top of page
  • Writer's pictureJamie Smith

Those Darn Medicare Commercials. What Do They Even Mean?

Updated: Nov 9, 2022


We get it. You don’t even want to talk about Medicare due to all those annoying ads you see on TV. They say the word FREE a lot, and they’re on so often that it dilutes a vital service, a service that should not leave you with more questions than answers. Such as, is it even legit? Is it a scam? Should I trust anyone who talks to me about Medicare?


Before unpacking the claims, you need to understand their meaning.


First, these commercials are talking about Medicare Advantage Plans. They are an excellent choice if you have proper representation and genuinely understand how each plan works for your needs. Medicare Advantage, an option approved by Original Medicare, offers what is called Medicare Part C. Original Medicare provides Part A, hospital insurance, and Part B, medical insurance. Part A and Part B cover 80% of your medical needs; however, you need something else to cover the additional 20% not covered by Original Medicare. You can do this with a Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap, with a monthly premium that increases yearly. The Supplement does not include Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage, nor does it include dental, hearing, or vision. You have separate premiums for those too. That is why private insurance companies provide access to Medicare Advantage, and Medicare approves the plans.


Although the commercials provide valid and important information, credibility is lost because they use an in-your-face, too-good-to-be-true sales tactic. Not to mention the frequency you have to endure them. So let’s now unpack the information.



The Give Back Benefit or Money Added to your Social Security Check Each Month:

Although some Medicare Advantage Plans provide a give-back feature, it is not standard for all Advantage Plans. This option all depends on your location, the available network of your doctors, and what the plan provides that you specifically need.


Trips to your Doctor:

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer one-way trips to a designated and approved network of doctor offices. For instance, one plan provides 60 one-way trips.


Additional Benefits:

Most, if not all, Medicare Advantage Plans provide additional benefits such as dental, hearing, and vision. Most also offer a Prescription Drug Plan. In addition, some of the plans provide healthy meals, over-the-counter allowance, and grocery cards. These options are very common. However, it is essential to understand the plan and if it includes your doctors and prescriptions. It also depends on where you live.

Coverage for No Additional Cost:

The truth is that most Medicare Advantage plans come with a zero-dollar monthly premium. There are also Dual-Eligible plans that are zero-cost across the board if you are on Medicare and Medicaid. There are additional savings if you qualify for Extra Help.

Again, the benefits depend on your doctors, zip code, and prescriptions.


That said, most do not have a monthly premium. However, some have minimum co-pays, often less expensive than a monthly Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Premium.


Are these commercials a scam? Are they too good to be true? No. Proper representation is essential to work with you and determine that by comparing multiple options. It depends on your eligibility, income, zip code, doctors, and medications.


 

At Senior Solutions, our agents are here to ensure you are in the right plan according to your needs. As a result, we have become the go-to for Medicare and retirement for many individuals and their families.


Our mission is to ensure you are confident and happy, and we do this in person! We believe in-person communication provides a better understanding and builds a vital relationship for you and your family. We do this at no cost to you.


If you have any questions about your current plan and would like a complimentary Medicare Benefits Review, please call us at 833-905-1060.


If you live near Lincoln County in Kentucky, we have a Senior Resource Center open Monday - Friday. Monday and Fridays are by appointment, with walk-ins being welcome Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am - 4 pm. Please call 606-669-6002 for an appointment.




bottom of page