Corporate America, or Is Anyone Telling the Truth

We've had several experiences with negative corporate practices recently that have left us feeling disapointed in the ethics of our corporations. (I know, but I still wanted to believe in spite of Wall Street and the car companies.)

Anyway, my husband turned 65 this year, so he has spent quite a bit of time researching the various supplemental medical insurance plans. He had a list of his medications and a list of questions he asked each company. Finally, he signed on with True Blue. Well, the first time he went to fill his prespriptions at the Wallgreen's on line site, they didn't send him his Actose (a pretty important medication for a diabetic) because the cost had gone up so much and they wanted to check with him. Under the True Blue plan, it was going to cost $200 a month. The company had told him that the costs would be very close to what he had been paying. It's taken several weeks to get in touch with them, convert to something similar, but generic, and through it all, he's missed a few weeks of medication. He's still trying to get straight answers. He also can't get them to provide any authorization for anything in a timely manner.

Our second experience was with Equitrust. We had decided to convert the money we had in those funds to another fund with another financial company. Our advisor had us fill out all of the proper forms, sat with us while we contacted the company by phone and then we waited for the money to convert. NOT. First, we got at least 3 different forms weeks apart, which HAD to be signed and returned. Then, we were told that some of the forms never got to them, when we called to see what was the problem. We still are waiting for the money from one account, and meanwhile, we lost several thousand dollars we could have made if we'd been able to convert while the market was lower. Technically, we made that money with Equitrust too, but they don't have a very good rate of return and will just charge a larger surrender fee if there is any profit. It all seems designed to let them keep the money to use for their own good.

Our third experience has been with Direct TV. We decided to switch because Dish Network hasn't been able to resolve their dispute with one of the local channels we like to watch. We researched costs and services carefully and asked lots and lots of specific questions on the phone. The date for conversion was set. The young men who came out to install the system were very professional and did a fine job, but we've had lots of problems since. First, we can't get many of the channels we were told would be available, some of the remotes don't work and then we discovered that they bill for everything at a very high rate, unlike the promotion rate. The customer has to call, get a special code and then get the bill reduced. We are still waiting to see if our friend will get his rebate check for recommending us.

Fortunately, we try to deal most often with local businesspeople, who are ethical, hard working and provide excellent service. Too bad so many big companies lost their way.