California Insurance commissioner Dave Jones is advising  Senior’s to be aware of unreasonable sales practices during the 2012 open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage Plans and the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. Open enrollment starts today and ends December 7th.

Click to hear Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones

The insurance commissioner also warns that seniors may  receive postcards and mailers suggesting they need to “take action now” on Medicare.  Seniors should  verify the person you are dealing with has proper authority to act on behalf of the plan.

click to hear Insurance Commisioner Dave Jones

Federal law also prohibits offers of free meals for listening to sales presentation or for signing up in a particular plan.
Anyone with concerns or complaints can call the Insurance commissioner hotline at 1 800 927-help (4357).  The non-profit HICAP program funded by the Insurance commissioners office also  offers free unbiased counseling in Medicare  questions.  Contact HICAP at 1800