The reason the calls keep coming is simple. Insurers that cover Medicare Advantage patients receive payments from Medicare based on the number of "diagnostic codes" in the patient's file. Insurers want to collect information to report additional diagnostic codes to Medicare to increase the payment that Medicare makes to the insurance company. Some of us remember a few years ago when Humana launched a similar program through which it wanted to send a case manager into each person's home to conduct a medical exam, evaluate the individual's overall health and living situation. In that case the contractor that had been hired to provide this service told insurance company executives at an industry meeting ( acccording to reports in the industry press) that insurers were "leaving money on the table" by not reporting more diagnostic codes, which the contractor proposed to find. There seem to have been many complaints about this proposed intrusion, including mine, and it appears that this new telephone counseling initiative replaces that effort. I have looked over the program website and determined that I do not need any of the services that are being offered since I am robustly active, have a large supportive family and excellent immediate access to my doctors' office if I need assistance or have questions. I have told several callers this and asked that the calls stop.They have not stopped. The service may indeed be useful for some people, however it also seems that the calls should stop when one asks that they stop. I have to conclude that they do not stop because in addition to offering help to individuals this is an activity that can also increase insurance company revenue.
This is from a Humana Medicare Rep located out of an office in Florida. They act as a sort of liaison between the consumer and Humana to provide extra services including a Field Manager that comes to your home if one is needed. We have been on this program for several months and am grateful for it. Our contact is Amelia.