Wednesday, July 6, 2022

For those keeping score:

 In a recent post, I described trying to reach Medicare to discuss why Tim's application had been approved in the matter of weeks, when mine had been in process for over three months. It struck me as so very strange that after being on hold for 45 minutes, the perfectly awful music was irritatingly clear yet as soon as the operator came on, the connection became tinny and vibrate-y and oh-so-far-away sounding. We got through it as best we could (she refused to call me back) and she told me that my application was still in process (which I knew...but the question begged an answer: "Why???? Why was an application that was supposed to take 2-4 weeks to process taking over 3 months?")

She basically blew me off and said that I'd have my card by the first of July. 

I totally did not believe this, but I'd gone as far as I was going to go with this call. I asked if anyone out there cared to place a wager. 

Guess who has been listening to that same shit music for 35 minutes this afternoon? I'll let you know how the connection is when (if?) anyone answers. 

25 comments:

  1. It's impossible to get anywhere with people working to a script and acting as automatons. This is the world we are now entering more and more.

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    1. No disagreement from this quarter, Graham.

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  2. And disability benefits here take an average of 5 months to get a decision...and if you appeal that. Many more months...but a large percentage of appeals are successful

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    1. This is not disability, thank goodness. The time frame for that here is about the same as yours. This is Medicare, basically, insurance coverage for retired folks. You make payments to social security while you're working. When it is your turn to stop, you're suppose to receive the benefits. Tim got his card for medical coverage in less than a month.

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  3. Oh no! I thought for sure you would have your card soon. How frustrating!
    I certainly would hate to work there, tho, It would be awful facing that all day every day! Ugh!

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  4. Yes. I try to be mindful that they are simply customer service people and that it is not their fault. Still it is frustrating to receive pat answers when you just want the situation resolved.

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  5. Clearly you are a difficult and demanding customer.

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    Replies
    1. I believe that my file is marked P.I.T.A

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  6. There must be a universal law that says all government departments must treat their customers like shit and be as difficult as humanly possible.

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    Replies
    1. No one was rude but there was no help, that is for sure.

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  7. My Medicare instructor (from the classes I took before making decisions,) said to ask for a "representative" right as you make the call. Or, if possible, go to the nearest Social Security office when it opens first thing in the morning to get results. Yep, that's where Medicare is processed. Good Luck! Linda in Kansas

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    1. The last time I called, I waited through all the automated stuff. This time I began saying 'Operator' right away. It did cut the automated stuff short.

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  8. That is what I would do, go to a S.S. office if one is near. They took care of mine when I filed for the SS. Now I have lost my card and am waiting for them to send me a new one. Just put your phone on speaker, put it in your pocket and go about whatever you need to do. I usually find a game on the computer I like and just play, makes time go faster.

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    Replies
    1. I scrubbed all my cabinet doors in the kitchen.

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  9. Oh wow! That is totally crazy and aggravating. I guess the next thing people are recommending is to go to the Social Security office. Sigh… I guess that must be the way to get some satisfaction.. (Kay of Musings)

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  10. I need to speak to one woman. She doesn't answer her phone. I'm supposed to have recieved a letter. I did not.

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  11. I trust that they assured you ad infinitum that your call was important to them. That makes all the difference, you know.

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    1. AC, they did not assure me that my call was important. This was probably the problem. Not once. They did tell me a half dozen times that I could go on line and quickly take care of any business I had. They also reminded me that they serve 53 million people and were taking care of other customers. No personal validation. Awful music. I had the phone on speaker with a dish towel over it, but the music was still too loud. I scrubbed down the front of my cabinets and gave the kitchen a good cleaning. I have also contacted them this morning to leave yet another message for the person that I have to speak with. At least there is no "music".

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  12. That is woeful, Debby. The worst bit is when they assure you it is all but done, sit back and wait for the results and then - crickets. Good luck!!

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    1. I did not believe the assurance of the previous phone call. I have called and e-mailed this woman I am supposed to be in contact with twice today. More crickets.

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  13. I've been reading without commenting and don't know if you check old comments boxes, but I can tell you what my mum would have done. She would go there and park her bum and not leave until she had her card.

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  14. I don't read old comments regularly. I guess I should start. It doesn't work like that. The lady I needed to be in touch with worked in Birmingham AL. A couple days drive from me.

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