Published:
Proposed Medicare Regulations Threaten to End Millions of Free Meals Offered to Seniors During Education Seminars
WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A common occurrence in
thousands of American towns and cities is the sight of seniors attending a
seminar about Medicare Advantage-Part D, asking questions, and enjoying a free
meal -- a sight that could come to an end if some federal regulators get their
way.
A proposed prohibition on free meals is part of a wide-ranging set of
rules the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is considering in response
to concerns that some marketing techniques to promote Medicare Advantage have
crossed the line -- yet no one is aware of complaints or allegations involving
free lunches during the seminars.
"Sitting down, having a meal, and discussing things is just an American
tradition. I'm actually insulted that someone would think a little $15 lunch
would be enough to sway my decision about whether or not to sign-up for a
Medicare Advantage plan," Jean Lentini ofFlorida.
"We believe this proposed rule stopping meals is overly restrictive and
will deter Medicare beneficiaries from learning about various plans and
enrolling in the Part D plan that best suits them," says Tom Panaggio, CEO,
Response Mail Express (RME) ofTampa, Fla., which has filed a formal letter of
complaint with CMS. RME estimates seniors will lose 250 million free meals and
marketing costs will eventually increase if the prohibition takes effect.
Such seminars occur at restaurants and approximately 15 to 30
beneficiaries attend each one. The purpose of having the seminars in a
restaurant is to provide a neutral and relaxed environment that has easy
access for seniors. During the seminar, an agent from the Part D plan presents
information and is available to answer any questions or address other
concerns.
Restaurant owners, health plans and insurance agents also are being
encouraged to alert CMS to their concerns about the proposed change.
Supporters of the free meals note that such food offerings already occur and
would continue for those who present seminars on other important topics such
as mortgages, reverse mortgages, financial services, and many other products.
Since its inception, some 9 million seniors, about a fifth of all Medicare
beneficiaries, have signed up for Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage was
passed by Congress and signed by the President into law as one possible
solution to the impending financial shortfall for the program.
SOURCE Response Mail Express
Copyright © 2008, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze,
Daily NewsTags: ,HEA,MTC,INS,SCZ,POL,DC-Seniors-Lose-Meals
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