It’s Medicare renewal time again. The season starts in October and ends December 7th. That is not soon enough for me. I am satisfied with my Humana HMO coverage. I don’t want to change, thank you. I refuse to be lured with “possible” savings. I might get $144 back on my Social Security monthly check, they say. One company even suggested I “might” save as much as $1,500 in a year. That’s less than $144 per month. I need to call right now, they insist. Poppycock!
The ads appear all through the daytime hours but increase in number in the late evening. I suppose they think us old folks can’t sleep. Reruns of old situation comedies,
Westerns and detective stories can be seen then. Are the late shows only watched by oldsters? Could be. Often there are up to three Medicare ads in a row, totaling about seven minutes at a time. I probably should not complain so much. That is enough time for me to go to the bathroom or get a snack from the fridge.
During the month of October, the same ads appeared over and over and over again. I got tired of Joe Namath and all the others voicing their spiel. I can even join in on their commentaries word for word. It did change somewhat in November, but their ages didn’t. A few old women were added to the mix. They still look pretty good. It’s amazing what a make-up artist can do for the camera.
Yes, I remember when Joe Namath was a football star. That was a long time ago. Joe Heisman came along later. Someone under 65 wouldn’t appreciate their contribution to the sports world. They are ancient history to younger people.
Each commentator wants you to understand that they do have the best offer. They go on to list the benefits of their program, that is if you were eligible. Yes, if you are eligible. Don’t wait. Call right now to have your zip code checked to see if you qualify. You could be missing out on the fabulous benefits of their program. Right! Noting like scare tactics to get the ball rolling.
Every October Humana sends me a booklet comparing last year’s benefits with what will be available in the coming year. I am not senile. I can read and understand the material they send me. I can even operate my computer, most of the time.
However, the thing that really pulls my chain is the comment, “It’s free!” The overseas ones might not be, but it doesn’t have to be an 800 number here to be free. Joe Namath and the others should shut up about the call being free. That is ancient history.
I wonder how much they are paid for each airing of those commercials. And to think I must pay for cable!