Medicare Website

[mickeyma]

I noticed that many agents still use Medicare in the website. It is my understanding that this is now illegal so I had to redo my website with a different name.

What has been the experiences of other agents?

 

[mdlovell]

https://medicare.com/

I'm not a lawyer or compliance officer but if they can do it...

 

[mickeyma]

When the rule came out, I contacted the legal department of UHC. They were unclear about the website naming but suggested it would be best to remove Medicare from my website name.

 

[rmhaire]

I noticed that many agents still use Medicare in the website. It is my understanding that this is now illegal so I had to redo my website with a different name.

What has been the experiences of other agents?

Depends on what the website actually says.

CMS can only regulate C & D. You can run around in a red, white and blue thong if you want to.

And never ask UHC anything about compliance. They're the pickiest company out there. Ask someone else.

 

[Duaine]

Notice the word "Misleading." Just use the standard disclaimer on your website. Note I do watch lawyer shows on TV but I'm not an attorney or do I give legal advice.

A non-government site powered by XXX Agency, a health insurance agency.​

XXX Agency and Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We offer plans from a number of insurance companies.

In addition to your marketing materials, CMS prohibits the use of “Medicare” in your business name, logo, or website URL if used in a misleading way — one that would cause potential enrollees or beneficiaries confusion over whether you're affiliated with Medicare.

 

[mickeyma]

I think you solved it, Duaine. The key word is "misleading." And, putting in the phrase that I am not connected with Medicare would make my website acceptable.

Thank you.

 

[mickeyma]

Ok, I'm going to change the name of my website. I will back up my files and hopefully be able to insert them into a new domain without much hassle.

Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[Special Agent]

I noticed that many agents still use Medicare in the website. It is my understanding that this is now illegal so I had to redo my website with a different name.

What has been the experiences of other agents?

That's why i changed from Eddie's Medicare Agency to the EddieCare Agency

 

[Yagents]

Yes it's illegal. Same for aca Marketplace or exchange names.

Big money gets away with it due to lawyers. Scam agents also get away with it because they just e neglect the rules

 

[DonP]

It’s 100% non compliant to have the world medicare in your business name. Wether anyone ever comes after you is another matter . I’m sure there’s a chance a jeoulous agent turns you in .