Incurious or curious Medicare beneficiaries who are in hospice

Encounter #1

An outbound call that was dialed by an indifferent non-agent and transferred to me included a customer’s advice:

“Before we get too far into this, I want you t’know that I’m in hospice, riddled with cancer, and have less than two months to live.”

I wished him peace.

Encounter #2

This customer called us.

“All my medications are covered, and I pay $20 to see my reg’lar doctor.”

I understand, but I want to make sure that they’re covered under a plan that I can recommend to you.

“”Also, I am in hospice.”

I murmured, ‘are you going to be here in January?’

I am sorry to hear that you’re in hospice.

“I am in hospice at home.”

(After looking up meds and doctors) Great news, I found a plan that will let you take care of X and Y. First I need your Medicare ID. Grab your red, white, and blue Medicare card.

“Well, this is going to be a short call. I don’t give out my Medicare information.”

Life has boundaries.