CONSUMER ALERT: What Insurance Agents Can and Can't Do During Medicare Open Enrollment

For Immediate Release
September 18, 2025

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 cannot 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.

What Insurance Agents Can and Cannot Do

Permitted:

• Visit individuals at home if they are specifically invited.
• Share information at health fairs or retail locations.
• Call individuals during allowed hours and in compliance with federal rules.
• Assist with applications for government programs or subsidies.

Not Permitted:

• Visit homes or facilities without a clear invitation.
• Claim to be from Medicare or OSHIIP, unless officially affiliated.
• Use high-pressure tactics or make misleading claims.
• Send unsolicited emails or make unapproved sales calls.
• Conduct sales activities during educational events.
• Provide meals during promotional or sales presentations.

If you are a consumer and need help navigating Medicare open enrollment, OSHIIP, a program of the Ohio Department of Insurance, offers free, unbiased assistance. Call 800-686-1578 or visit insurance.ohio.gov. Contact OSHIIP to report a Medicare solicitation violation and high-pressure or misleading sales tactics.

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Contact: Todd [email protected]