The SciMark Report
The Blog About Direct-Response Marketing
Not as many new products to write about this week, but the ones I did review stood out -- especially the first two. Both are unique in the DRTV industry (for different reasons), and both are worth watching to see what develops.
1. I-CAN HEALTH (N/A) is a low-cost health insurance provider. The pitch: "Insurance choices you can actually afford." The company offers plans with guaranteed acceptance. Plans start as low as $160 per month for individuals and $270 per month for families. This is an iCan Benefit Group product pitched by Billy Mays.
Product (D7) Score: 6 out of 7*
Commercial Rating: Good**
Comments: I usually don't review commercials of this sort, but the involvement of Billy Mays caught my attention. Billy has pitched many things over the years, but health insurance is quite a departure for him. I was skeptical at first. But after speaking with Billy, I realized just how passionate he is about this campaign. At the beginning of the commercial, Billy says this is "the most important product I have ever endorsed," and he means it! With some 47 million uninsured Americans out there, it's easy to understand why he's so dedicated to this cause. If the insurance options are really as inexpensive and comprehensive as the commercial promises, I wish him and iCan the best of luck.
Betsy, California
After calling customer service, I was put in touch with Lynne in the Advocacy Department. Lynne was amazing, after I explained my medical situation, I thought I wouldn't qualify for the surgery I needed. Lynne said "that is why you have insurance". Through the entire process if I had a concern or question, my phone calls were returned promptly and answered thoroughly. I was treated with great respect and was not just another claim number. I have never seen any company that provided such care and attention to their clients. With the help of the Advocacy Department they were able to reduce my out of pocket expenses greatly. If they had not taken a personal interest in my story, I would have never pursued using the insurance for my surgery and ultimately may not have been able to have it.
Anthony, Virginia
I would like to thank Lisa at HCCUA for all that she has done for me. By taking care of my medications she helped save me money, and even got me in touch with the prosthetic company. These efforts made it possible for me to walk normally again. HCCUA has always been there for me and helped in every way possible. And Lisa is an angel who deserves the wings God has given her. Thanks again!
Janice, California
I am writing a letter to commend your advocacy department. Your company is relatively new to me and I have some health issues. I feel very confident when I call the advocacy department. They thoroughly looked into each question I had and took care of the problem. They are a great asset to your company and I feel confident to remain a client of yours a as long the advocacy department stays in force and is there to guide me through any problems.
Thelma, Alabama
My husband found out that he had cataracts and needed surgery. We called the HCCUA number and were very blessed indeed to get a wonderful lady to help us. Her name is Lynne. I can't begin to tell you all she has done for us. She has been with us through not only the surgeries that were required for him, but something happened in the second surgery that required emergency surgery. I immediately called Lynne from the Doctors Office to let her know what was taking place. I am not sure what she told them but when they came back to us the emergency surgery for the Doctor, Surgery Center and Anesthesiologist were all done for FREE!!!! We can't tell you what Lynne means to us. I personally think she is part of my family. Not only did she take care of that last episode but she made sure we were not taken advantage of in any way on the other surgeries as well. I hope all your representatives are as wonderful as she is. We can never thank her enough for her help.
Bobbi, Ohio
This letter is in reference to Member Advocate Pam.. My husband recently had open heart surgery. Pam called me to see if there was any way she could be of help as a member advocate and gave me a lot of good advice and information referencing my hospital and physician bills. She helped me in many different ways to figure out many of the EOB's(Explanation of Benefits from the hospital) I received that were not correct and went over and beyond to help me sort through them all. I was really feeling stressed and under a lot of pressure with all the different medical statements coming in. Pam helped me straighten a few out some of the EOB’s herself, which helped to relieve some of my stress and pressure. Whenever I needed her she was there to help. I can’t say enough about the kindness she has shown. She is still continuing to help resolve any of my unsolved issues.