The California insurance commissioner is warning seniors about “predatory” insurance “agents and brokers who routinely seek to take advantage of seniors” as they embark on “vigorous marketing and sales efforts” to sell Medicare Advantage plans, according to a statement.

Steve Poizner

Commissioner Steve Poizner’s warning came in advance of the annual open-enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans, which begins Nov. 15. Seniors are able to choose from a collection of plans providing supplemental coverage to their Medicare benefits.

“As insurance commissioner, I want to be sure that California seniors do not become the victims of aggressive or deceptive sales practices which are too common during open enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare Prescription Drug Program,” said Poizner in a statement. “Seniors and their families should arm themselves with as much information as possible.”

Poizner provided a list of suggestions to help “seniors protect themselves against predatory insurance sales practices,” according to a statement from his office.

Over the last few years, concerns have been raised in Congress and in states over some agents and brokers’ marketing tactics during open-enrollment for the supplemental plans.

About 30 actions against insurers regarding Medicare Advantage plans had been reported by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees Medicare Advantage programs between Jan. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31. Those actions were taken in response to violations, including financial insolvency concerns, contract violations and marketing violations.