Protecting Your Loved Ones: How to Shield Your Mother with Dementia from Aggressive Insurance Practices
Dealing with the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia can be overwhelming, and unfortunately, some insurance companies may exploit this vulnerability. If your mother, who is living with Alzheimer’s, is being targeted with relentless calls to alter her health insurance over the phone, you are not alone. It can be frustrating to learn that she has been persuaded to switch plans—first with Humana, then with Aetna—only to face obstacles when trying to rectify the situation.
When reaching out to the insurance companies, it’s common to encounter difficulties, with representatives claiming, “we don’t show a legal representative on her account.” This can be particularly exasperating, especially since the deals are made over the phone with someone who might not fully understand the implications. As her designated legal power of attorney, it’s essential to ensure you are recognized as the primary contact.
Here are some steps you can take to protect your mother from unsolicited and potentially exploitative insurance changes:
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Register Your Power of Attorney with the Insurance Companies: Ensure that every insurance company your mother is associated with has your paperwork on file. This step will establish you as her legal representative, granting you the authority to make decisions on her behalf.
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Implement Call Blocking or Screening Methods: Technology can be a powerful ally. Use call-blocking services or devices to prevent unknown or suspicious numbers from reaching your mother’s phone. Consider investing in caller ID features or apps that filter incoming calls.
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Opt-Out of Marketing Calls: Contact the insurance companies directly and request to opt-out of all marketing communications. Additionally, you can register her number with the National Do Not Call Registry, which can reduce the volume of unsolicited calls.
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Educate and Inform Her Current Providers: Notify her current healthcare and insurance providers of her condition and your role as her decision-maker. Ask them to document this information in their systems to prevent unauthorized changes.
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Stay Informed and Vigilant: Regularly review your mother’s insurance statements and be on alert for any unauthorized changes. Quick detection allows prompt intervention, minimizing potential disruptions in her coverage.
By taking these proactive measures, you can better protect your mother from aggressive sales tactics and ensure her health insurance remains stable and consistent. Remember, staying informed and advocating for your loved one is key to safeguarding her wellbeing.
I’m truly sorry to hear about the distressing situation you and your mother are facing. Navigating through healthcare decisions can already be challenging without the additional loopholes and obstacles presented by some insurance practices. Let me offer some practical advice and steps you can take to protect your mother from these predatory practices:
Document and Verify Legal Status: Since you are already the legal power of attorney for your mother’s affairs, ensure that you have all necessary documentation indicating this status easily accessible. Provide copies to all relevant parties, including her current healthcare insurance provider. Write a formal letter to each insurance provider where you’re handling her affairs, clearly stating your legal authority, and request formal acknowledgment that you are the primary contact for all her health insurance matters going forward.
Register for Do Not Contact Lists: Add your mother’s phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry, which should, in theory, reduce the number of telemarketing calls she receives. While this won’t stop every call, it may help reduce the volume. Additionally, consider contacting the insurance companies directly and demand her number is placed on their internal do-not-call list, emphasizing her medical condition.
Security and Call Management: If your mother’s phone service allows, enable call blocking features or consider purchasing a phone specifically designed with robust call screening capabilities. Moreover, you could look into technological solutions like call blockers that can automatically block known spam numbers. This could offer an additional layer of protection.
Contact Insurance Commissioner’s Office: Engage with your state’s Department of Insurance or Insurance Commissioner’s Office. They oversee insurance practices and might be able to assist you in dealing with unethical behavior from insurance companies. File a formal complaint outlining what has been happening, including specifics about calls, the lack of respect for your legal position, and her diagnosed condition.
Engage an Elder Law Attorney: If problems persist, consulting with an elder law attorney could be beneficial. They are proficient in issues specifically impacting elderly individuals, including harassment through financial services. They may offer assistance in crafting a cease-and-desist letter addressed to the insurance entities involved and can provide guidance specific to your jurisdiction.
Educate and Support: Continue to educate family members and those around your mother about what is happening. Encourage them to contact you immediately if they observe any suspicious calls or changes in her insurance policies. Network with local support groups for individuals with Alzheimer’s/Dementia as they might have additional resources and advice.
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