That Medicare Letter May Not Be a Scam — But You Can Still Toss It

If you’re on Medicare, you’ve probably received mail that looks very official.

It may say things like:

• “IMPORTANT: READ CAREFULLY”

• “RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE IS REQUESTED”

• “PLEASE CALL TO CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY”

• “You may qualify for additional Medicare benefits.”

The envelope or letter may even include the words Medicare Advantage, Medicare, or Medicare Support Hotline in large print.

So, is it a scam?

Usually, It’s Marketing — Not a Notice From Medicare, but also not a 'Scam'

The letter pictured above is a great example.

Look closely and you'll see wording indicating that it is a solicitation of insurance and that the organization is not affiliated with the federal government.

In other words, the purpose of the letter is to get you to call a phone number and speak with an insurance agent. That doesn't automatically make the company or the insurance plans fraudulent. Medicare Advantage and Special Needs Plans are real types of Medicare coverage. But the letter is advertising, not an official Medicare notice telling you that you must take action.

Why Does It Look So Official?

Marketing companies know that Medicare beneficiaries receive important government correspondence. That's why some advertisements use language and formatting that can feel urgent or official.

The important thing is to read the fine print.

If a letter says things such as “not affiliated with the federal government,” “advertisement,” “solicitation of insurance,” or “licensed insurance agent,” that's a big clue that you're looking at marketing material.

Should You Call the Number?

Unless you actually want to speak with the company advertising to you, you can simply toss the letter.

You do not need to call just because it says:

“Response to this notice is requested.”

“Requested” is very different from required.

If Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, or your current insurance company truly needs something from you, that's different, and those communications should always be reviewed carefully.

A Simple Rule for Medicare Mail

When you receive something that looks urgent, don't panic and don't immediately call the biggest phone number printed on the page.

First, ask:

Who actually sent this?

Look for the name of the organization, the fine print, and phrases indicating that it's an advertisement or insurance solicitation. And when you're unsure, show the letter to a trusted local Independent agent you already know before providing personal information or making changes to your coverage.

Bottom Line

Not every scary-looking Medicare letter is a scam. Sometimes it's simply really aggressive marketing.

This one is essentially saying:

“We would like you to call us so we can talk to you about Medicare insurance plans.”

That's a lot less alarming than “RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE IS REQUESTED.”

So read the fine print, know who you're dealing with, and remember:

You don't have to respond to every piece of Medicare marketing that lands in your mailbox.

Should you ever respond to Medicare Mail?

Sure. The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15th - December 7th) is a great time to review your plan. Sometimes your local independent agents send out letters to the community. This is your opportunity to have a team on your side all year long to advocate for you. If you do not already have a trusted local independent agent, and you get a letter from one this year, collect it, and do some research on them. Do they have a presence online, a Nextdoor page with reviews from the community, maybe a Yelp page? Check out their website, and other sources. If you feel they will be a good match for you, reach out!

Licensed Agent Medicare Melanie recommends working with a local independent agent, not a national agency with deep pockets receiving paid celebrity endorsements, or potentially even worse, a 'volunteer service' that sounds inspirational, but in reality DO NOT have the same training and experience as your local independent agent, and who typically have Sovereign Immunity if they make honest mistakes on your insurance coverage! I don't know about you, but I would not be comfortable handling my financial affairs, medical affairs, or just about anything else where someone could make a mistake, and have Sovereign Immunity!

Have Medicare questions?

Medicare Melanie is here to help.

Schedule your free appointment with Medicare Melanie today by calling

(904) 582 - 8067