state insurance departments, agencies on aging, and state health insurance assistance programs starting on page 52.) Take your time and compare outlines of coverage. Ask for an outline of coverage, describes the policy’s and points out benefits important features. Compare outlines of coverage for several policies, making sure they are similar (if not the same). In most states the agent must leave an outline of coverage when he or she first contacts you. Never let anyone pressure or scare you into making a quick decision. Don’t buy a policy the first time you see an agent. Understand the policies. Be sure you know what the policy covers and what it If you have any questions, call the insurance company before you buy. If any information confuses you or is different from the information in the company literature, don’t hesitate to call or write the company to ask your questions. Don’t trust any sales presentation or literature that claims you have only one chance to buy a policy. Some companies sell their policies through agents, while others sell their policies through the mail, skipping agents entirely. No matter how you buy your policy, check with the company if you don’t understand how the policy works. Talk the policy with a trusted family member or friend. You also may want to contact your state insurance department or state health insurance assistance program (SHIP). (See the list of state insurance departments, agencies on aging, and state health insurance assistance programs starting on page 52.) Don’t be misled by advertising. Most celebrity endorsers are professional actors paid to advertise. They aren’t insurance experts. Medicare doesn’t endorse or sell long-term care insurance policies. Be wary of any advertising that suggests is involved. Medicare Don’t trust cards you get in the mail that look like official government documents until you check with the government agency identified on the card. Insurance companies or agents trying to find buyers may have sent them. Be careful if anyone asks you questions over the telephone about Medicare or your insurance. They may sell any information you give to long-term care insurance marketers, who might call you, come to your home, or try to sell you insurance by mail. Be sure you put correct and complete information on your application.
state insurance departments, agencies on aging, and state health insurance assistance programs starting on page 52.) Take your time and compare outlines of coverage. Ask for an outline of coverage, describes the policy’s benefits and points out important features. Compare outlines of coverage for several policies, making sure they are similar (if not the same). In most states the agent must leave an outline of coverage when he or she first contacts you. Never let anyone pressure or scare you into making a quick decision. Don’t buy a policy the first time you see an agent. Understand the policies. Be sure you know what the policy covers and what it If you have any questions, call the insurance company before you buy. If any information confuses you or is different from the information in the company literature, don’t hesitate to call or write the company to ask your questions. Don’t trust any sales presentation or literature that claims you have only one chance to buy a policy. Some companies sell their policies through agents, while others sell their policies through the mail, skipping agents entirely. No matter how you buy your policy, check with the company if you don’t understand how the policy works. Talk the policy with a trusted family member or friend. You also may want to contact your state insurance department or state health insurance assistance program (SHIP). (See the list of state insurance departments, agencies on aging, and state health insurance assistance programs starting on page 52.) Don’t be misled by advertising. Most celebrity endorsers are professional actors paid to advertise. They aren’t insurance experts. Medicare doesn’t endorse or sell long-term care insurance policies. Be wary of any advertising that suggests Medicare is involved. Don’t trust cards you get in the mail that look like official government documents until you check with the government agency identified on the card. Insurance companies or agents trying to find buyers may have sent them. Be careful if anyone asks you questions over the telephone about Medicare or your insurance. They may sell any information you give to long-term care insurance marketers, who might call you, come to your home, or try to sell you insurance by mail. Be sure you put correct and complete information on your application.