Not only is it confusing for a senior to determine the right drug coverage program but now it has become difficult for them to get information to make an informed choice on a Medicare Supplement or Advantage Plan. Our government enacted new laws that make it difficult for a senior to compare Medicare Supplement policies and Advantage Plans because they can only talk about one option or the other at an appointment.
In the past couple years we have seen insurance agents who have just been selling a senior the policy that pays them the highest commission not necessarily the best plan for this. When some of these seniors started using their plans they saw that their new coverage wasn't near the coverage they had before and they complained to Medicare. Then the government got involved and rather than putting a stop to these agents selling based on commissions, they have made it even more difficult for seniors to learn about the different plans to determine their best option.
When a senior wants to get information from a particular insurance company they must contact the company and then complete a Scope of Appointment form which states which type of product they want to know about. Agents are not allowed to discuss anything but the product type they marked on their Scope of Appointment. If the agent has actually determined that the senior would be better served with a traditional supplement plan rather than an Advantage plan they have to make another appointment to discuss this. Even if they mail in a card for more information the company can not contact them unless they have checked Contact Me.
Insurance companies can no longer participate in senior health fairs or seminars with any company specific information or be present anywhere a meal is being served which limits their access to senior centers. This is all a disservice to the senior not punishing the agents who were unethical. Congress put no limit on commissions insurance carriers can pay agents so the same temptation to not serve the senior well still exists.
It is more important now than ever that the children of seniors become involved in their choices. A wrong policy choice can cost them thousands of dollars.
