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Consumer Alert: What Insurance Agents Can and Can’t Do During Medicare Open Enrollment
Agents prohibited from making uninvited visits to homes and senior communities
Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, giving Ohioans on Medicare a valuable opportunity to review and compare their current coverage and explore Medicare plans for 2026.
During this time, insurance agents can be a helpful resource in understanding coverage options and navigating plan changes. Most agents follow the rules and act in their clients’ best interests. However, it is important for agents, consumers, and support staff, such as at senior living communities, to understand what agents can and can't do during this period, and to stay alert for those who may not be following the guidelines.
Agents should never visit individual residences or enter senior living communities unless specifically invited and agreed to in advance. While agents play an important role in helping individuals make informed Medicare choices, unsolicited visits to homes or facilities are not permitted. In addition, it is illegal for anyone to pose as a representative of the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) or Medicare. OSHIIP and Medicare do not send representatives to residences or facilities without a formal invitation.
Pro Seniors, Ohio’s Senior Medicare Patrol, created this flyer to help recognize, avoid, and report Medicare impersonators.
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OSHIIP Medicare Checkup Events Underway, Virtual Town Hall Oct. 2
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program's (OSHIIP) statewide Medicare Checkup events to help Ohioans navigate the Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 open enrollment period for 2026 coverage selection are underway! In addition, OSHIIP is hosting a live, virtual Medicare Town Hall on Oct. 2 to explain all things open enrollment. Get the details and register here!
During the events, participants will learn Medicare fundamentals and changes, how to compare plans, prescription drug coverage options, and ways to save money. The events are presentation-only until Oct. 15 when plan comparisons and counseling services become included at most events.
If someone is unable to attend an event, there are other ways to access OSHIIP's unbiased and free services:
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In Case You Missed It: Medicare Beneficiaries Urged to Watch for Notices on Upcoming Plan Changes
Ohioans on Medicare should be on the lookout for important notices detailing changes to their plans for the upcoming year.
Those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan will receive an Annual Notice of Change and an Evidence of Coverage, which must be sent by their plan no later than Sept. 30. These documents provide critical information about any modifications to coverage, costs, and benefits.
It is essential that Ohioans carefully review these notices as part of the process to determine what Medicare coverage will most suit their needs for 2026. If the notices are not received, individuals should promptly contact their plan to request copies.
Contact the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program at 800-686-1526 or oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov with any questions.
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Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. The skilled, judgment-free counselors are there to provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.
Text 988 or CHAT WITH THE 988 LIFELINE
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