“Ring, ring.” Oh no. How many is this today? 10? 15? MORE?!?
How many “Medicare” calls do you endure every single day? I can tell you…too many!
I’ve sat with thousands of Medicare Enrollees over the past 12 years and the number one complaint I hear from the seniors I serve are these never-ending calls. Are you mad? You should be.
In this article, I’m going to tell you a little more about these people on the other side of the call and why they call. I’ll answer why Tennessee has been ground zero over the past few years. Finally, I’ll give you a little advice about how to decrease the calls and handle your Medicare moving forward.
First, who are these people? Well, they may be in the states, or international, working off of a computer and your name popped up on their screen. The auto-dialer system dialed your number. It is illegal for them to call you to press for a Medicare sale (MAPD, MA, PDP) so they pretend that’s not why they’re calling. Inside secret, THAT IS EXACTLY why they are calling you!
The caller needs very little information to fill out an application. So, beware what information you share with them. They’ve initiated your relationship on a false premise, so I personally would not share anything with them. They’ll want to know what plan you are currently on…in order to inform you “that’s a good one, but not the best.” They likely will not care about your doctors, your medications, or really anything other than moving you to a different plan. Unlike the TV commercials, you’ll almost certainly never speak to this person again.
Why is Tennessee ground zero? Well, Tennessee has been home to many Medicare 5 Star-rated plans over the past several years. You see, that’s important to know because Medicare allows for a Special Election Period (SEP) to move you to a 5 Star plan any month throughout the year. Normally, an enrollee cannot switch plans outside of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP, Oct. 15th – Dec. 7th) or the Open Enrollment Period (OEP, Jan. 1st – Mar. 31st). You have been targeted as a Tennessean, because if they can get the hook in over the phone, they have an opportunity to enroll you on something, which equals commission for them.
Finally, do not speak to these people. Not a week goes by, when our agents do not receive a call from a distraught member wondering why they received a new card in the mail, or were denied service due to their plan was canceled. Usually, Tri Star Senior Advisors can help you, but you can prevent the problem.
One tip, call this number and put your phone on the National Do Not Call Registry: 1-888-382-1222. Call that number from the phone you wish place on the Registry.
If you find yourself confused or in need of help, Tennessee’s Tri Star Team can help you Today!