The Facebook Group Chat Strikes Again We’ve all seen it. Someone drops a comment in the neighborhood Facebook group like, “Whatever you do, don’t sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. My aunt lost all her benefits and had to pay $10,000 out-of-pocket.” Suddenly, everyone’s chiming in. “I heard Medicare Supplement plans are going away.” Or, “If you don’t sign up at 65, the government will fine you forever.”
If your heart rate went up reading that, you’re not alone. Misinformation spreads fast, especially when it sounds scary and comes from someone you kinda-sorta know.
Let’s Debunk These Group Chat Myths
Myth #1: Medicare Advantage plans are scams
Reality: They’re not scams. Are they different than Supplements? Yes. Do they work better for some people than others? Also yes. Medicare Advantage plans are regulated by the federal government. They come with their own networks, rules, and perks (like dental or vision), but that doesn’t make them scams. Some people love them. Some people hate them. The real question is: does it fit your life?
Myth #2: Medicare Supplement plans are going away
Reality: This one spreads every year like clockwork. No, Supplements are not being eliminated. What did happen is that Plan F stopped being available to people new to Medicare after 2020. But other plans, like G or N, are still alive and well. In fact, they’re some of the most popular Supplement plans nationwide. You will likely hear the same myth about Medicare Advantage plans too; that they are going away and everyone will have to move to supplements. Advertisement agencies will often use these types of phrases as scare tactics which I do not like. Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans together serve 80-90% of individuals on Medicare and if either of them were eliminated, it would make quite the impact on millions and millons of Americans.
Myth #3: You can only change plans once, then you’re locked in for life
Reality: Absolutely not! I’m sure you’ve seen and received all the advertisements about changing plans. At OnMedicare Insurance Agency, we review your Medicare Plan (Advantage, Part D, and/or Supplement) during every Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15th through December 7th. You can also qualify for Special Enrollment Periods if certain things happen—like moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for extra help. The best independent insurance agents know when and how to change your plan and don’t feel constrained by typical enrollment restrictions. That’s where a local Medicare broker in Green Bay WI can make all the difference.
Myth #4: If you don’t enroll in Medicare at 65, you’ll be permanently penalized
Reality: There are exceptions to every rule. If you don’t have other creditable coverage when you turn 65 (like through an employer), and you delay Medicare, then yes, you could face a penalty. But if you’re still working and covered by a qualifying group health plan, you’re in the clear until you retire or lose that coverage. There are multiple ways of having credible prescription drug coverage; general statements don’t usually apply to everyone. If you have an agent that puts you into a box by applying all these generalized statements to you without asking questions, it’s time to find one who will personalize Medicare for you.
Myth #5: You’ll automatically get the best plan if you go through Social Security
Reality: Social Security helps you enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. But they do NOT help you pick a Medicare Advantage plan, Prescription Drug plan, or Supplement. You’re on your own for that part unless you work with a broker. If you’re relying on the Social Security office to guide your coverage decisions, you’re going to miss out on a lot of important details.
The Danger of Advice That’s Too General Everyone’s health, budget, and priorities are different. So when your neighbor says, “Plan XYZ worked great for me,” that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for you. Your medications are likely different than your neighbor’s, your doctors might not be in-network of the same plans, and you might qualify for extra benefits they don’t.
That’s the problem with generic advice—it’s not about you.
How to Know What’s Actually True Instead of relying on the group chat, talk to someone who does this for a living. A licensed, independent Medicare broker in Green Bay WI can pull up plan comparisons based on your doctors, your prescriptions, and your needs. That’s how you get real answers. And that’s how you avoid $10,000 mistakes based on a comment thread from someone named Brenda who once helped her dad sign up for a plan in 2014.
When You Should Definitely Get a Second Opinion If someone tells you:
- You only get one chance to pick a plan
- All Advantage plans are bad
- All Supplement plans are overpriced
- You don’t need a drug plan if you don’t take meds
- Medicare covers dental and vision automatically
…stop and double check. Because chances are, you’re missing context.
Why Local Expertise Matters Every state, county, and zip code has different plans and pricing. A plan that works great in Florida might not exist in Wisconsin. A Medicare broker in Green Bay WI will know what local networks are strong, which carriers have good customer service in the area, and which plans are competitive this year.
You deserve answers that are specific to you. Not a copy-and-paste post from a social media comment thread.
Final Thoughts Look, we’re not blaming your neighbor. They probably meant well. But Medicare is complicated, and what worked great for them might be a disaster for you. Before you act on Facebook advice, schedule a quick call or meeting with someone who actually knows the landscape.
At OnMedicare, we’ll sit down with you, ask the right questions, explain your options, and help you feel confident that you’re making the right choice—not just following a myth that took off in a group chat.
Got a question? Let’s bust some myths together.