Use Write a Letter day to say thanks to end of Medicare ads
Many people will celebrate Write a Letter Day today by either sending a missive into cyberspace or, like old-fashioned me, by taking pen to paper and reaching out to a friend. I was poised to do just that when I prioritized another holiday yet to be slated in our national psyche.
Before I reveal my excuse to party, think about what Joe Namath, George Foreman, Joe Montana, Jimmie “J.J.” Walker, and Meredith Vieira all have in common. They’re all famous, somewhat long in the tooth, and enjoy air time promoting Medicare helplines.
Rejoice, especially seniors who live in this state of pills, pre-authorizations and PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations). Today is the final day of TV ads for open enrollment touting the myriad of Medicare health plans.
We’ve had about six weeks to weigh options that, in many cases, preach pie-in-the-sky promises for plans that “may” (that’s the operative word) be available in our ZIP code.
Ignorant me, I wasn’t sure what Joe Montana is noted for. But I connected the mental dots and figured sports when he tossed veggies into various bins while endorsing a health plan. As for George Foreman, I wonder if he had any more children he named George. And no grill in sight. Joe Namath, his second or third year in this gig, urges us — as he amps up the volume — to call. “It’s FREE!”
I do remember Jimmie “J.J.” Walker, the string bean, tall son on “Good Times” whose stock phrase was “Dy-No-Mite!” Meredith Vieira is noted for her various journalism assignments but her last name stymies me. Is that second letter ''i'' necessary?
I’ve been in the Medicare maze for 10 years and have increased my vocabulary to include formulary, tiers, advantage plans, Part D, and Medigap, just to cite a few.
In a few hours, those ads that I can quote verbatim will exit the airwaves. These repetitive spots have numbed me into exploring other options so I’ll stick with the plan I already have.
Today I’ll revel in the cessation of these “Call now, it’s FREE” ads and celebrate by writing by hand a letter to a friend.
Patricia Misiuk is a Lakeland resident who hates deciphering lengthy EOB (explanation of benefits) forms. You can reach her at SHOOK46@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: BTW: BY THE WAY
