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Written by Warren Cranford, Medicare licensed agent
There are nearly 59 million Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. The first Baby Boomers aged in Medicare in 2011, and at that time it was predicted that 10,000 people would age in daily, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 80 million by 2030.
What does this mean? Well, it means many things and affects many aspects of our lives. One thing we know for sure is that marketing companies are keenly aware of these statistics, and they are trying to seize the day when it comes to getting these folks enrolled into Medicare Insurance Plans and complementary products. I am constantly reminded of the vulnerability of this segment of our population. Rogue agents are willing to employ limitless manipulative and deceptive tactics to bait Medicare beneficiaries into switching to another plan to increase their personal sales production.
Many Medicare beneficiaries do not know that there are laws in place to protect them from unlawful marketing and from being scammed. For example, no Medicare Plan agent is allowed to place an unsolicited marketing phone call to any Medicare eligible individual, ever. For an agent or broker to call you regarding a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Part D Prescription Drug Plan, that agent MUST have your permission to do so, or it is an illegal call. And yet, just a few weeks ago one of my clients reported to me she had received no less than 38 unsolicited marketing phone calls in one day. Another client confided that they had obtained an additional phone number just to restore peace and quiet to their daily lives.
There is a dramatic increase in the number of people complaining of Medicare FATIGUE. This condition is brought on by the constant bombardment of phone, television, internet and direct mail marketing. This happens many times with absolutely zero regard for the person’s privacy, or their right to peaceful existence.
Here is a sure way to keep from falling prey to these tacticians while giving yourself the chance to obtain the BEST possible coverage. Work with a full-service broker – one who represents YOU, and gives you access to information on all the plans available to you, based on your geographic location and your individual healthcare preferences and needs. And hopefully this broker will be local. If not local, then certainly based on good referrals and reviews from people you know.
When you have a reliable and trustworthy person you can count on to keep you informed, to answer your questions and to consult with you on an ongoing basis – helping you navigate the changes that can come year to year – you can IGNORE the noise! You can rest assured that you are on the right track, and that you are not missing out on something you are entitled to.
Medicare’s AEP – Annual Enrollment Period is here – Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2024. Make plans now to beat Fatigue Syndrome. Enlist the help of someone who remembers your name, who enjoys seeing photos of your grandkids, who knows some of your neighbors and one who understands MEDICARE! This AEP – keep calm, rest easy, and be empowered!
My services are always free, and I’m right here in Middle Tennessee. Call me at 615-594-1810. I’m happy to assist you free of charge if you’d like help with your Medicare questions, would like a review or if you’re turning 65 in the next six months and need some assistance or direction.
Don’t let Medicare drag you down,
Warren Cranford
Medicare Licensed Agent
615-594-1810
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