I don't know about you…But I generally don't answer my phone anymore. I just don't. Unless I know who is calling. The trouble is I would like to talk to some folks, but the hassle and concerns of answering outweigh the benefits to me.
Everyone's situation for assessing incoming calls is different. A mom with kids in school. Yup, you've got to answer no matter what. Business calls from your employer... you need to take them. But how do you handle the other important calls? Calls from family or friends. Perhaps they need a helping hand with something. I would indeed answer. It helps to have their number in your contact book. So, your phone tells you who is calling. (Caller ID is not what it used to be.)
What about texts? What if I don't know who is sending the text? DELETE. (OOPS.) What if it is your cardiologist, and they have the results from your last scan and want to get you in for a quick consultation? I for sure would want to take that call. (You know how hard it is to get a specialist on the phone let alone get a convenient appointment quickly.) I could miss the text because I didn't know who was calling/texting. I am sure this has happened to you too. I probably should have put my doctor's contact information in my phone to avoid this problem.
What am I getting at? How do you make sure you get the notifications that are important to you?
Add Us to Your Contacts
As our valued client, it's crucial for you to be aware of ongoing changes in Medicare plans. Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans undergo regular updates. Being informed and prepared will help you make the best decisions for your healthcare needs. It is imperative that we have an open line of communication with you. Our engineering and security teams spend countless hours and thousands of dollars annually meeting and staying ahead of the Federal Communications Commission Regulations, so our calls get to you. Yet, each year we hear from clients, "I didn't get a call, text or email." I hear you loud and clear and have a solution to help.
ADD US TO YOUR CONTACTS IN YOUR PHONE. Just open your phone's contacts, click on 'Add New Contact', and enter our details. By adding our contact information to your phone (Phone number 602-281-3898, Email address, Judi@AmericanRetire.com and Text number 602-975-0372) you will know who is calling so you can let the communications come through - so you won't miss important information we need to share. This simple step can ensure that you stay informed about your Medicare plan and any changes that may affect you.
The Annual Enrollment Period, a crucial time for Medicare plan updates, will arrive before you know it. We will need to communicate with you to have you update your medications and doctor information so we can research the plans for the upcoming year. Then we will provide a recommendation on what to do.
It's a small step that can make a big difference in ensuring you receive important updates about your Medicare plan.
By David Schaeffer
Founder of American Retirement Advisors, David has spent decades helping retirees and pre-retirees build secure financial futures. His straightforward approach to retirement planning has guided hundreds of families toward confident, well-prepared retirements.
You Might Also Like
- Communication: When Miscommunication Happens in Retirement
Lifestyle & Mindset · David S. Edge - Why Am I Me? The Power of Customer Service Feedback
Lifestyle & Mindset · David S. Edge - Here to Help: Why Personal Service Still Matters in Retirement Planning
Lifestyle & Mindset · David P. Schaeffer
Easy Eddie's Take
David's phone dilemma is something I hear about all the time. Here's the good news: you can take control of those important calls without opening yourself up to every robocall out there. Let's take a look at this together.
Most people are surprised when they learn that Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, you can change your Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for the following year. Missing a call from your Medicare advisor during this window could mean staying in a plan that no longer fits your needs or budget. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services updates these plans annually, and what worked great in 2025 might not be your best option for 2026.
Think of it this way: adding your healthcare providers, Medicare advisors, and financial planners to your phone contacts is like having a VIP list. You're not blocking out the world, you're just making sure the right people can reach you when it matters. And that's what makes planning ahead 123easy.