Are Insurers Exploiting Health Care Debate To Mislead Seniors And Drum Up Business?
A mailer being sent by health insurers to seniors, and obtained by TPMmuckraker, seeks to exploit fears about Congressional changes to the health care system to sell supplemental insurance. And it contains false claims about “new” reductions in Medicare benefits imposed by Congress. Yesterday, 66-year-old Donna Price of Battle Ground, Washington, received this official-looking mailer in a pull-apart envelope from direct mail firm Target Leads (aka TL Service Center). It announces: “IMPORTANT: NEW MEDICARE CHANGES.” And continues: “Your Medicare benefits have been reduced by Congress due to increases in your Deductibles and ‘Part A’ Co-Insurance payment. Now, Medicare pays less of your health care cost and you are responsible for the unpaid balance.” At the bottom, the mailer notes “Tim Manry, licensed insurance agent” may get in touch if you return the card with your contact information. Manry is the Seattle branch manager for Connecticut-based insurance company Futurity First. The Web