Blogger: 'My Insurance Was Terminated?!'
Vicki Briganti – WWJ-TV Writer / Producer / Editor
Frustration abounds this week.
I received a letter in the mail that says, "You're receiving this letter to inform you that your insurance coverage was terminated resulting in No Coverage." Hmm…oddly enough, my paycheck stubs beg to differ.
I've had automatic bi-weekly deductions taken from my checks since Jan. 1. Apparently, there weren't any problems until I actually USED my health care coverage in March. The insurance company must be getting bills and can't find me in the system. When I inquired into the mishap, an insurance rep said, "You were activated on Jan. 1 and dropped on Jan. 3." Really? Does that make sense? I didn't know you could buy two-day health care coverage. I'll remember that the next time I need a quick surgery.
The best part is my would-be-insurance-carrier has figured out how to keep sending me marketing materials in the mail. No mishap there. In that department, I have full coverage.
I'm lucky to have a job, and I celebrate that every day. I'm also patient. After placing various phone calls, I'm confident someone, at some point, will solve this snafu. I'm also grateful I don't have major health issues or I doubt I'd be this patient. I do anticipate I'll start receiving bills in the mail when my carrier doesn't pay them. A hassle I'll worry about later. I feel like with any other business I'd get a discount for the inconvenience. "Oops! Sorry we canceled your coverage. Please accept this coupon for a free doctor's visit." Should I ask them to waive my co-pays for a month?
Sure, people make mistakes. I get it. This is what a friend of mine calls a "luxury problem." There are millions of uninsured Americans. I was unemployed for 19 months; I was one of them. Now I'm a member of a new group: those who pay for insurance, but don't really have it.
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