[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 23]
[House]
[Page 31404]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CAUTIONING SENIORS REGARDING PRIVATE MEDICARE INSURANCE OPTIONS

  (Ms. CASTOR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. CASTOR. Madam Speaker, the Medicare open enrollment period begins 
tomorrow, November 15, and runs through the end of the year. Across the 
country, private HMOs have placed large newspaper ads and are running 
TV ads to convince seniors to sign up for their private Medicare 
insurance.
  I am here to advise seniors to be very cautious. These private HMO 
insurance salesmen are on the streets and are oftentimes luring our 
seniors into private Medicare coverage that they do not need. If they 
leave traditional Medicare and sign up for a private HMO, oftentimes 
they will lose access to their doctor.
  Be very cautious. Sons and daughters, grandkids across America, help 
your parents and grandparents sort through this myriad of options under 
private Medicare. In Florida, you can seek independent advice from the 
Department of Elder Affairs and the SHINE Volunteers. Seek independent 
advice and be very cautious with these private Medicare options.

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