BCBS (Emphasis on the last two letters)
Disclaimer: Slightly political statement just ahead.
I’m not a big fan of nationalizing healthcare. The notion of turning the medical industry over to the same entity that has been in charge of public education, social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the post office makes my stomach churn.
That being said, considering much of the ape squeeze health insurance companies throw at its customers, the push for a national healthcare program is understandable. Case in point, over a month ago, I went to the dermatologist for a skin cancer check, and they cut out a chunk of flesh from my back. I’m fine, and there’s nothing to worry about. Back on point, I have a health insurance policy through my employer as well as a health savings fund. Today, I received a bill for $453 stating that my insurance had been terminated on the date of service. Now, you wouldn’t know it from my paycheck, since they kept deducting my premiums.
I’ve gone through a similar ordeal before. In April of 2007, I had to get a prescription medication, and I later received a bill saying that my benefits weren’t in effect as of April. Except that they were in effect. I had the computer screen print outs to prove. After a polite, yet firm, letter, they finally paid the dough. However, the amount wasn’t this much, so they may put up more of a fight this time.
I’ve learned that BCBS is very passive aggressive. With that first ordeal, I had to call them twice. The first time I called them, they said they’d pay, then they rejected the claim again under the same grounds. I had to mail them a copy of my paperwork showing that my benefits did in fact activate on 04/01/08. That finally made them cut a check.
What am I paying them for? I suppose I shouldn't gripe since I know how to get them to behave. Still, it’d be nice if I didn’t have to draw blood to get them to do what they're supposed to do.
I’m not a big fan of nationalizing healthcare. The notion of turning the medical industry over to the same entity that has been in charge of public education, social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the post office makes my stomach churn.
That being said, considering much of the ape squeeze health insurance companies throw at its customers, the push for a national healthcare program is understandable. Case in point, over a month ago, I went to the dermatologist for a skin cancer check, and they cut out a chunk of flesh from my back. I’m fine, and there’s nothing to worry about. Back on point, I have a health insurance policy through my employer as well as a health savings fund. Today, I received a bill for $453 stating that my insurance had been terminated on the date of service. Now, you wouldn’t know it from my paycheck, since they kept deducting my premiums.
I’ve gone through a similar ordeal before. In April of 2007, I had to get a prescription medication, and I later received a bill saying that my benefits weren’t in effect as of April. Except that they were in effect. I had the computer screen print outs to prove. After a polite, yet firm, letter, they finally paid the dough. However, the amount wasn’t this much, so they may put up more of a fight this time.
I’ve learned that BCBS is very passive aggressive. With that first ordeal, I had to call them twice. The first time I called them, they said they’d pay, then they rejected the claim again under the same grounds. I had to mail them a copy of my paperwork showing that my benefits did in fact activate on 04/01/08. That finally made them cut a check.
What am I paying them for? I suppose I shouldn't gripe since I know how to get them to behave. Still, it’d be nice if I didn’t have to draw blood to get them to do what they're supposed to do.