MCI & the frustration of understanding medicare

(Chapter 14 Comprehension Problems in my book)

Living with a memory impairment and trying to understand Medicare

Today I called the Medicare office and the customer service representative asked me to verify my name and date of birth which I gave her. She also wanted me to verify my address. I was so confused about what address she needed so and I asked her if she needed my p.o. Box or my physical address. She didn't answer my question but instead said, “I'm waiting for you to verify your address.” I decided to give her my p. o. box and we continued with the phone call. I also gave her my Medicare number.

I told her that the reason that I was calling was because I had some questions that I needed answered and I am unable to comprehend the large booklet that I received. I explained that I needed to know what my doctor's appointments, yearly mammogram, x-rays, blood work and physical were going to cost me. She started rattling off so much information that there was no way that I could even write it down. It felt like my head was spinning! I told her that I was sorry but that I had no idea what she just said to me because it was too much to comprehend. She gave me the phone number of an agency who I can call and make an appointment with. They could sit down with me and explain things. I wrote down the information and I thanked her. Then we hung up. Then I cried because I felt frustrated and stupid! I called the phone number that I was given for the state health insurance assistance program.