[H.G.P.]

Recieved a letter from health insurance carrier today. Excerpt first paragraph:

"The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)....requires...to conduct a health assessment survey for all new Medicare enrollees in a timely manner."


Top of next paragraph..."Please be assured this information will only be used to help us connect you to the health services you may need."....

On back of letter .......Some "Sample questions" to be answered by phone:

1. How you rate your health?

2. In hospital previous 12 months? Yes or No

3. Take more than six meds per day? Please say yes or no.

4. Do you need anyone to help you with daily activities like bathing, using the bathroom, or walking?

some other questions...jump down to 6.

6. Are you using any medical equipment or supplies at home?

7. have you fallen down more than once in the past 12 months? Yes or No

9. At this time, are you receiving medical treatment for any of the following conditions? Breathing? Diabetes? Heart or Circulation? High Blood Pressure? Kidney Problems? Cancer? Stroke?

Then toward the bottom.."Please have the following information about your primary care physician ready"......


First off never had to answer such a survey, and I don't think we're "new" Medicare" enrollees here?

Thoughts on this? Anyone else being asked these questions? Sounds to me like either govt. intrusion or an attempt to get money ? Also seems like the beginning of meddling into at home personal affairs to me. Maybe profiling too. Thoughts anyone?

(I might add that on the taking more than 6 meds per day question no.3, they are asking to include OTC meds, herbal and vitamins in the total also)