My Insurance agent is trying to get me to pick up on Blue Cross as my major medical.
I've heard some funny things Blue Cross likes to not pay for...like anything they don't like about the bill! ( If a tray cost $50.00 and they think that is excessive, they wont pay for it and make their customer pick up the costs.
What's your experience?
Thanks
[ October 22, 2001: Message edited by: Dave Draper ]
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Dave, I had Blue Cross and I can tell ya they stink.
I had a serious infection in my leg two years ago, in fact to this day people walking down the street stop to ask me why my right leg is purple and if it hurts.
I got boned to the tune of about $10,000 on that one, between all the tests, examinations, medications and not to forget missing a month worth of work being laid up in bed because I physically could not walk.
When it came time for the bills, the doctors never could pinpoint the source of the infection.. after all the blood tests and tissue samples they turned up nothing.. they even denounced the possibility it could be cellulitis.
So without a definite source of infection, to the insurance company that means all the tests and medications were not warranted so they elected not to cover any of it. Not one red cent. How convenient really, ya use all their doctors and hospitals at your greatest inconvenience so you'll be covered under their "plan" and in the end they find a way to weasel out of it.
So, there went my savings.. the money I had been saving up to make my move to Arizona and sustain life for a few months while I either found temporary work or built a customer base.
I moved anyway.. figured "Screw 'em, I ain't gonna let them keep me down."
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com
Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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When we had Blue Cross, I took Dora to the emergency room one night because she was running a fever and could barely stay alert. The ER documented a fever of 105.4, but could not find a reason for it. Therefore Blue Cross said there was nothing wrong with her, so they would not pay. She stayed in the ER overnight(from 9 pm to 11 am to get the fever down) but was not admitted to the hospital, there fore Blue Cross would not pay. This was 23 years ago and cost me a little over $1400.00. Later that week I changed jobs because my employer would not change carriers.
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2315 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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BOY.. Hearing stories like that makes me glad to be living in Canada!
Sure, our health care system sux sometimes, but at least it doesn't bankrupt a person!
I know I would be REALLY annoyed if I had paid premiums for health care insurance for a period of time and then have the insurance company refuse to pay the benefits when they were needed the most! Now THAT would really suck big time!
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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I got a MSA (Medical Savings Account) several years ago and have been thrilled. It sort of works like an IRA. You have a major medical policy with a high deductible and a savings account with a checkbook that you control. My family policy with a $4,000 deductible is about $210 a month with another $280 a month going into my checkbook. I pay all medical, dental, eye bills from that checkbook. Its all treated as before tax income (deductible) and the money in the checkbook is tax free and collects interest if I don't spend it. It's like having 100% no deductible coverage for all medical bills. It encourages you to shop for the best price because any money you save you get to keep.The major drawback is if you have alot of bills. You can adjust what you deposit in the checking account. We elected to put the maximum in but you can put any amount under that that you want. This is a special program for self employed people.
-------------------- Carper's Signs 594 Union School Rd. Mount Joy, PA 17552 carpersign@earthlink.net Posts: 157 | From: Lancaster, PA, USA | Registered: Aug 1999
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Dave , I have Blue Cross of So.Cal.(a PPO )and they have been great! In the last couple of years my wife has had about 10-12 thousand dollars in tests and they have paid EVERYONE NO arguments ! Bob
-------------------- Bob Ficucell Glass Arts Woodland Hills,Ca Posts: 221 | From: Woodland Hills | Registered: Mar 2000
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We had Blue Shield and switched to Blue Cross just prior to my total hip replacement surgery. The insurance paid for everything with no hassles. It is important to go to the hospitals and doctors that are on their approved list. That way, there is an agreement between the service provider and the insurance company about any fees.
I'm a happy camper.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
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