Does this post lead senior citizens to accurate information about how to obtain free food from the government without it affecting their food stamps or other benefits? No, that's not true: The website linked in this Facebook post leads users to a third-party health insurance agency that is not affiliated with the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
The claim appeared in a Facebook post (archived here) published on April 7, 2022. It read:
I can't remember the last time me and my hubby got to eat out or even buy steak or seafood at the grocery store, so it was super cool to be able to get whatever we want for free thanks to this new benefit that doesn't affect our food stamps and can be used nationwide. Adults 55+ can sign up and start using it instantly. Click the link below to get your card.
This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:
There is a link below the post that leads users to americancaresprogram.com, which is not an official government website. The page opens with the title, "Seniors On Medicare Receive Additional Spending With New 'Relief' Benefit As Food And Gas Prices Rise Without Losing Benefits They Have Now." It proceeds to tell visitors that Medicare, which is a federal health insurance policy for Americans 65 and older, has not been able to cover the needs of the people who are enrolled, but with "Relief Spending" those people can get additional assistance. At the bottom of the screen is a large green button with the words, "Check Eligibility Here >>."
After clicking the green button, easymedicare.com, another non-government website, asks users if they are currently enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. At the top of the screen and on the left-hand side of the page is small text under the easyMedicare logo. The text reads, "A non-government website powered by e-Telequote Insurance, Inc." Essentially, easyMedicare and e-Telequote Insurance, Inc. are a third-party health insurance agency. A disclaimer on easymedicare.com explains that easyMedicare and e-Telequote Insurance, Inc. are not connected or endorsed by the United States government or the "Federal Medicare Program," the latter of which can actually be found at medicare.gov.
Here is a similar Medicare claim Lead Stories debunked in January 2022. An ad from a Facebook page claimed that the U.S. federal health insurance, Medicare, was offering "flex cards" to senior citizens who qualified. The "flex cards" would have allowed qualifying seniors to spend up to $2,800 a year. Such an initiative was not actually connected to Medicare.
