Am I the only one?

[Topspinmo]

Tired of seeing the sleazy Medicare help line commercial with joe Namath? Especially the end where he’s say it free. Bating IMO

Medicare Coverage Helpline | Truth In Advertising (https://www.truthinadvertising.org/medicare-coverage-helpline/)

Just seen another one, go Medicare noticed the free, free, and the big lie 148 dollars back on you SS.

[Mortal1]

Nope. Most of us just ignore that stuff since we can't change it...

[Topspinmo]

Nope. Most of us just ignore that stuff since we can't change it...

So you didn’t get sucked in cause it was Joe Namath?

[Stu from NYC]

So you didn’t get sucked in cause it was Joe Namath?

He was an excellent QB but have no interest in listening to him as a salesman.

[Fredman]

He was an excellent QB but have no interest in listening to him as a salesman.

Agree 100%

[davem4616]

Tired of seeing the sleazy Medicare help line commercial with joe Namath? Especially the end where he’s say it free. Bating IMO

Medicare Coverage Helpline | Truth In Advertising (https://www.truthinadvertising.org/medicare-coverage-helpline/)

Just seen another one, go Medicare noticed the free, free, and the big lie 148 dollars back on you SS.



I thought it was a low point for Joe too...calling it sleazy is actually generous. I often wondered who the heck they thought he'd appeal to as a spokesperson

[Joeint]

Broadway Joe is the man!!!

[Jima64]

Super sleazy for these over the hill athletes and TV stars to push a bunch of false advertising.

[Decadeofdave]

Worse: loan depot commercial were all the employees look like they are crying. Mute Joe

[DeanFL]

.
.
I don't watch commercials, and when he starts I fastforward. IMO he's very hard to look at, and I 'have a thing' against celebrity endorsements - esp the old ones - no offense. They are all meaningless to me, and simply a method to extend the $$$$train for celebs.
.
.

[I'm Popeye!]

Joe Namath has been doing this Medicare commercial for many years.
For some reason he reminds me of Dracula at first glance. :shocked:
But yes, Broadway Joe is the man!

[Joanne19335]

Agree 100%

He must have squandered all his money. He is no salesman IMHO.

GO EAGLES

[Cobullymom]

Turn the TV off...

[Eg_cruz]

Tired of seeing the sleazy Medicare help line commercial with joe Namath? Especially the end where he’s say it free. Bating IMO

Medicare Coverage Helpline | Truth In Advertising (https://www.truthinadvertising.org/medicare-coverage-helpline/)

Just seen another one, go Medicare noticed the free, free, and the big lie 148 dollars back on you SS.
He is pushing the Free HMO......no monthly premium, he is not talking about Part B premium paid to Medicare out of your SS
Which is true......most private HMO are at no cost premium, some that have better benefits will come with a premium
I don’t like the commercial but not sure why you think he is lying.
This I know, Medicare this very strict on advertising ALL ads, newsprint, mailings and commercials have to be approved by Medicare and the state. So this has been approved

[#1bulldog]

I thought new enrollment time was October to December. What happened to that policy? Commercials and annoying phone calls happen all year long now.

[WesMan]

broadway joe is the man!!!
not!!!!!!

[talktome]

I agree he's annoying however what about all these stupid ads on this site? Anyway to get rid of them so that I can read the articles only and not get " attacked" by all this stuff like especially the guy selling reverse mortgages! How does he get away with it? Ugh!

[jedalton]

I agree, bet he has never had to use Medicare

[noslices1]

Tired of seeing the sleazy Medicare help line commercial with joe Namath? Especially the end where he’s say it free. Bating IMO

Medicare Coverage Helpline | Truth In Advertising (https://www.truthinadvertising.org/medicare-coverage-helpline/)

Just seen another one, go Medicare noticed the free, free, and the big lie 148 dollars back on you SS.

There are some Medicare Advantage programs that SO get you that “$148.00” payment from SS that pays for Medicare. Some even get you money every month to use for OTC pharmacy products.

The commercial that upsets me whenever I see it is the one for Reverse Mortgages by Tom Seleck. There is only a very small percentage of Seniors that a reverse mortgage would be good for, but he pushes it for everyone who wants “extra money”, and yes Tom, it IS a plan to take your house for a small percentage of what it’s worth.

[billyb1950]

Agree 100%
He was a good quarterback, exceeded only by his addiction to alcohol.

[Heyitsrick]

Namath (and others) are hawking Medicare Advantage (aka MA) plans - private insurance plans that are alternatives to standard Medicare and Medicare Gap plans. MA plans are traditionally much cheaper - sometimes with a $0 premium - than traditional plans. Sometimes they offer free gym plans, like the Silver Sneaker plan. Sometimes they have offerings with dental and some hearing aid coverage. The MA plans come with "Plan D" prescription coverage built in.

The downsides? There could be lots of out-of-pocket costs for some services. My late mom was talked into switching from a Medicare/Medicare Gap plan to a MA plan by her doctor's office in TV. She ended up having to go to the hospital as an in-patient several times one year. Her MA plan only covered in-patient care after the third day you were there. That's lots of $$ to pay when you have separate in-patient hospital visits. Her MA plan was regional, and her doctors had to be part of that plan. Some plans require your doctors to act like HMO doctors, where they need to refer you for care you want/need.

Make no mistake about it - lots - millions - of people opt for these MA plans because of their low initial costs. If you're healthy, they're a great deal. When you're sick and need serious care, you could be in a for a financial shock. I would never go for one of these MA plans after what my Mom went through. But lots of people are happy with them.

[camaguey48]

Tired of seeing the sleazy Medicare help line commercial with joe Namath? Especially the end where he’s say it free. Bating IMO

Medicare Coverage Helpline | Truth In Advertising (https://www.truthinadvertising.org/medicare-coverage-helpline/)

Just seen another one, go Medicare noticed the free, free, and the big lie 148 dollars back on you SS.
Nothing is free.

[giorgio1948]

He needs the money... needs to make a living...feel bad he has to go that route ~

[nick demis]

Like every other celebrity, he is make some money.
It's a commercial.
90% of commercials are highly deceptive.
Just ignore it like almost every other commercial.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I hit the Mute button as soon as he comes on! Sick of him!

[jbrown132]

Tired of seeing the sleazy Medicare help line commercial with joe Namath? Especially the end where he’s say it free. Bating IMO

Medicare Coverage Helpline | Truth In Advertising (https://www.truthinadvertising.org/medicare-coverage-helpline/)

Just seen another one, go Medicare noticed the free, free, and the big lie 148 dollars back on you SS.

What a coincidence, just last week I said to my wife I use to like Joe Namath. Now, I’ve seen his face so many times I’d like to tie and gag him. This is over kill in advertising and I think it really turns people off.

[Spalumbos62]

Super sleazy for these over the hill athletes and TV stars to push a bunch of false advertising.

Its really not false advertising, its all true...if you qualify to an almost poverty level... and for those people I am happy.

[Travelingal702]

Tired of seeing the sleazy Medicare help line commercial with joe Namath? Especially the end where he’s say it free. Bating IMO

Medicare Coverage Helpline | Truth In Advertising (https://www.truthinadvertising.org/medicare-coverage-helpline/)

Just seen another one, go Medicare noticed the free, free, and the big lie 148 dollars back on you SS.

Can't decide who's worse: Joe Namath or Dr. Oz, who's a shill for every diet product that comes down the pike. Makes one not believe anything any of them say. Joe was good in his day. Now he's just a "has been".

[Proveone]

I use to like Joe Namath before he started doing those commercials. I agree with you. Tom Selleck and reverse mortgage is another one. Mike Ditka yet another.

[LSTOWELL]

Tired of seeing the sleazy Medicare help line commercial with joe Namath? Especially the end where he’s say it free. Bating IMO

Medicare Coverage Helpline | Truth In Advertising (https://www.truthinadvertising.org/medicare-coverage-helpline/)

Just seen another one, go Medicare noticed the free, free, and the big lie 148 dollars back on you SS.

He needs to go away!!!
Figured he'd been done in December!! Yuck. Tired of him and his voice

[Stu from NYC]

I agree he's annoying however what about all these stupid ads on this site? Anyway to get rid of them so that I can read the articles only and not get " attacked" by all this stuff like especially the guy selling reverse mortgages! How does he get away with it? Ugh!

Reverse mortgage guy seems to be gone for a bit. Hoping he stays gone.

Thankfully we can scroll past stuff we are not interested in.

[Stu from NYC]

I hit the Mute button as soon as he comes on! Sick of him!

This is why we DVR everything we watch so we can go right past all the commercials

[D.Bolen]

I thought new enrollment time was October to December. What happened to that policy? Commercials and annoying phone calls happen all year long now.


Maybe when running ads all year they're targeting those just turning 65 who will become eligible for Medicare & enrollment in a supplementary plan the first month they reach age 65, no matter what month of the year it is.

I get a kick out of Broadway Joe's amateurish and corny over-the-top delivery, and feel some nostalgia regarding what a strapping and swaggering young man he used to be. Though since the stigma of career desperation for celebrities (even current big names) doing commercials seems to have vanished, I feel a bit sorry for the regular up-and-coming actors who used to get those parts.

Off topic a bit, but the one that infuriates me is for the Capital One credit card ("What's in your wallet?"), currently featuring Samuel L. Jackson or Jennifer Garner. I can only assume these celebs are clueless that this company lures primarily low-income folks (often with poor credit ratings) with repeated mailing of introductory offers (it can be hard to resist $ that can buy a new mattress for your child, for example) and ropes them into what often becomes a high-interest trap of lifetime debt.

Since he's been doing these commercials longer than anyone and appeals to all generations, I'd LOVE to see Samuel L. Jackson look into this company's practices and then present some PSAs warning uninformed young folks about the dangers of credit card debt, and encouraging practical ways to avoid that trap.

I can see the concern with the Tom Selleck commercial; for whatever reason (mature good looks & resonant voice, eye-contact/confidence, maybe his "Blue Bloods" role) he projects an air of integrity and is a "senior" himself, so his presenting something as good for seniors may inspire an inclination-to-trust similar to that of a commercial featuring Dr. Oz promoting a health product.

[jimjamuser]

There are some Medicare Advantage programs that SO get you that “$148.00” payment from SS that pays for Medicare. Some even get you money every month to use for OTC pharmacy products.

The commercial that upsets me whenever I see it is the one for Reverse Mortgages by Tom Seleck. There is only a very small percentage of Seniors that a reverse mortgage would be good for, but he pushes it for everyone who wants “extra money”, and yes Tom, it IS a plan to take your house for a small percentage of what it’s worth.
Agree, I always found the Tom Selleck ad to be obnoxious. Very few TV ads are interesting.

[stan the man]

Reverse mortgage guy seems to be gone for a bit. Hoping he stays gone.

Thankfully we can scroll past stuff we are not interested in.

like the reverse mortgage guy, there are some people who feel they have to add their opinion to everything said

[Marine1974]

I have a friend who’s wife works in the billing department for a hospital . She say most of the complaints are from people with
Medicare advantage plans .

[jimjamuser]

Namath (and others) are hawking Medicare Advantage (aka MA) plans - private insurance plans that are alternatives to standard Medicare and Medicare Gap plans. MA plans are traditionally much cheaper - sometimes with a $0 premium - than traditional plans. Sometimes they offer free gym plans, like the Silver Sneaker plan. Sometimes they have offerings with dental and some hearing aid coverage. The MA plans come with "Plan D" prescription coverage built in.

The downsides? There could be lots of out-of-pocket costs for some services. My late mom was talked into switching from a Medicare/Medicare Gap plan to a MA plan by her doctor's office in TV. She ended up having to go to the hospital as an in-patient several times one year. Her MA plan only covered in-patient care after the third day you were there. That's lots of $$ to pay when you have separate in-patient hospital visits. Her MA plan was regional, and her doctors had to be part of that plan. Some plans require your doctors to act like HMO doctors, where they need to refer you for care you want/need.

Make no mistake about it - lots - millions - of people opt for these MA plans because of their low initial costs. If you're healthy, they're a great deal. When you're sick and need serious care, you could be in a for a financial shock. I would never go for one of these MA plans after what my Mom went through. But lots of people are happy with them.
Yes, forget Medicare Advantage plans. But, remember Broadway Joe for the good football player that he was!

[wisbad1]

Tired of seeing the sleazy Medicare help line commercial with joe Namath? Especially the end where he’s say it free. Bating IMO

Medicare Coverage Helpline | Truth In Advertising (https://www.truthinadvertising.org/medicare-coverage-helpline/)

Just seen another one, go Medicare noticed the free, free, and the big lie 148 dollars back on you SS.
Sounds like the guy selling windows, “call now “

[DAVES]

There is actually a science and an industry devoted to this. We like to think we are immune to advertising-we are not. I fast forward commercials. Yet, I must admit, I watch to see when I've passed the commercials and have seen them all so many times it is like a booster shot from the hated by me Gecko or..........

Joe Namath is well known. Surely, he is represented by an agent. If, you want Joe it will cost you $$$$$. I can offer you Tiger Woods for ??????? A pretty girl for ????????? A cute kid for ?????????? A puppy for ??????????? For today, if, you act quickly you can get an unknown Villager real cheap.

[Lulu52]

Two of you have referred to him as "the man." Don't you remember way back when he did the commercial for pantyhose? And did everyone go out and buy pantyhose?

[jimjamuser]

This is why we DVR everything we watch so we can go right past all the commercials
My wife is NOT bothered in the least by TV commercials. She must be more "mentally tough" than I am, she just tunes them out somehow. Women have an inherent ability to multitask. I would think that ability would make TV commercials HARDER to tune out, but I guess they can do both. I am better at tuning her out than the TV ads. What REALLY bothers me about the TV ads is that the stations jack up the volume during those ads. A few years ago Congress passed a law to prevent that increase in volume during commercials. Somehow (?) the TV stations and advertisers got around that law and it was never implemented. Too bad, so sad.

I always wondered if some bright electronic engineer would design a product that would SENSE the volume increase of the ads and then mute them or if recorded, fast-forward out of them. Maybe someone did, but the Television Industry would just buy them out to stop them. Also, I imagine that the Television Industry could create counter-measures to prevent muting and fast-forwarding if too many people did it.

[jleonard]

Add Liberty Mutual ads to that annoyance list!

[jimjamuser]

Maybe when running ads all year they're targeting those just turning 65 who will become eligible for Medicare & enrollment in a supplementary plan the first month they reach age 65, no matter what month of the year it is.

I get a kick out of Broadway Joe's amateurish and corny over-the-top delivery, and feel some nostalgia regarding what a strapping and swaggering young man he used to be. Though since the stigma of career desperation for celebrities (even current big names) doing commercials seems to have vanished, I feel a bit sorry for the regular up-and-coming actors who used to get those parts.

Off topic a bit, but the one that infuriates me is for the Capital One credit card ("What's in your wallet?"), currently featuring Samuel L. Jackson or Jennifer Garner. I can only assume these celebs are clueless that this company lures primarily low-income folks (often with poor credit ratings) with repeated mailing of introductory offers (it can be hard to resist $ that can buy a new mattress for your child, for example) and ropes them into what often becomes a high-interest trap of lifetime debt.

Since he's been doing these commercials longer than anyone and appeals to all generations, I'd LOVE to see Samuel L. Jackson look into this company's practices and then present some PSAs warning uninformed young folks about the dangers of credit card debt, and encouraging practical ways to avoid that trap.

I can see the concern with the Tom Selleck commercial; for whatever reason (mature good looks & resonant voice, eye-contact/confidence, maybe his "Blue Bloods" role) he projects an air of integrity and is a "senior" himself, so his presenting something as good for seniors may inspire an inclination-to-trust similar to that of a commercial featuring Dr. Oz promoting a health product.
That was a GOOD post! And a very good warning about the danger of credit card abuse. Some middle-class people in my own family got themselves in debt trouble by overusing credit cards. So, I have seen the problem and it can get UGLY. For lower-income citizens, it would be a terrible trap.

[kathy1516]

He’s sickening to watch. These Medicare commercials are lies. Namath made millions. If he spent all his cash, too bad. Didn’t like him in football. Revolting to watch him peddle insurance.

[Westie Man]

I saw him in on the street in a fur coat. Quite a shock to see him as an oldster selling to oldsters

[beeneyra]

Pantyhose Joe wouldn't steer anyone wrong.

[tvbound]

Pantyhose Joe wouldn't steer anyone wrong.

His estimated net worth is only $25 million, which is pretty small for someone of his notoriety and who has been around for so long, so I'm thinking he's definitely doing it for the money.

[jellybeanrt]

I agree with you. Nothing in life is free. When, l think Joe Namath. use to live in Miami, not far from me, and we fixed his air conditioner . Also we cheered him, during his footballs games with the Dolphins. I am now disappointed in his actions

[Sherry8bal]

That's what DVR's are for. I NEVER watch ANY commercials!! Just fast forward through them.

[donassaid]

Absolutely sick of seeing it. Comes on about 6 times an hour.

[Inexes@aol.com]

The saddest part of all is that so many unsuspecting seniors get "suckered" into these plans. In my profession I have heard the many horror tales from seniors who ended up with staggering medical bills because they did not understand. And did not seek advice before changing their plans.
As for commercials themselves... I am sick of all of them.... especially the bears and their butts at dinnertime. And I would not even consider Liberty Mutual because of their sick ads. In fact, I have made a promise to myself to not purchase any product that is advertised on TV today.
My poor father would have thrown the TV out the window if he had ever seen the commercials that are now on TV. And I am about ready to do the same. We do DVR also, to fast-forward through the commercials. The ads are becoming exceedingly personal these days.... Especially the ones about feminine hygiene products...... I dread to think what comes next!!!

[scottid]

The "Medicare Hotline" is a ruse. This is misleading advertising in attempt to get you to sign up for plans that other insurers can offer you for less, usually with more benefits. Joe Namath is a salesman (huckster) and anyone who believes in him will get what they deserve. Stay with established companies like AARP-US Healthcare, Florida Blue, Humana, etc. These ads are fly by night. The government has made all Medicare supplements uniform. Do not attempt to bypass comon sense. If you want to save money go with one of the two Villages Medicare Advantage Plans. Otherwise find a supplement with an established company.

[mvbird]

At least Joe Namath is spokesman for a Medicare advantage broker (? haven't called, just assuming).... only one commercial which we see over and over.
On the other hand something must also be wrong in the Pat Boone household. We've noticed him selling pain relievers, nutritional supplements, even a bath tub ?

[Travelingal702]

The saddest part of all is that so many unsuspecting seniors get "suckered" into these plans. In my profession I have heard the many horror tales from seniors who ended up with staggering medical bills because they did not understand. And did not seek advice before changing their plans.
As for commercials themselves... I am sick of all of them.... especially the bears and their butts at dinnertime. And I would not even consider Liberty Mutual because of their sick ads. In fact, I have made a promise to myself to not purchase any product that is advertised on TV today.
My poor father would have thrown the TV out the window if he had ever seen the commercials that are now on TV. And I am about ready to do the same. We do DVR also, to fast-forward through the commercials. The ads are becoming exceedingly personal these days.... Especially the ones about feminine hygiene products...... I dread to think what comes next!!!

I've just seen a commercial for "ball pockets" underwear for men! Good Lord, where will it end???

[Stu from NYC]

At least Joe Namath is spokesman for a Medicare advantage broker (? haven't called, just assuming).... only one commercial which we see over and over.
On the other hand something must also be wrong in the Pat Boone household. We've noticed him selling pain relievers, nutritional supplements, even a bath tub ?

Even more amazing is when dead people are out there selling products

[J1ceasar]

This shows, there is too much money given as commissions for helping us decide on which insurance program is to go for. And yes they are free programs will you get your money back, we got several flyers in the fall talking about this. Generally speaking if you don't pay something, you get less insurance or more deductible deductions

[davephan]

Many people that get Medicare Advantage have “buyers remorse”. You might have to go to less than desirable clinics and hospitals, and denied treatments or procedures. To make a profit, Medicare Advantage has to cut costs somewhere and to some people. Although, I know someone who has Medicare Advantage and is happy with it.

I’ve heard that Medicare Advantage routinely denies about 25% of all claims. I’ve also heard that once you’ve been on Medicare Advantage for over one year, you have to medically qualify to switch back to Original Medicare. If you’re health declines, and you can’t medically qualify to switch back to the Original Medicare, then you’d be stuck with Medicare Advantage, which might not be an “advantage”!

[CaptainMeso]

I like it.

[airstreamingypsy]

No, you aren't the only one who has seen it, but surely you are the only one who would actually write a post about it.

[stebooo]

Your medicare $$will always be spent. He means no additional out of pocket

[bchannon]

To be clear there are several Medicare Advantage plans (I’ve had both Aetna’s and United Healthcare) that provide zero-premium HMO or PPO plans. They have met our needs and there is nothing underhanded or deceptive about them.

[sloanst]

No, you aren't the only one. I change the channel.

[jleonard]

Add “Liberty Mutual” ads to that list also!

[Raton270]

Me too!!!

[stebooo]

Technically you must pay that tomedicare. Companies then at no further charge take over you health care and medicare reimburse your payment to them imo

[PugMom]

and Noxema shaving cream! the only ads that really get me are the animal abuse ones. i switch the channel frequently

[Stu from NYC]

This is why we have a DVR and record and watch at a later date and zap almost ll commercials.

[geofitz13]

Please, someone look up Namath's stats. He was a mediocre QB at best. Had he not gotten lucky and won a Super Bowl (Just one), he wouldn't be bothering everyone with the insipid commercials.