800-000-0000
That’s 800-000-0000
Again, 800-000-0000
That’s the typical closing for the hard sell commercials
that are increasingly polluting media airwaves.
These are the commercials for products or services you rarely need or
most definitely should avoid.
A substantial number are on behalf of groups of
attorneys who would have you believe that you and many others may be entitled
to cash compensation for having used or being exposed to some evil item or
substance some time in the last few decades.
The pitch always includes a comment that there’s no cost to you unless there
is a settlement in your favor.
Much of this is rubbish, but when the appeal suggests
that there’s nothing to lose, why not take a shot. And, as you would expect, “advisors” are
standing by 24/7 to take your call and help get the process in motion. What kind of advisor would be available at 3
a.m.?
One version of this approach pops up every year between
October 15th and December 7th. That’s the annual open enrollment period for
Medicare. Once this is under way, insurance
companies pushing Medicare Advantage plans (a.k.a., Plan C) go all out to
convince folks of the golden opportunity to get aboard with this “service.” Their
pitch is all about their huge networks of physicians, the comprehensiveness of
their coverage, and the cost savings these plans provide.
These plans are more appropriately called Medicare
Disadvantage plans if for no other reason than the reality that the very best
specialists are not included in their networks.
What’s more, you can bet that a number of the services you might
otherwise expect from them would not be included. Here’s an excellent example of the importance
of reading the fine print. It doesn’t
read well here.
Let’s not overlook the bombardment of drug commercials. Drug companies typically make huge
investments in the development of new prescription drugs. Once the drugs are approved, you can expect
an onslaught of media time featuring smiling people having a good time. You can be one of them, too, if you don’t
mind ignoring the possible side effects, which are usually noted in fine print
or rapid announcements. Not infrequently,
the side effects are pretty bad.
Then, too, there are commercials about pseudo drugs
that have not been passed by the FDA. One
that is regularly featured claims to improve memory functions. For these, there are usually testimonials by
users (or testimonialists) who offer hedged praise about their benefits.
Caveat emptor!
N. Russell Wayne
Sound Asset Management Inc.
Weston, CT 06883
203-895-8877
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