Newfangled hotline baffles callers.

About 21% of callers to the 1-800-MEDICARE hotline hung up before their question was answered, up from 12% in 2004, according to a survey by the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General, reported by Reuters. And less than three-quarters of those who phoned reported satisfaction with their call. The most frequently asked questions included, "Why do I always have to be the one to call the hotline? Why can't the hotline pick up the phone every once in a while and call me? Is that too much to ask?" and, "I'm calling to remind you that your great-aunt Cecile's birthday was 2 days ago, and when are you going to come over and change my porch light, like you promised?" The agency is aiming to increase the percentage of callers who hang up prematurely by twofold in 2008.