In order for them to have a commercial, to begin with, they have to be approved through Medicare to have those commercials. So, the commercials are legitimate. They are not a scam. However, you may not be eligible for the benefits that they offer.

Two features of Advantage plans make them easy to advertise: the additional benefits and monthly premiums as low as zero dollars in some counties. Original Medicare doesn't include dental, vision or hearing coverage, whereas Advantage plans often do.

Plans are able to offer extra benefits because they are paid $2,350 per enrollee, on average, above their estimated costs of providing Medicare-covered services (known as “the rebate”). The rebate has increased substantially in the last several years, more than doubling since 2018.

Question: Why are there still commercials about Medicare products on TV? I thought Open Enrollment was over? Answer: The Annual Open enrollment Period is from October 15 to December 7 annually. From January 1 to March 31, we have what is called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP).

So, these commercials are not from Medicare or the government. In fact, a large Medicare agency pays Namath to advertise Advantage policies that beneficiaries can purchase from their agents.

Fall Annual Election Period: The primary reason behind the fall Medicare commercials is the annual election period. This enrollment period starts on October 15th and ends on December 7th every year. During this time, those who want to drop, change, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan can do so.

While many physicians work within the Medicare Advantage networks with few problems, the plans do not come without issues. One of the primary challenges doctors face is referral and pre-authorization requirements that may impede a patient's needed medical care.

One of the biggest differences between Part C plans and Original Medicare (also known as fee-for-service) is that Medicare Advantage often has limited networks of doctors and hospitals and charges you more to see out-of-network providers - if you're allowed to see them at all.

Medicare Advantage plans have affordable rates, simplified coverage and a yearly limit on health care expenses. But you'll have a more limited choice of doctors and medical offices than you would with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans can also cost more overall if you have complex medical needs.

Beginning January 1, 2023, MA organizations and Part D drug plans will not be allowed to air TV advertisements before CMS has approved them, according to Kathryn Coleman, director of the Medicare Drug & Health Plan Contract Administration Group.

Effective July 10, 2023, any material or activity which mentions any benefit – including vision, dental, hearing or premium reduction – will be considered marketing by CMS and, as such, must be submitted via CMS's HPMS system for review and approval.

Endorsed by 300 local, state, and national organizations and co-sponsored by more than half of the House Democratic Caucus including 14 committee chairs and key leadership Members, the landmark bill provides comprehensive benefits to all with no copays, private insurance premiums, deductibles, or other cost-sharing.