You've Gotta Be Kidding ?

[stormtracker]

From the dead file: I received a complaint today, through CIP, that a lady didn't know she had been enrolled and had lost her Medicare because of it. She was very upset because she did not know who had done this, did not recall ever being visited or called. Her effective date was 8/1/2007!!! I have three days to respond... My guess is that after 2 years on the plan:

* She was denied enrollment in another SNP and called CMS?
* A relative just visited her on vacation and saw the folder?
* She called CMS with questions, and they told her to file a complaint?
* She just had a new expense from the plan?
* An unscrupulous agent tried to flip her and coached her to file a complaint because she already used her one-time SNP?

No wonder I don't sell that Advantage crap anymore...

 

[Norwayguy]

Re: You've Gotta Be Kidding???

From the dead file: I received a complaint today, through CIP, that a lady didn't know she had been enrolled and had lost her Medicare because of it. She was very upset because she did not know who had done this, did not recall ever being visited or called. Her effective date was 8/1/2007!!! I have three days to respond... My guess is that after 2 years on the plan:

* She was denied enrollment in another SNP and called CMS?
* A relative just visited her on vacation and saw the folder?
* She called CMS with questions, and they told her to file a complaint?
* She just had a new expense from the plan?
* An unscrupulous agent tried to flip her and coached her to file a complaint because she already used her one-time SNP?

that sucks....What are you supposed to respond to in the letter...I would assume you have a copy of the app with her signature on it...I don't know what else to send them other than a copy of the app and that being that it has been 2 1/2 years that she has been on the plan what is her complaint? Its not like she has been using her a medicare card the past 2 1/2 years....

Please tell me you have a copy of the App

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

Re: You've Gotta Be Kidding???

From the dead file: I received a complaint today, through CIP, that a lady didn't know she had been enrolled and had lost her Medicare because of it. She was very upset because she did not know who had done this, did not recall ever being visited or called.

A reminder of how important it is (especially with those "forgetful" seniors) to make some notes as you go. I do 'em right on the client's file folder with a date and time. You don't have to write a novel, just document what happened.

In the event of a disagreement, documentation like this holds up like iron.

 

[Frank Stastny]

Re: You've Gotta Be Kidding???

A reminder of how important it is (especially with those "forgetful" seniors) to make some notes as you go. I do 'em right on the client's file folder with a date and time. You don't have to write a novel, just document what happened.

In the event of a disagreement, documentation like this holds up like iron.

Sorry if this sounds like a plug for YIO. It really isn't. It is just what I use.

The Comment box automatically date/time stamps every entry. I log every contact and appointment with clients and prospects. On two occasions I have been questioned about what transpired between me and a client/prospect.

Each time I have copied and pasted the information from the Comment box in my letter and never heard another word. The date/time stamp is what made the difference.

When I got those inquiries I felt like the drunken mouse who said, "Bring on the damn cat".

Selling insurance is great, documenting everything, PRICELESS.

 

[stormtracker]

Re: You've Gotta Be Kidding???

Oh yeah, I've got the agent copy and nothing out of the ordinary was noted. It just seems to me that by inspection, as my old algebra teacher used to say, this complaint is without merit. Nonetheless, I have to respond. Another factor is my CIP enrollments were via Parker and Asses. I have heard through the grapevine that the Texas DOI is going after old P&A agents aggressively and levying fines despite the frivilous nature of many of these complaints. I have learned my lesson about drinking "dirty water," but the aftertaste never goes away it seems...

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

Re: You've Gotta Be Kidding???

Oh yeah, I've got the agent copy and nothing out of the ordinary was noted. It just seems to me that by inspection, as my old algebra teacher used to say, this complaint is without merit. Nonetheless, I have to respond.

Your inspection doesn't matter.

Date? Time? Location?

You have no notes or files on the case. All notes and files on the case are in the care and custody of Parker & Associates, your Field Marketing Organization.

 

[MedSuppPro]

Re: You've Gotta Be Kidding???

stormtracker,

Man, I feel your pain...

Did she have a telephone verification call? A copy of your application is at the home office -- so what would that look like? Did she app through the mail?

Another point is that the carrier at least three times has mailed ID cards and coverage booklets. The two or three Medicare&You books that she also received clearly explains she is "STILL" in Medicare. She is "STILL" in Medicare!!!

There seems to be several issues here. The one that could pinch you would be you never saw her in the first place and or slamming. So do you have any way to prove you saw her (i.e. mileage log).

Let us know how this goes. I'd hate like hell to have some angry Aricept user take me down. Good luck!!!

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

Re: You've Gotta Be Kidding???

The two or three Medicare&You books that she also received clearly explains she is "STILL" in Medicare. She is "STILL" in Medicare!!!

My understanding is that if she enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan, she is technically disenrolled from Medicare...

 

[Frank Stastny]

Re: You've Gotta Be Kidding???

My understanding is that if she enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan, she is technically disenrolled from Medicare...

Yes she is.

Regardless of what has been posted here in the past, when someone enrolls in any Part C plan they give up their traditional Medicare. What that means is their Medicare Card is worthless. They might as well burn it for all the good it will do them.

Agents who say that they "still have Medicare" when they enroll in a Part C plan are blowing smoke at them in an attempt to make them feel "warm and fuzzy". A very questionable tactic.

It is a simple case of deception (I'm holding back) used to sell a Part C plan. If an agent does not explain that to a prospect, it is at best a ploy to sell an MA plan to a senior who does not know any better.

 

[hardwork]

Re: You've Gotta Be Kidding???

Burn their Medicare card?
How would they get the 10% discount on their bus fair?