Medicare Coverage Helpline Review

The Medicare Coverage Helpline TV commercial is all over television these days. Starring William Shatner, the commercial promises to help you find the best Medicare coverage for your needs. But is it a scam?

Let’s take a closer look at the fine print of the commercial and see what Medicare Coverage Helpline has to offer.

Remember that this is not an endorsement of the Medicare Coverage Helpline* – just an examination of their possibly misleading claims on their TV commercials.

FOR EASIER NAVIGATION:

• What Are The Drawbacks Of The Medicare Coverage Helpline?
• What Is The Medicare Coverage Helpline?
• Medicare Coverage Helpline Commercial Review
• Medicare Coverage Helpline Disclaimer
• What Is The Best Way To Know Your Medicare Coverage Options?
• How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?

What Are The Drawbacks Of The Medicare Coverage Helpline?

There are some significant areas of concern with TV commercials that advertise help with Medicare coverage:

• The Medicare Coverage Helpline is NOT an insurance agency. It is a marketing company that sells your personal information to licensed medicare insurance agents. Then you may start getting a bazillion phone calls, both day and night, trying to sell you Medicare coverage. 

• Their commercial’s “fine print” reads: “Your call will be directed to a licensed insurance agent or a third-party partner of TogetherHealth Insurance, LLC, who can provide more information about your Medicare insurance plan options.” “Directed” in this case, almost 100% means your personal information will be sold to someone who will start calling you day and night trying to sell you medicare insurance.
• They use the term “Part C” to sell you a Medicare Advantage Plan. Their commercial seems to confuse people into thinking they offer a unique and different plan with extra benefits when it’s just a standard Medicare Advantage Plan.
• They claim benefits like prescriptions, transportation, meals, and expanded dental coverage are available in all 50 states at no extra cost, but this is not always the case.
• They also say, “Plans that have no premiums, no co-pays, and no deductibles may require qualifying for low-income subsidies or special needs plans”…meaning that very few people qualify for a no-cost plan.
• They claim that you can qualify for a benefit that adds up to $148 a month to your Social Security check. Most Medicare providers only give back $20-40 a month to “qualified beneficiaries.”
• Many medicare agents will try to upsell you expensive final expense life insurance with a 2-year waiting period after they sell you a Medicare plan. 1st-day coverage and lower pricing is available through companies like Funeral Funds of America in all 50 states.

What Is The Medicare Coverage Helpline?

Medicare Coverage Helpline is owned and operated by TogetherHealth Insurance, LLC. Their insurance services may also be provided by their sister companies, Total Insurance Brokers, LLC, Health Plan Intermediaries Holdings, LLC, HealthPocket DBA, and Agile Health Insurance Agency, which are all part of the Benefytt Technologies.

By providing your contact information to Medicare Coverage Helpline, you agree to let an insurance agent contact you a bazillion times a day.

Medicare Coverage Helpline Commercial Review

Medicare Coverage Helpline runs commercials on TV starring William Shatner. The commercial claims that they can help you get the best Medicare coverage. But is this true?

Let’s dissect the commercial and look at the fine print to know the answer:

PART C BENEFITS CLAIM: You can get significant extra Part C benefits based on your zip code.

• THE TRUTH: They use the term Part C to sell you a Medicare Advantage Plan. Instead of saying it outright, they make it confusing, so you may think they are offering a different plan with extra benefits.

• THE TRUTH: They DID NOT say that you can ONLY qualify for these benefits if you sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan.

• THE TRUTH: These plans have different networks, cover different hospitals and doctors, and often require referrals from your primary care doctor to see specialists. The extra benefits they offer may also differ from those offered under your current plan.

• THE TRUTH: You should carefully review all the terms and conditions of a Medicare Advantage Plan before enrolling.

EXTRA BENEFITS AT NO COST CLAIM: You can qualify for extra benefits at no extra cost.

Benefits include prescriptions, transportation, meals, and dental coverage that includes extractions, fillings, and even dentures, all at no extra cost.

• THE TRUTH: Their fine print says, “Plans and benefits vary, and premiums, co-pays, and co-insurance may apply. Plans that have no premiums, no co-pays, and no deductibles may require qualifying for low-income subsidies or special needs plans.”

• THE TRUTH: They make it sound like you will get all these benefits for free, but the truth is that you have to be at near poverty levels for anything free; otherwise, you may have to pay premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. You may only qualify for these benefits if you meet certain income requirements or have special needs.

ACTUAL PERSON WILL ANSWER CLAIM: An actual person will answer and see if you’re eligible to eliminate, co-pays, and get the extra benefits.

• THE TRUTH: Your call is routed to a call center with possibly inexperienced agents who are not fully knowledgeable about Medicare. These agents often do not have access to different carriers and cannot shop around to find the best plan with the best coverage.

ELIMINATE CO-PAYS CLAIM: Eliminate co-pays and get the extra benefits

• THE TRUTH: Their fine print says, “Plans and benefits vary, and premiums, co-pays, and co-insurance may apply. Plans that have no premiums, no co-pays, and no deductibles may require qualifying for low-income subsidies or special needs plans.”
• THE TRUTH: Eliminating co-pays and getting extra benefits is not as simple as they make it sound. You may have to pay premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. You may only qualify for these benefits if you meet certain income requirements or have special needs.

ADDS MONEY TO SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK CLAIM: Check if your zip code has the benefit that adds money to your Social Security check every month.

• THE TRUTH: Their fine print says, “Certain beneficiaries may qualify for help paying their Part B premium as part of the state’s Medicaid or Medical Assistance Program.”
• THE TRUTH: The Medical Assistance program is $170 a month in 2022. You can only qualify for this benefit if you drop your prescription drug plan outside the annual open enrollment period. If you have Traditional Medicare, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with a money-back option. Your Part B premium will be reduced up to the standard amount of $148.50, and the money will be added to your Social Security check.

SAVE MONEY CLAIM: I called to get the new benefits and save money.

• THE TRUTH: The commercial also uses misleading information and testimonials to sell its product. The testimonial appears to be given by a paid endorser reading a script, not an actual customer.
• THE TRUTH: The commercial claims that you can save money by calling their helpline, but there is no guarantee that you will save money. You may end up paying more for a Medicare Advantage Plan than you would for traditional Medicare.

EXPANDED DENTAL CARE CLAIM: Expanded Dental Care

• THE TRUTH: They make it sound that everyone can qualify for this benefit. Not many Medicare Advantage providers offer dental coverage. When they do, it is often very limited. For example, some plans may only cover dental exams and cleanings, while others may only cover extractions and fillings.

MONEY BACK CLAIM: You can have a benefit that adds up to $148 a month, equal to $1,700 a year

• THE TRUTH: The majority of Medicare Providers do not give that much. Only two providers in all 50 states come close to this amount. They usually give back $20-$40 a month.
• THE TRUTH: The commercial is very misleading. It makes it sound like you will get all of these benefits in all 50 states.

GET BENEFITS CLAIM: Get the benefits you deserve

• THE TRUTH: You can only get benefits if you meet specific criteria. The commercial does not mention this. They make it sound like you will get the benefits no matter what.

Read their Disclaimer: “The Medicare Coverage Helpline is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any government agency or program. Outside of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, members can enroll in a plan only if they meet certain criteria.”

The Medicare Coverage Helpline is a private company not affiliated with the government. They are relying on people’s ignorance about Medicare to get them to buy from them. Educate yourself about Medicare and enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period. Do not anyone take advantage of you!

Read their Disclaimer: “This information is not a complete description of benefits, contact the plan for more information.”

Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Their commercial is misleading, so buyer beware!

Medicare Coverage Helpline Disclaimer

It’s always smart to read the fine print on advertisements before you call them or give them any personal information.

Here are the Medicare Coverage Helpline’s fine print exclusions:

“The Medicare Coverage Helpline is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any government agency or program. Outside of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, members can enroll in a plan only if they meet certain criteria. A licensed insurance agent can help you determine whether you are eligible. Your call will be directed to a licensed insurance agent or to a third-party partner of TogetherHealth Insurance, LLC, who can provide more information about your Medicare insurance plan options. There is no obligation to enroll. This information is not a complete description of the benefits. Contact the plan for more information. This is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area. For a complete listing, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-186-2048). 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or consult www.medicare.gov.”

Many people say that the Medicare Coverage Helpline commercial is misleading and confusing. They leave out important information, and people often feel tricked into thinking they will get additional free benefits.

What Is The Best Way To Know Your Medicare Coverage Options?

If you have any questions about your Medicare coverage, it’s best to contact an independent medicare insurance specialist who can help you understand your specific situation and needs.

Your agent will be able to tell you about the different types of plans available in your area and how they work. There is no obligation to enroll in a plan, so you can get all the information you need without making a decision immediately.

You can also visit the Medicare website at medicare.gov or call the Medicare helpline at 800-MEDICARE to learn more about your coverage options.

How Can Funeral Funds Help Me?

Funeral Funds is an independent life insurance agency that offers a simple, convenient, and affordable way to buy life insurance.

We understand that buying life insurance is a personal decision, and we will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs. We offer both term and whole life insurance policies from various carriers.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about life insurance. We are not affiliated with any life insurance company, so we can offer unbiased advice.

Call us at (888) 862-9456 today to learn more about how we can help you. We look forward to speaking with you.

*This website is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by Medicare Coverage Helpline or Medicare Advantage. Any Medicare Coverage Helpline trade name or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the trademark holder of their product brand.

Medicare Coverage Helpline is a registered trademark of its original owners, and Funeral Funds of America declares no affiliation, sponsorship, or any partnerships with any registered trademarks unless otherwise stated.

The information on this website is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only, and all information in this article is subject to change without notice.