Well, it was a long week to 10 days of dealing with BCBS and Healthcare.gov, but it looks like the matter is resolved.
I want to say a special thank you here to Katie Calhoun, who works with her father at Derby Insurance Solutions, for helping to get this straightened out. And she charged me nothing.
Though I am a complete stranger to Katie, only having spoken to her by phone, she went out of her way to help me. We had various three-way calls to both Healthcare.gov and BCBS. It was due to her not taking no for an answer that luckily got my coverage reinstated back to January 1.
Finally BCBS told us that they read the notes written by their representatives during phone conversations I’d had with them since November 16, 2017. It was during these conversations that I kept asking if I needed to pay the first month’s bill, since I kept getting emails saying I needed to make this payment.
And these representatives kept assuring me that since I have my payments paid via automatic draft from my bank, that the money would automatically be taken out for my monthly premium. Just as it was last year.
They kept telling me not to worry. And to just disregard the emails, as they said they were having issues with their system.
The woman who had these notes from the conversations said she was going to add this problem to their training for employees.
What a nightmare. But I think it’s over now.
Did you know (because I didn’t) that you can often use local insurance agents to help you enroll in health insurance if you are not covered by an employer and need to use Healthcare.gov?
Next year I shall remember this for sure!
Katie told me that they have many clients who simply can’t deal with the frustrations, so that’s what they’re there for.
So a good ending to a big problem! And a big worry off my shoulders.
Brenda, That is good to know about the local agents and thank you for sharing.
We’ve had an insurance agent for years beings we have to pay our own insurance. She will continue with us even when we’re eliable for Medicare. You don’t have to be under a government program to have an agent. Ours has been fantastic. She has to continually go to workshops to kept updated on all the changes. We don’t pay her. Her wages come from the insurance industry.
What a relief! And thanks for the info about using an insurance agent for help.
YAYH!!!!!!!!
Bravo! But I must say, it doesn’t have to be this way. It is SO much easier to pay X% of your income and have 100% coverage, which continues even if you lose your job. You sign up once, in your life. There are many fantastic things about the U.S., but the health system is insane, even if it’s far better than it used to be.
Congratulations on resolving your insurance problem. Do you feel as if you just lost 200 lbs of mental stress? Good for you and perseverance and Katie!!!
Such good news! Dealing with insurance companies — what a nightmare! Glad you now have coverage!
So happy you were reinstated, Brenda, thanks to persistence by your helper, Katie! Perhaps you need to send Katie a big box of chocolates!!
So glad you got your insurance woes resolved! We went through a private agent recently to get my husband on medicare and the supplements…he made it so much easier!
That is great news! Thanks to some very helpful folks who got it reinstated for you!!
So glad you got that straightened out. You were so smart just staying home and not risking anything.
We got so frustrated with the amount of supplemental Medicare insurance mail that we used an agent. We are most likely over insured but it covered so many things this year 100%. This included being in the hospital, MRI, stress test and surgery. Then on the other hand my brother chose a cheap supplemental and is having to pay for it in co payments and non coverage. You aren’t there yet but you won’t believe the landslide of mail. Maybe this will change before you have to deal with it.
glad it got fixed for you.. I know that had to make you feel very anxious.
Wonderful! Being without coverage is scary!
What an ordeal! I’m glad that’s straightened out for you!
such good news for you. and we can all use more of that these days!
This is a good example of how preserverance pays and a relief to your readers. We were all pulling for you. Happy for you!
I’m so glad this was resolved! And no, I didn’t know that about insurance agents. I will be emailing you privately.
Wonderful! And what a nice service Katie’s insurance company provided. Isn’t is nice to have this worry off your mind?
Brenda, so glad your insurance problems have been resolved. What a relief for you! Take care and enjoy your pups inside and the birds outside!
I’m so happy for you Brenda! Now, relax and enjoy a good book with the Pups! Carol