The phone rang. Yes, Saturday morning. Hello, my name is Mark (from Mumbai

[question everything]

with the sounds of a boiler room in the background) and I am calling from U.S. Medicare.. I hung up.

First, unless the caller specifically is asking for a family member by name, this is a scam. Second Medicare is never referred to as “U.S Medicare” nor will it contact us via phone. If there is an email it would be a general one to remind us during open enrolment.

Last week, though, I was addressed by name, the caller, again from Mumbai, was from “CVS” about my Medicaid card. I hung up! He called again: why did you hang up on me? Don’t ever call here again, I yelled. In hindsight I should have used my whistle..

That afternoon spouse answered the phone, was addressed by name and was asked for the date the Medicare card was issued!

No, no caller ID and these past few weeks, when spouse had an open heart surgery, and then in rehab and then home care, recognising phone numbers was meaningless.

Someday I may stay on the line just to see where it is leading...