Dover – Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart, CIR-ML today warned senior citizens to protect themselves from unscrupulous insurance salesmen using high-pressure and misleading sales tactics during Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plan open enrollment periods.

Open enrollment runs from November 15 through December 31 each year. During this time, beneficiaries may change prescription drug plans, change Medicare Advantage plans, return to original Medicare, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time. Enrollment changes take effect on January 1.

“The vast majority of insurance agents and brokers are reputable and work within the law, but some engage in deceptive and aggressive sales practices during open enrollment. Agents and brokers will face fines and possible revocations of their licenses if they engage in improper sales practices,” Stewart said.  “Anyone who suspects that they are being taken advantage should immediately contact the Delaware Department of Insurance at 800-336-9500.”

Commissioner Stewart urged senior citizens to keep in mind the following guidelines:

• Make sure they’re licensed:  Not all people marketing Medicare Advantage plans are insurance agents.  If the person you are dealing with claims to be an insurance agent, contact the Delaware Department of Insurance or visit the Department website at www.delawareinsurance.gov to verify license status.
  
  
• Don’t divulge personal information:  Never give out personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account or credit card information over the phone.  Verify that the person you are dealing with has proper authority to act on behalf of the plan before you provide your Medicare number.
  
  
• No marketing in educational or care settings:  Federal regulations prohibit the marketing of Medicare products in places where health care is delivered (such as a doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy) or at an educational event.
  
  
• Don’t let them oversell you:  Federal regulations prohibit selling non-health care related products during any sales or marketing presentation for a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan.
  
  
• Unsolicited contacts are improper: Federal regulations prohibit agents from contacting customers without express invitation. This includes door-to-door sales, unsolicited e-mails and phone calls.
  
  
• Ask a relative or friend to be with you: Selecting an insurance policy can be a complicated process for anyone. It’s a good idea to have a relative or trusted friend with you whenever meeting with an insurance agent.
  
  
• Medicare has no sales agents: Medicare does not send “representatives” to solicit business. Be especially wary of any sales person who claims to represent the program.
  
  
• There’s no free lunch: While agents and brokers are allowed to provide light refreshments, Federal regulations prohibit the offer of a free meal in exchange for listening to a Medicare Advantage sales presentation.
  
  
• Read and understand the policy: Seniors considering changing their Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug plans should be aware that not all policies are the same. They should carefully consider their needs and how a particular policy would meet those needs, making sure their providers accept the plan prior to enrolling.

More Information
Detailed information about Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans may be obtained directly from Medicare by contacting 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or www.medicare.gov , 24 hours a day, seven days a week for assistance or by calling the Delaware Department of Insurance ElderInfo Division at 1-800-336-9500.

Consumers with general insurance questions may contact the Insurance Department’s Consumer Services Division toll-free at 800-282-8611. Information is also available on the Insurance Department’s website, www.delawareinsurance.gov.

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Contacts:
Elliott Jacobson (302) 674-7303; (202) 294-3266 cell
Michael Gould (302) 674-7304