOT
watch them. They utilize the power of “Celebrity” call consumers directly. All
endorsements and they make claims such as “Zero correspondence from Federal
Premium”, “Zero Co-pays” and “Zero Deductibles”. But agencies is done by mail in
wait! If you call now, they can their official envelopes. So,
throw in Dental, Vision, Hearing do not be fooled by marketing
Aids, Groceries, etc., etc. Don’t pieces that mention Social
forget about the money you can Security or Medicare.
get back from Social Security if
you qualify. In my opinion, most of the commercials we are referring
to do nothing but cheapen the true value of Medicare
Frankly speaking, while most Advantage plans. When you call the toll-free number,
Medicare Advantage plans offer you are getting someone out-of-state whose sole
some of these extra benefits, purpose is to make a sale, not looking out for your best
these commercials can be interest.
misleading. In fact, we have
had a few of our clients call the numbers from these While Medicare Advantage plans have become
commercials only to be disappointed because they did very popular and offer good coverage for Medicare
not qualify for the enhanced benefits due to income consumers, there is always the option of Medicare
requirements. Some were enrolled into a new plan and Supplement Insurance and Part D prescription plans
learned later that some of their doctors or prescriptions to consider. That is why it is important to speak with
were not covered. One client had to postpone his a local agent who specializes in Medicare Insurance
surgery because the plan they enrolled him in did not before you enroll in a plan. Calling a toll-free number to
have his surgeon in the network. Fortunately, once we get advice from a stranger is never a good idea.
learned of his situation, we were able enroll him in the
right plan, although, that is not always possible. Call Us Today

In other cases, Medicare consumers are receiving
phone calls from people claiming they are from Social 203-239-4044
Security or Medicare and that they will lose their benefits
if they do not make a change. Some consumers are
being told that they qualify for low-income subsidies,
Health Insurance Associates, LLP • 250 State St. • North Haven