I suspect that companies and Medicare think they are doing a good thing.
I worked for a company that gave me Medical Benefits for a price and in earlier years, I had no options. When I had no options, my mind was clearer and I could have made those options. Now each year during the month of December I have to make the decision as to which option I want for my prescriptions, this year an additional option up and beyond the option of which plan I want, Aetna has stepped into the picture with scads of information on their options, and if that is not bad enough, Medicare sends its package with its options. I have to scrutinize all of that and then come up with a decision.
I wonder if these do-gooders realize that this 75 year old mind, just can't comprehend all of this information. I communicate with a number of retirees and all of the feedback I get is negative in regards to making these yearly decisions. Almost makes you hate to see October, November and December roll around as once again it is decision time.
Although I didn't take an actual poll, I would say 95% of the feedback I get is that we are going with what we had last year. I get numerous emails asking me for my advice. I reply, I am sticking with what I had last year, I just don't understand all this other stuff. Hopefully what I am doing is right. I certainly hope this new administration comes up with something that will stop this decision requirement for us Senior Citizens - Whether you think so or not, many of us are not up to making these decisions, and I am one of them.
Was watching Channel 44 last night and it shows where a group of students are helping Seniors make a decision on what RX Coverage to sign up for. Does this sound right to you?? What if these kids make a mistake?? You can check out what the students are helping seniors with, which is good, but there has to be a better solution:
http://www.fox44.net/Global/story.asp?S=9390046 (http://www.fox44.net/Global/story.asp?S=9390046)