Mark Duprè insurance expert and licensed agent for over 4 decades gives you information to help you avoid insurance scams in Illinois and anywhere. 

Insurance has become a mecca for what I call the “snake oil salesman”. This term was coined back in the 1800s when patent medicine was popular and made claims similar to real medicine. Fast forward to 2024, and many modern-day snake oil salesmen don’t even know they are hurting the very people they believe they are helping. Let’s dive into some of these practices and how a trusted local independent agent differs from those selling just one type of plan from one carrier. 

Why an Independent Agent is Your Best Bet

Unlike those high-pressure salespeople, Mark, as an independent insurance agent, gets to know you as an individual. He takes the time to understand your unique needs, health goals, and budget. With this in-depth knowledge, your agent can recommend the right insurance plans including Medicare Advantage, not just the one that yields the quickest commission or easiest sale.  This personalized approach ensures you get the coverage you need, not what’s most convenient for the seller.

How Mark Dupré Avoids the “Snake Oil Salesman” Tactics

Mark exposes the tactics often used by these inauthentic salespeople and shows you how to avoid them. Here’s what sets Mark and an independent insurance agent apart:

• Face-to-Face Conversation: Mark prioritizes getting to know you. He’ll discuss your health, budget, and what matters most to you in a relaxed, pressure-free setting.
• Personalized Recommendations: Based on your individual needs, Mark will find the Medicare Advantage plan that best suits your situation.
• Long-Term Partnership: Mark believes in building long-term relationships with his clients. He’s there for you after the sale, ready to answer questions and guide you through any changes in your healthcare needs. You’ll even receive a magnetic business card with Mark’s contact information so you can easily reach him anytime.

Why a Referral-Based Agency Matters

Always check Google reviews to find out what others are saying about their experience with the agency or agent that is contacting you. For example, at the MLD Agency, we’re proud of the trust we’ve built with our clients. Many of our new clients come to us through referrals from satisfied customers and we have rave reviews on Google. This is a testament to Mark’s dedication to providing exceptional service.

Empower Yourself: Learn More about insurance

If you’re curious about the history of “snake oil salesmen,” check out this entertaining video: Link to Snake Oil Salesmen YouTube Video.

Additional Resources

• Medicare Advantage Plans: https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-health-plan-options
• Illinois Department of Insurance: https://idoi.illinois.gov/
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Telemarketing Scams: https://www.ftc.gov/office-inspector-general/ftc-imposter-scams
• Medicare.gov on How to Avoid Medicare Scams: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10111-Protecting-Yourself-and-Medicare.pdf
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) on Consumer Resources: https://content.naic.org/

Popular Medicare Carriers:

Blue Cross Blue Shield: https://www.bcbs.com/
Aetna: https://www.aetna.com/
UnitedHealthcare: https://www.unitedhealthcare.com/

We hope this blog post has been informative. Remember, Mark Dupré is here to help you navigate the world of Medicare Advantage with confidence. Contact the MLD today!

At MLD Agency, we prioritize our clients’ safety and security. Here’s what you can do if you receive a suspicious call claiming to be a licensed agent:

• Do not confirm any personal information.
• Ask for the caller’s NPI number.
• Hang up and call them back directly!
• If they cannot provide an NPI number or hang up on you after using choice words, contact the Department of Insurance immediately and provide as much information as you can. 

By staying informed and taking these precautions, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to health insurance scams.

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