I guess automated messages are here to stay. Just as I was listening to the Obama campaign say that he would be leaving the campaign trail to be by the side of his very ill grandmother, and just as I was posting a comment as to the irony of my own screen name -- Obamagrandma -- I get a robocall from Anthem Blue Cross. Only it was actually interactive, if you can imagine that!
The very pleasant voice on the other end of the line told me that she was calling to be sure I was taking care of myself! Most of my logical mind said, "This is Anthem. Don't forget that. They just don't want to spend any money on you." But then she began to ask, as politely as a robocaller can ask, if she could ask me some "sensitive" questions about my health. I'm thinking... STDs? But no... it was questions about whether or not I had ever had colorectal screening. The call waited for me to say yes or no, and then she answered, with robotic cheeriness, "Terrific!"
There were a few other questions about mammograms and then a final cheery goodbye, asking me to take care of myself!
Why did I stay on this call? I was partly intrigued, partly horrified and amazed. Anthem receives a capitation rate for my care, which means if they keep me healthy, they make tons of money. I understand that. So I'm asking myself, should they be doing these calls? Shouldn't my doctor be asking me these questions? (Actually my doctor does, so this is quite the duplication and added expense). My cynical side tells me that Anthem will have its payment rates cut next year -- Medicare has been paying these managed care Medicare plans about 115% of what they pay standard Medicare, and Congress has been looking to recoup this money for several years. I imagine these calls will cease when those cuts are made. OR, will my benefits just be cut back?
At any rate -- what with all the robocalling going on for political reasons, I just thought it was pretty hilarious to get this call tonight. And, by the way, I AM taking care of myself! Are you??