Protecting Your Loved One with Dementia from Aggressive Insurance Practices
Dealing with insurance companies can often be challenging, but it becomes especially problematic when they target vulnerable individuals. If you’re facing a situation where insurance companies are contacting your mother, who has Alzheimer’s, and persuading her to change her health insurance over the phone, you’re not alone. Here’s how to navigate this tricky situation and ensure your loved one is protected.
Recently, my mother, who suffers from dementia, has been repeatedly targeted by aggressive insurance pitches. Within just one month, she was persuaded to switch her health coverage twice – first to Humana, then to Aetna. These changes were made during phone calls, without any oversight or proper verification, despite her condition.
When I attempted to rectify these mistakes, I encountered numerous obstacles. The companies insisted, “We don’t show a legal representative on her account.” This only added to my frustration, considering they conducted these transactions solely over the phone with someone unable to make informed decisions. It’s incredibly disheartening and downright infuriating.
As her appointed power of attorney, I should have been the one these companies approached initially. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in a similar situation:
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Document Everything: Keep records of all communication with the insurance companies. Note the dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak to.
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Formalize Your Role: Ensure that your role as a legal representative or power of attorney is officially registered with all relevant institutions, including insurance providers. This can streamline communication and prevent unauthorized changes.
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Restrict Phone Transactions: Request that all transactions be conducted in writing and performance of telephonic agreements be reviewed by a legal representative. This ensures no changes are made without your consent and proper oversight.
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Report Unethical Practices: If you believe an insurance company is engaging in exploitative behaviors, report them to state insurance regulators or consumer protection agencies.
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Explore Legal Options: Consider consulting with a lawyer specializing in elder law to learn about further protections or actions you might take.
Protecting our loved ones with dementia from predatory practices involves vigilance and advocacy. By taking proactive measures, we can shield them from undue stress and potential harm.
I’m truly sorry to hear about the difficulties you’re facing with insurance companies targeting your mother. Protecting a loved one with dementia from such predatory practices can be both frustrating and daunting. Here’s a step-by-step approach you can take to safeguard your mother and hopefully put an end to these unwarranted calls.
Document Everything: Maintain a detailed record of every communication with the insurance companies. Note down dates, times, the names of representatives spoken to, and summaries of each conversation. This documentation will help provide a clear trail of interactions which can be crucial if you need to escalate the matter.
Formalize Power of Attorney: Although you’ve mentioned having power of attorney (POA), it’s important to ensure that the legal documentation is comprehensive and recognized by all relevant parties. If not already done, provide the insurance companies with copies of the POA. Specifically, check if your POA has specific language that authorizes you to deal with health insurance matters, as some organizations require this explicit detail.
Contact the Insurance Companies Directly: Reach out to the insurance companies’ customer service departments and ask to speak with someone in authority, such as a supervisor in the compliance or legal departments. Provide them with your POA documentation and request to be recognized as the primary contact for your mother’s account.
National Do Not Call Registry: Register your mother’s phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This can help reduce unsolicited calls by telemarketers, including insurance companies. You can register online or by calling the registry directly.
Report to Regulatory Authorities: File complaints with both your state’s insurance commissioner and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These regulatory bodies can investigate the insurance companies’ practices, especially if they are taking advantage of vulnerable individuals.
Speak to an Attorney: If the problem persists, consulting with an attorney who specializes in elder law could provide you with additional legal strategies to protect your mother’s interests. They can offer advice specific to your situation and potentially intervene on a more formal legal level if needed.
Consider a Call-Blocking System: Look into call-blocking services and devices that can help filter out unwanted calls. Many phone service providers offer these tools or can recommend devices that you can install.
Educate and Advocate: Share your story with local advocacy groups that focus on elder abuse and protection. Many communities have resources aimed at