Can I Sell You a Blood Test Today?

                     By: Jackie De Haan, Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services

Here is a real life job description you probably never heard of:

Medicare Sales Director: responsible for planning, organizing, directing and managing activities associated with selling and marketing the Medicare line of business for the company.  This position shares responsibility for the profitability of the Medicare line of business.  Reports to Regional VP, Medicare Sales

Simply put, the job is to sell seniors more stuff that Medicare pays for.  The more they sell, the more the federal government has to pay them, the more profit they make. 

Does that seem backward to you? 

I remember when people worked with their doctor to decide what their healthcare needs were.  Now we have sales people who “game” the system,  work around your doctor and reap more profits.  

It doesn’t matter if you really need a new scooter, hey, its free!   

Or new shoes and socks?  You qualify even if you don’t really need them.

Ask for our in-home physical therapy.  It might make you feel better and you will enjoy the attention.

Your doctor?  Not a problem, they will browbeat that office if necessary to get the prescription needed to bill Medicare.  If that doesn’t work, they have their own doctors.

And, it’s free!  Well, maybe it’s not completely free; the taxpayers are footing the bill and China is lending us the money to go into debt.

Now, I don’t want to discourage anyone from obtaining the care they need, but just remember, if you are on Medicare you are a target.  Here are some lines that should make you suspicious:

• “Medicare wants you to have this.”
• “We know how to get Medicare to pay for it.”
• “You will receive a gift for doing this.”
• “This is free, it won’t cost you anything.”

Bottom line: please get the help you need, but don’t let the sales representatives determine your needs.  That is between you and your healthcare professionals.

Do you have a story you would like to share in this column?  Your privacy will be protected. Write or email your story to Jackie De Haan, Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services, 420 E. Alcott, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 or jdehaan@yourguardian.org.

“Safeguarding At-Risk Adults,” Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services is a nonprofit organization with forty-three years of trusted service to the people of Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties.  Their services range from helping people balance their checkbook to serving in court appointed roles.  More information is available at tel (866) 344-0688, ext. 434.

Guardian is a United Way organization.