Medicare Watch
Medicare Ads Are Everywhere: What To Check Before Sharing Your Number
Some Medicare ads are legitimate. Others blur the line between education, lead generation, and sales. Know what to check first.
Tracks confusing benefit language, Medicare ads, home-safety offers, call-center claims, and consumer-safety red flags.
Look for who is actually behind the ad
A Medicare ad should make clear whether you are contacting a licensed agency, a carrier, a lead generator, or an independent publisher.
Do not assume a benefit applies to you
Plan availability and extra benefits can vary by county, carrier, eligibility, and enrollment period. A broad ad cannot tell you what you personally qualify for.
Keep personal information limited at first
Before sharing your Medicare number or detailed health information, verify the company, the licensed agent, and why the information is needed.
Where to verify this yourself
These official and consumer-protection sources cover the programs and rules discussed above. Rules change, so check the current version before acting.