LIU WARNS SENIORS ABOUT HEALTH PLANS

City Councilmember John Liu warned seniors about the dangers of predatory “bait-and-switch” tactics employed by some HMOs and Part D drug coverage programs seeking to enroll vulnerable seniors.
Liu has received numerous complaints by seniors who have suffered after realizing their medical providers were no longer available after they unwittingly switched plans. About a dozen seniors, who were misled by health plan representatives, joined with Liu at his office on Friday, January 5, to urge others to obtain assistance before signing any promotional plans for Medicare providers.
“We are investigating the claims made by these seniors and the deceptive tactics practiced by certain health plans salespersons to enroll clients. . . . At best, it’s aggressive marketing; but at worst, Medicare fraud,” Liu said.
A 72-year-old victim told the gathering, “I was approached on the street
by an HMO representative who offered gifts and incentives to sign up for their health plan. They filled out the form for me and they said all I had to do was to sign it. I had no idea this would force me to see another doctor who didn’t speak my language. I felt helpless and scared because I had no one to turn to when I was sick.”
Liu’s office has been working actively to switch the plans back for the seniors who have already come forward. Any senior who feels they have experienced this “bait-and-switch” tactic is encouraged to contact Liu’s office at 718-888-8747, Ext. 116.