Dear Editor:
I am writing this, as you will soon see, while very frustrated. Frustrated with the complexities of the present as compared to the simplicities of the past. I would appreciate being able to pick up the phone, dial a number, and get someone on the other end, especially no further than Ava where my caseworker works. Yes, I have a caseworker.
First of all please understand, I like many my age, am on Medicare with very little income and so I appreciate fully the help I receive and do not consider myself on welfare. I would be working if able as I did all my life until no longer able. And, I might add, I worked hard. My five kids all work and pay taxes so that I can have the benefits afforded, and so that the office workers have jobs and are there to serve the recipients of Medicare and Medicaid.
You would think an Ava number would not be too hard to answer or asking too much of our caseworkers sitting behind the desk in a nice office to pick up the phone and talk a few minutes. It baffles me the complications we encounter and that many of the older population cannot cope with. We’ve always been used to plain and functional.
I no longer drive, my kids all have jobs, and sometimes I must rely on my phone. I manage somehow to finally master the more than ever complexities of the recorded message and leave a voice mail message for my caseworker. I politely ask for a return call which never came, and so the next day, Friday, I got an identical skimpy letter identical except the day I was to appear for an office visit had been extended from Monday (today) to no later than Wednesday, with proof of medical bills.
I had sent printouts from both doctors with their phone numbers for verification of my expenses. I can only conclude that she had the trouble with the phone system and was unable to reach anyone. She could have called me because if I’m here, I answer and if I have a message I extend the courtesy of a return call. How easy, for goodness sake!
To make a long story short, I tried at least half a dozen times on Friday to call the number I was given and which stated plainly and simply to call if I needed help. I was told repeatedly, via recording, that this call could not be completed as dialed. This was the same number I had called Thursday when I left the voice message.
Thanks for allowing an outlet for venting from a completely baffled elder citizen wishing for a plain and functional system by which there is helpful interaction between us and our caseworkers.
Ruby Satterfield
