Jimmy Walker Medicare Helpline Commercial Review [Scam Or Legit?]
last updated on March 7, 2022Perhaps you saw a commercial from EasyMedicare TV Commercial featuring spokesman Jimmy Walker, and now you’re wondering, “Is this legitimate?
Lately, there have been many commercials about Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans (M.A. plans). A Trekkie well-known actor, and recently, is it a coincidence that we see a couple of former professional football stars also trying to promote M.A. plans during this time of year?
Many commercials concerning M.A. Plans with paid endorsement actors make you feel like you aren’t getting everything you deserve or missing out on coverages. These missing benefits are shown in large letters repeatedly and imply free and call this number.
We all know that seeing the disclaimer fine print it’s so evident of the holes and indeed brings to mind, if it’s too good to be true, then. First and foremost, Federal law states explicitly that in advertisements, all that we see and hear must not be misleading and must be the truth!
For straight facts about how Medicare Coverage Helpline works and how you can be helped legitimately, then you’re certainly at the right place.
Together we can then take a good, hard look at the fine print—it might surprise you!
Quick Navigation
- Up Close
- Paid Actor
- Zip Code/800 number
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- Medicare Advantage Plan Coverages
- Different Types of Advantage Plans
- Extra Benefits Dental
- Compare Best Dental
- Choosing Best Plans
- Prescriptions
- Pros & Cons
- Money-Back from Social Security
- Truth To Qualify for Money-Back
- Call Now It’s Free
- Truth what’s Important Calling Call Center
- Paid Endorsement
- What Final Fine Print Really Means
- Good News
Up Close
First of all, I feel we should take another look at the commercial and take a closer look.
We can go through the commercial together, and I will Timestamp the section so you can have time to look closer and refer to it easier again if you wish.
We can look at some important details together to investigate to help you determine which insurance is best so then you can make the right choice for yourself and your family.
Then in the different sections of the article, we will talk about the various elements of what is in the fine print, what they are talking about, and how it really works.
Alright, so, let’s start and break down the different parts of this Commercial:
Paid Endorsement – Timestamp: 00:02-00:04 seconds
Disclaimer Fine Print
The fine print in the red circles on this screenshot says –
“Paid endorsement
Extra benefits require enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan.”
I appreciate Jimmy Walker; still, the fact is that this is a paid endorsement, and it’s somebody who is getting paid to make these comments.
It’s not somebody who actually bought the medicare coverage plan from the 800 number but instead an actor who got paid money to talk, so you should know this and always be aware that just because Jimmy says it doesn’t mean it will happen. This is because there are many rules and regulations by the Government.
I’m stressing that it’s done over the phone, and there is no guarantee that you will get this insurance.
You may be talking to a pro or talking to a brand new person. There’s no continuity of quality of service, much less the quality of and availability to carriers.
Bottom line, you are calling a call center. The way these people are hired, as they’ve brought in, they work during the AP Period [this means Medicare’s fall open enrollment, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, is an opportunity to review your benefits and make changes in time for 2022.], and then they’re fired or let go.
So you’re always dealing with new people. You’re never dealing with the same age, and you’re not getting service.
You need a pro, and you need pros working with you that will serve us and help you after the sale and whilst you have access to the best carriers! There is no guarantee that Assurance is offering that to you in this call center being decided over the phone.
We have Personal support.
- More access to Carriers to choose a more extensive array of benefits tailored to you
- You are just a number with a call center; WE are real people to help you for real and will and have been here many years already.
- Most likely, you will retain your policy because you know you are in good hands.
I Called the 800 Number To See What Extra Medicare Benefits I Could Get – An Actual Person Answered Looked Up My Zip Code – Timestamp: 00:05-00:15 seconds.
Disclaimer Fine Print
The fine print in the red circle on this screenshot says – “The 2021 Medicare Helpline is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any government agency or program.
Extra benefits require enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan.”
Many times when you call these companies, you definitely will talk to a real person, but the problem is a lot of these call centers hire inexperienced people that don’t understand Medicare or they were just hired off the street or just got their insurance license.
Although they may seem to be helpful, a lot of the time the agents just don’t have access to all of the carriers like organizations that handle multiple companies to shop around to try to find the best price coverage.
So be aware of the waste of time to speak with agents that barely know anything about all these official rules so they can work in this call center. If they were experienced agents, they would be selling insurance for the private companies, right? They wouldn’t be making minimum wage at this call center. Hope that makes sense?
To have the proper time to compare, and ultimately decide what plan is best for you and your family, sit down with a caring, trained insurance agent. To save money, not rushing into a decision over the phone with you and your family’s best interests will help over time to be safeguarded.
If I did the commercial, I would say, I did the necessary due diligence AND It’s so real, that I advised my own mother, she consulted her lawyer, and wow, everything is true! I’m so thankful…REALLY? This did not happen! Gosh!
Especially, since the amount of information that the U.S. government has for you to understand is actually phenomenal and can’t be understood fully over a phone call to a call center.
Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP) Part C
This type of plan is an additional way to get what Part A and B cover but has additional benefits.
These additional coverage plans are many times called Part C or Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans and are offered by separate private companies that have been approved by and must follow rules that are governed by Medicare.
Have a look and read, if you wish, at The official U.S. government Medicare handbook 2022 pdf.
https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10050-medicare-and-you.pdf
Description of Medicare Advantage Plans
Page 61 of the U.S. government Medicare handbook
These MA plans Part D drug coverage, normally and in many cases to get this coverage, you will need to use the health care provider in that private companies plan network.
The benefit is that the private companies set a limit on the total amount of out-of-pocket money you spend each year for the specified covered services.
Remember you will still have Medicare, however, you will get most of your original Parts A and B coverages from your new Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan, not your original Medicare.
You will receive an additional specific card that you will now use for your new Medicare Advantage Pan so you can get your new Medicare-covered services officially.
(Always keep your original red, white, and blue card from Medicare in case you ever drop your MA plan and wish to once again return to only your original Medicare benefit plan.)
Some of these MA plans additionally offer other non-emergency coverages out of this private network at a higher cost.
Description of Some Medicare Advantage Plan Coverages
See Page 61-62 of the U.S. government Medicare handbook
The Medicare Advantage (MA) (Part C) Plans will cover all of your Part A and B benefits except any hospice services or clinical trials and temporarily the new benefits that happen because of national coverages or legislation has determined.
If you do transition to a MA Part C plan, the Original Medicare will still cover the cost involved for hospice care, some of the clinical research studies, and some of the new Medicare benefits.
The MA Part C does and must cover all urgent care, emergency care, and nearly all the necessary medical services that the Original Medicare covers.
Description of The Different Types of Medicare Advantage Plans
See Page 66-70 of the U.S. government Medicare handbook
• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan: See page 66.
• HMO Point-of-Service (HMO-POS) plan: This HMO plan may allow you to get some services out of network for a higher copayment or coinsurance. Also on page 66.
• Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans: On page 67.
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan: At page 68.
• Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan: See page 69.
• Special Needs Plan (SNP): See page 70.
Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment means
• That most Medicare services are covered through the plan
• Most of your Medicare services aren’t paid for by your Original Medicare Plan
• Additionally most of the Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Extra Benefits means coverage for
- Fitness Programs (like gym memberships or discounts)
- Some Vision, Hearing, and Dental services
And More Benefits depending on what is chosen for example
- Transportation to doctor visits
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Services that promote your health and wellness
- Tailored benefit packages for certain chronically ill enrollees
Seek a professional, courteous, licensed, and above all experienced Agent that you can take the time to plan before you enroll to see exactly
- what benefits does each plan specifically offer
- if you might qualify
- if there are any limitations
I was offered Extra Benefits Like Dental Coverage at Timestamp 00:16-19 seconds.
Disclaimer Fine Print
The fine print in the red circle on this screenshot says – “Plans and benefits vary, and premiums, co-pays, and co-insurance may apply. Plans that have no premiums, no co-pays, no deductibles may require qualifying for low-income subsidies or, SNP plans. Benefits may differ from those offered under your current plan.
Extra benefits require enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan”
Reports say that Medicare Advantage enrollees have access to dental coverage; however, not many have Medicare Advantage.
Congress is battling whether or not to add more benefits, as you can read more about this here.
Important to know about Medicare Advantage Plans
(also known as Medicare Part C) is a healthcare option that basically replaces your original coverage from Medicare. The Part C plans can be purchased from private insurance companies to then cover your medical and hospital benefits.
If you are a senior with Original Medicare, you will most likely need to purchase additional dental insurance coverage. This is due to Medicares Part A, which is hospital insurance, and Part B is medical insurance, possibly covering dental expenses only if it’s part of an emergency or surgery.
The Medicare Advantage Plan (MA)( also known as Part C) is separate insurance that can include dental benefits, depending on the company you choose.
Choosing Correctly
When choosing the best Medicare Advantage plans, you should consider something that includes coverage with dental, vision, and hearing and, of course, with the services that are most important to you.
An example of services could include fillings, dentures, routine dental exams, x-rays, or even gum disease treatment.
Depending on your area and needs, United Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, WellCare, Aetna, and Humana are some examples of good private companies to choose your Medicare Advantage Plans.
Is the plan available in your area and nationwide at competitive prices? Many top companies to choose from have premiums ranging from $0 to over $100 each month, depending on your needs.
Choosing Plans To Benefit You The Most
Many Decisions to make for Expanded Coverage in your Medicare Advantage Plan. Recommend that you consider talking to a broker or consultant to go through every detail with you before you commit to enabling the best coverage for the money and peace of mind for you and your family.
Important Considerations
Find a list of Medicare Advantage Plans that are in your coverage area.
Choosing the Best Type of Plan
- Special Needs Plans (SNP)
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
- Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS)
- Health Maintenance Organization-point of service (HMO-POS)
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Knowing the Plans Details
- Comprehensive Dental
(extraction, periodontics, and restorative services)
- Preventative Dental
(cleaning, X-rays, and exams)
Knowing in advance the Costs involved
- Monthly premiums
- Yearly Maximum you pay for the health costs
- Out-Of-Pocket costs
- Copayments or Coinsurance costs
Plus Prescriptions, Transportation, Meals, and More All at no Additional Cost- Timestamp 00:20-0023 seconds.
Disclaimer Fine Print
The fine print in the red circle on this screenshot says –
“Plan availability varies by region and state. Transportation to plan-approved locations.
Extra benefits require enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan.”
Again, this is available if you actually qualify for the low-income subsidy, then the monthly savings could add up. But only the beneficiaries of Medicare that get (LIS) the low-income subsidy can get some assistance to pay the monthly premiums, coinsurance, copayments, and monthly premium for their Part D.
Many people do qualify for the Medicare Extra Help savings and don’t even realize it.
To correctly calculate your eligibility for the low-income subsidy, Medicare doesn’t count any resources like your home, insurance policies, or car. So for you to find out if you qualify, the best way is to apply.
The requirements are if your assets and annual income limits are below the eligibility threshold. These limits could change yearly, so you should check the most recent levels and pinpoint more accurately the requirements online at Medicare.gov.
Many prefer a Medicare Advantage Plan because coverages include a prescription drug program, dental, vision, and hearing care bundled together under one plan. These plans often have lower monthly premiums (even $0) depending on the coverage of the plan.
Pros and Cons – you decide what’s best
Because many plans are different between plans and providers and even differences in plans that are offered by the same providers can be for example 50% coinsurance or a $50 copayment for a Dental Plan.
Many prefer a Medicare Advantage Plan because many coverages include a prescription drug program, dental, vision, and hearing care are bundled together under one plan. These plans often have lower monthly premiums (even $0) depending on the coverage of the plan.
Medicare Advantage Plan monthly premiums are typically ranging from $0 to over $100 depending on the coverage.
Some Enrollment Rules
- You can then enroll in a separate Medicare Advantage plan
- When you are eligible to enroll for your Original Medicare
- When you have officially reached the age of 65 or younger, if you have a qualifying disability
- Some plans even offer meals delivery. Plans are based on your location with different eligibility and costs.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP) you may be able to qualify for this if you have a life event happening, such as a move, or experience loss of income.
- October 15 to December 7 enrollment periods
(during this time, you can change from your Original Medicare Plan and then to a Medicare Advantage Plan or even change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another when circumstances you see the benefit you to make a change.)
When you see the Free preventive screenings, in the commercials, know that Medicare covers this.
Again, the commercial leads us to believe that we get a huge discount on prescription medications. The normal is that beneficiaries have a 25% responsibility for the cost of medicines. Anyone with Part D drug coverage qualifies automatically after the total drug cost is $4,080, for example.
The latest and best plan for you should weigh out with an independent broker before rushing into any decision.
The Fine Print Disclaimer that says zero-premium doesn’t mean it’s zero costs. Most of any service has an out-of-pocket cost. These out-of-pocket shares of costs will be paid until the Plan member reaches the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum limit. Another example here.
The Benefit That Adds To My Social Security Check – Timestamp 00:26-00:41 seconds.
Disclaimer Fine Print
The fine print in the red circle on this screenshot says – “The 2021 Medicare Helpline is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any government agency or program.
Extra benefits require enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan”
This part is called the Refund Part B buyback during A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows a Medicare beneficiary to join, switch, or drop their prescription drug plan (PDP) Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan (MA or MAPD) outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) that runs from October 15th through December 7th.
THE TRUTH TO QUALIFY
How do you qualify for $148.50 back from Medicare?
If you have Parts A and B, you can enroll in an Advantage plan with a give-back option. These plans reduce your Part B premium up to the full standard amount of $148.50 each month and add the money to your Social Security check.
Only eligible beneficiaries are those with a limited income for a program with the government that helps pay for prescriptions drug costs for Medicare Part D.
These beneficiaries of Medicare that get (LIS) the low-income subsidy can get some assistance to pay the monthly premiums, coinsurance, copayments, and monthly premium for their Part D.
Other than zip code, Medicare has extra help eligibility if you qualify for the (LIS) low-income subsidy that is available for Medicare Part D.
The requirements are if your assets and annual income limits are below the eligibility threshold. These limits could change yearly so you should check the most recent levels and pinpoint more accurately the requirements online at Medicare.gov.
Many people do qualify for the Medicare Extra Help savings and don’t even realize it.
When calculating eligibility for the low-income subsidy, Medicare doesn’t count any resources like your home or any insurance policies or your car. So for you to find out if you qualify, the best way is to apply.
Call Now It’s Free – Timestamp 00:42-00:49 seconds
Disclaimer Fine Print
The fine print in the red circle on this screenshot says – “The Call is free and there is no obligation to enroll.
Extra benefits require enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan”
Most Important when calling the Call Center
The fine print means that a misleading question becomes an intention or makes us believe something that is not true or incorrect.
In fall 2019, the American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution.
These Medicare Commercials are offered by companies/corporations to make a profit. The purpose of these tv commercials is to get you to act fast.
- Do your research
- Be informed
- Get all the truth
Calling a call center with limited options that might not have this or even know to suggest it and definitely, you can’t shop around for the best private company since they don’t represent many companies like the independent brokerage agency like us at Direct Express Support can and will help you and prove to you so you can make the proper choices and never rushed into a decision.
Before you make a wrong commitment, the best advice to do instead is deal with
- A Professional that has access to the best carriers in your area
- A Broker Independent that can shop around for the best program!
- A program that is not just a Zero Premium Plan but gives you the least amount of Copays and deductibles and maximizes the benefits you’re eligible for?
A Paid Actor at Timestamp: 00:54-108 seconds.
Disclaimer Fine Print
The fine print in the red circle on this screenshot says –
“Actual Caller Paid Endorsement”
This is a paid endorsement, and it’s somebody who is getting paid to make these comments.
It’s not somebody who actually bought the medicare coverage plan from the 800 number but instead an actor who got paid money to talk, so you should know this and always be aware that it doesn’t mean it will happen. This is because there are many rules and regulations by the Government.
I’m stressing that it’s done over the phone, and there is no guarantee that you will get this insurance.
You may be talking to a pro or talking to a brand new person. There’s no continuity of quality of service, much less the quality of and availability to carriers.
Bottom line, you are calling a call center. The way these people are hired, as they’ve brought in, they work during the AP Period [this means Medicare’s fall open enrollment, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, is an opportunity to review your benefits and make changes in time for 2022.], and then they’re fired or let go.
So you’re always dealing with new people. You’re never dealing with the same age, and you’re not getting service.
You need a pro, and you need pros working with you that will serve us and help you after the sale and whilst you have access to the best carriers! There is no guarantee that Assurance is offering that to you in this call center being decided over the phone.
We have Personal support.
- More access to Carriers to choose a more extensive array of benefits tailored to you
- You are just a number with a call center; WE are real people to help you for real and will and have been here many years already.
- Most likely, you will retain your policy because you know you are in good hands.
Recap and phone number at Timestamp 00:10-01:45 seconds.
then :
Final Disclaimer Fine Print – Timestamp: 01:46-01:53 seconds
Disclaimer Fine Print The fine print in the red circles on this screenshot says –
“The Medicare coverage helpline is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any government agency or program. Outside of the Medical Annual Enrollment Period, members can enroll in a plan only if they meet certain criteria. A licensed insurance agent can help you determine if you are eligible.”
Then more of the fine print states
“Your call will be directed to a licensed insurance agent or to a third-party partner of Health Plan Intermediaries Holdings, llc who can provide more information about your Medicare insurance plan options.”
Disclaimer fine print means
- Not affiliated with or endorsed or acting on behalf of any government agency or program.
- Your call will be directed to a licensed insurance agent or to a third party partner Health Plan
- Only if they meet certain criteria, then can members enroll.
- Medicare may not offer all plans available in your area.
- The agent may not offer Medicare Advantage Plans.
(So what this means is that it only may apply during the AP election period to qualify for a medical plan.)
What That Fine Print Really Means
So when they say a third-party partner, this means it may not go to Medicare Coverage Helpline. It may go to some random call center that you don’t know or have a relationship with or don’t understand anything about that.
You are just calling a random person without verifying; are they experts? Do they understand the business? There is not much quality control with that, so again buyer beware.
This is opposed to independent brokers that have the latest and best that you get to choose from so that obviously then you and your family are most likely to retain the best for you and save money because it’s not wasted on lesser inferior coverage.
Simply, see for yourself in a timely fashion to make the correct decision for you and your family.
The conclusion of fine print states
“There is no obligation to enroll. This information is not a complete description of 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 1-877-486-2048), 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, or consult www.medicare.gov”
GOOD NEWS
These Medicare Commercials are offered by companies/corporations to make a profit. The purpose of these tv commercials is to get you to act fast.
- Do your research
- Be informed
- Get all the truth
The good news is many times we help people with Medicare questions because there may be the opportunity to get back extra benefits, such as dental vision, hearing, and reducing your copays to get back your $148.50 out of your paycheck that Social Security takes away each month.
Are you interested in free Government benefits that you may be eligible for?
Quality
We want to help to get you access to government benefits and a quality Medicare plan.
Knowing the cost, and what you are entitled to while benefiting from additional coverage that you might not even realize you qualify for is worth a look for you and your family.
Since we are independent brokers, this allows us to shop all the major insurance carriers to find you the best deal in terms of price and coverage.
You’ve got lots of different options here at Direct Express Support. Many times you could qualify for a better policy that starts immediately.
Right now, it’s real easy to get more information;
You can just simply fill out the form you see on your screen that says something like Get Help Now
Or
if you are on your Desktop P.C.,
fill out the form on the right that’s titled Get Your Life Insurance Quote Now