Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.
So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.
I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."
*****
When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.
Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.
Oh, no! I would never report someone for that.
They have to earn a living.
At least they are not robbing or sucker punching people on the street.
Besides, the enrollment period will soon be over and the calls will cease.
Have a nice day!
Then the fraud continues in the business. CMS has rules to combat fraud and if one doesn't want to report an illegal call then let's not report the crooked doctor for Medicare fraud.
Many of those calls come from off shore call centers.
Many of those caller's (not all) are making double what you're making a year, maybe more.
Many of those caller's are getting senior's to change plans by misrepresenting plan information.
On and on......
I am concerned about all those attractive TV commercials that appeal to seniors to change to an Advantage program. They promise even eyeglasses and hearing aids and transportation to the doctor's office.
To be fair, some (many?) people seem to like Advantage programs.
I am just afraid to take a chance.
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Taking advantage of seniors seems to be a full-time job. I have been getting calls from a recording that says something like: "This is Officer Bob. You did not pay your power bill. Press button 1 to talk with an agent. Otherwise, your power will be turned off in 30 minutes."