
Aetna increasing household discount!

Have you received this postcard in the mail? Is it coming from Medicare? Is it important information? It does say, “REGISTERED DOCUMENT – DO NOT DESTROY.” The truth is this is just a solicitation for insurance, and if you mail in the return postcard you are sure to get a call from an insurance agent, or worse yet a knock on your front door. The unfortunate truth is we now live in a world of information overload and everyone is vying for your attention…yes, even me. And in the world of Medicare, some lead companies resort to making the older population believe their mailing is more than it is.
If you look closely at the small print at the bottom you will read, “This information is not affiliated or endorsed by government agencies or the federal Medicare program. You may be contacted by an insurance licensed representative.” This disclaimer language is a sure sign that the mailing is a solicitation as it is required by Medicare. I am not judging those who use these postcards to drum up business, in fact these cards are completely compliant with current regulations. I just believe there is a better way…honesty!
Why can’t we replace the words, “REGISTERED DOCUMENT – DO NOT DESTROY” with, “THIS IS NOT A REGISTERED DOCUMENT – DESTROY IF YOU WANT…BUT IF YOU DO, OUR AGENCY WON’T BE ABLE TO HELP YOU!” Why can’t we just get back to letting people know we are here to help when they need it.
Here is a great example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrmYLo3tMA8
It has been brought to our attention (thanks to our clients) that several medicare supplement/medicare advantage agents in the area have been going door to door soliciting new business.
If you don’t know, it is illegal for an agent to stop at your door, or call you on the phone, without an existing business relationship.
If this happens to you, please do us and yourself a favor and let them know they are not allowed to solicit door to door. If they don’t agree, direct them to Ohio Administrative Code 3901-8-09, Section (D)(2)(a).
At Seniormark, we work diligently to follow the rules put before us. If you are considering making any changes to your existing plans, give us a call before you do — we are happy to help!!! (937) 492-8800.
For the past year and a half I have been talking with clients about the difference between an “Inpatient” hospital stay vs. being in the hospital under “Observational Status” and why it matters. If you missed my previous blog post on this issue you can read it HERE.
This information is finally getting media coverage which is good because what you don’t know can Hurt A Lot! Here is NBC Nightly News’ coverage of the topic from a few weeks ago:
Feel free to comment below if you have any questions…