1. Did the agent try too hard to convince you of the possibility of you becoming bankrupt, of your plans for retirement being disrupted, or of your savings and that of your children or relative being wiped out because of extended illness?
2. Did the Medicare supplement agent lead you to believe he or she was a representative of the Medicare program, Insurance Department or other government agency?
3. Did the agent suggest you drop a policy you already have in order to buy the policy he or she was selling?
4. If you already have purchased a policy from an agent, has that agent changed companies and suggested you change your policies over to one offered by the agent's new Medicare supplement company?
5. Did the agent suggest you falsify any information on the policy?
6. Did the agent discourage you from shopping around or checking out the policy thoroughly before deciding whether to buy it? Did he or she make you feel like you had to sign up the same day?
7. Did the agent ask you to pay in cash or make your check out to him or her personally or to the agency, instead of the company?
8. Did the agent fail to explain the policy to you or answer your questions completely?
9. Did the agent complete your health history information on the application exactly as you explained it before you signed the application?
10. Check with a reliable source if you have any questions about the authenticity of any Medicare prescription drug card being offered - before you buy!
Changes in federal law make it easy to shop for Medicare supplement insurance coverage. Before you start comparing policies, consider these five suggestions:
1. Learn about Medicare's basic coverage and gaps.
2. Study the 14 standard Medicare supplement insurance plans. Decide what coverage would best meet your health needs and financial circumstances.
3. Compare only the policies that meet your needs. Although the benefits are identical for all Medicare insurance plans of the same type, premiums vary widely among companies and so does the potential for premium increases.
4. Consider your alternatives. If you have limited income and assets, you may qualify for free coverage through other government programs.
5. Contact your state health insurance counseling program for an impartial, free review of your existing coverage.