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Some insurance salespersons are only thinking about selling. This leads to them saying wrong information about Medicare and Medicaid. During the time they are using it, clients realize that the information received is not true. Because of it, people are frustrated and give wrong information because of several reasons involved:
- They received bad information themselves from a specialist who is just thinking about selling them a product.
- People receive information from others who they trust and share it.
- People are mixing past frustrations and generalizing all insurances companies.
- People are confusing their specific cases with generic cases with different needs when the wrong information appears.
- They don’t try to be at fault, but it is bad for people looking for the right information.
6 Horrible Medicare Advice You Should Avoid
Hence, some of the worst Medicare advice statements are:
1. You don’t need Medicare Advantage, Supplement, or PDP Plans
Medicaid and Medicare are different and were created for different needs. Medicare and Medicaid are excellent health plans, someone who says you need or you do not need Medicare because you already have Medicaid can be right or wrong. Each case needs to be discussed with a specialist to be sure.
We agree Medicare/Medicaid combo is an excellent plan! Unfortunately, not everyone can qualify for Medicaid. It’s based on the state’s income parameters. Whereas Medicare/Medicare Supplement/PDP, if afforded, would be the most comprehensive option for those not on Medicaid.
2. Don’t Rush It
One ridiculous piece of advice you can get from your friends and family about Medicare is to let it be and not rush it. Not only does it do you more harm than good, but it removes whatever little window you had of your initial enrollment period (IEP). Chances are if you have already turned 65, your enrollment timing clock has already started ticking almost a quarter while back. Many people don’t know that the seven-month period doesn’t begin after you turn 65. This starts are three months prior to your birthday. This means you only have three months before and after you turn 65. If you miss it, there is a high chance you will suffer a penalty later on. So next time someone says don’t rush it, ask them to pay your penalties.
3. You Don’t Have a Choice.
Despite the many social awareness campaigns, marketing tactics, and advertisements, believe still continue to believe that Medicare is a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone above 65. That in itself is problematic, but the worse consequence we Medicare experts suffer is when this perception is passed on as a piece of advice. So many people perceive this notion and pass it on to their friends and family like, “oh, you don’t need Medicare, it isn’t for you, you will not have a choice to tailor-make the options.” The irony is that with our help, you can actually tailor-make your Medicare options and choose plans that best fit your needs. Therefore, we strongly recommend visiting Medicare expert resources and letting us help you out.
4. You Can Travel Foreign Countries with Medicare
While this advice cannot be shunned as entirely untrue, but it is definitely misguiding. Any friend telling you that you can plan international travels under Medicare coverage doesn’t know what they are talking about. The issue here at its core actually is the differentiation between original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans. While original Medicare promises nothing as such, Medicare Supplement plans cover a limited amount of emergency foreign traveling. The emphasis here is to be made upon “limited” and “emergency.” This means that you cannot take a whole vacation in the Pacific and be sure Medicare will cover your health expenses. Hence, it is always better to talk to your Medicare advisor before making such travel decisions, and we will always work out the best solution for you.
5. Zero Premium Plans Are Amazingly Cheap
Many first-timers are greatly inclined towards understanding the Medicare Zero Premium plans. People believe that acquiring a zero-premium plan would excuse them the deadlines and penalties while still undertaking Medicare and not even having to pay any premium. Well, the best advice as Medicare experts that we can give you is that “if it seems to be good to be true, chances are it really is.” Yes, zero-premium plans for the time being sound amazing if you really don’t need to care for doctors and health issues, but they don’t come cheap in the long run. Think about it. You are 65. Soon enough, there will be things that require medical attention. At that time, you do need a Medicare plan that works with those doctors and institutions.
6. You Are Fit As a Fiddle
Lastly, this advice can do great to boost your morale as an aging person but does more harm when it comes to Medicare. Your friends and family may tell you that you are fit as a fiddle, and Medicare is for old, frail, aging people who have multiple health issues. But this advice is completely wrong. Medicare is for everybody over the age of 65, whether they have health issues or not. Assuming your health won’t change because currently you are doing well and look good is being naïve. Therefore, considering the unknown is just as crucial, and so you need to get your hands on a suitable Medicare plan ASAP.
Bottom Line
Now that you know some bad Medicare advice, make sure to ignore and avoid these recommendations no matter how good they sound for your wellbeing. Moreover, always consult a reliable Medicare expert for your queries because only an expert is the right knowledgeable person to help you out rightfully. At United Insurance, we strive to educate wisely and provide an excellent customer experience. Our guiding principle is to serve the Senior Market at the highest level. Contact us to get started on your Medicare journey today!