Seniors, can we talk?
We haven’t talked much about Ruth’s mother, Mrs. Sims. Mrs. Sims lives out of town. She‘s in pretty good health, lives by herself in the house Ruth grew up in but has recently had some short term memory loss. Ruth called to share this story. In fact, Ruth said she’s going to pass this along to as many people as she can. As she does every night, Ruth called her mother. Mrs. Sims told her that someone was coming over to her house the next day to sell her insurance. Ruth asked “what kind of insurance”? Her mother wasn’t sure but thought it was health insurance. Mrs. Sims assured Ruth that she was not going to buy anything. Ruth asked if she knew this person and Mrs. Sims told her no. In fact she could not remember his name. Ruth asked how this person got her name and phone number. Mrs. Sims didn’t know. Ruth told her that she didn’t think it was a good, safe idea to meet with a stranger alone in her home and suggested that she ask a neighbor to join them. Ruth reminded her mother that she has all the insurance she needs. Her mother agreed to invite a neighbor and promised she would not sign anything. Early the next day Ruth called her mother and asked how the meeting went. Mrs. Sims told her it went fine and told Ruth he was a nice young man who was selling dental insurance. He left her some papers since she told him she did not think she had a dental plan - but she does. Thinking about her mother’s welfare and the welfare of others in her mother’s situation, Ruth asked for the agent’s name and phone number and called him. She told the agent she was curious as to how he got her mother’s name and phone number. The agent told Ruth from the church directory. Ruth asked the agent if he thought her mother understood what he told her. He said she did seem confused and unsure at times. Ruth then told him her mother was recently diagnosed with short term memory loss. Ruth strongly suggested that when he’s talking with someone who appears confused about what he’s saying that he needs to immediately end the appointment. He should suggest they reschedule the appointment and meet when either a family member or close friend can be there. As the Annual Election Period (AEP) quickly approaches on October 15 (yes, it’s right around the corner), you may be overwhelmed with mail and/or TV ads. Be aware of information you request through the mail and agents you don’t know who call you (CMS – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services - has strict rules against this). It’s always prudent to review your plans . . . with a certified, professional agent. Thank you, Ruth, for sharing this story. Call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” I’ve got a story to share.
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AuthorCaroline Beauchamp specializes in personalized life and health insurance solutions. Archives
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