Have you seen the car dealerships relentlessly running TV commercials recently?
‘Our cars are priced starting at $0! That’s right, and we include free oil changes, tire rotations, and road-side service. Stop in or call today to learn if living in your Zip Code qualifies you for up to $1500 of gas coupons.’
The 60 second time slot conveniently doesn’t allow the Spokesperson to mention how much you’re charged for every mile driven and oh, BTW, that the Dealership gets to pick your destinations!
Haven’t seen those ads? Of course not, because no consumer protection agency would allow them.
Where am I going with this?
Well, it’s my yearly rant against the commercials running during Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period. Last year’s is HERE and no less relevant.
To sell these products, CMS requires an annual certification that includes details of what marketing practices are permitted and prohibited. We’re warned Secret Shoppers will police our sales practices.
Apparently Joe Namath gets a free pass. (Pun intended, of course.)
