Seniors should be wary of healthcare pitches
Senior citizens should be on their guard against possible fraud when open enrollment for two popular healthcare programs begins Nov. 15.
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner warns that some sales agents for the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug programs may engage in "aggressive or deceptive" sales practices starting from now until open enrollment ends Dec. 31.
To better protect themselves, consumers should consider these tips:
- Make sure the salesperson is a licensed insurance agent.
- Do not respond to "cold calls," which are prohibited by law.
- Don't give out personal information such as Social Security or Medicare numbers.
- Do not accept "free lunches," which are not allowed.
- Don't buy any additional insurance-related products.
- Read and understand the health insurance plan.
- Call the California Department of Insurance with questions or complaints at (800) 927-HELP (4357) or Medicare at (800) MEDICARE (633-4227) with questions or complaints.
For more information, consumers should visit www.insurance.ca.gov or www.medicare.gov.
-- Marc Lifsher
