The Experience of a Single Mom:
Two months ago I switched health insurance carriers due to changes in my occupational and family situations. As a healthy, young, non-smoker with two young children; I did not expect to have a difficult time acquiring the needed coverage for myself and family. Though not extremely familiar with the ins and outs of the health insurance business, I am fairly computer savvy; so I felt competent in my abilities to investigate health insurance carriers and benefits. After looking at the popular carriers in my state, I decided to go with a specific carrier by applying directly with the company via an online application process. A nurse called the next day to confirm the information, and the following day I was approved to receive the coverage I selected for the agreed upon monthly premium.
Easy, right?
Yes, until I needed to use the policy. I have only one reason for needing specific health insurance coverage…a reoccurring, monthly prescription. Every month, I have a generic prescription filled that costs $160. Quarterly, I visit my primary general practitioner for a check-up concerning this medication. I do not have any other health concerns outside of this one prescription. I have taken this medication for two years now, and I disclosed this as the primary reason why I wished to obtain health care coverage when I submitted my application.
When I spoke to the nurse or received an email explaining my benefits package, did anyone speak with me about the possibility that the one health care concern I had, may NOT be covered? No.
When I went to get my prescription filled the first month under my new health insurance plan, was I informed that I had a $200 prescription deductible that needed to be met before the benefits would allow me to pay the $10 prescription co-pay, upon which we agreed? No.
When I called the carrier to verify that a $200 prescription deductible was really a valid part of my plan, did the representative explain that the prescription I need filled is not covered by this carrier at all? No.
So, after paying my initial premium, $160 for my prescription, and my next month’s premium; I found myself at the pharmacy the next month requesting my filled prescription expecting to pay the $40 to fulfill my $200 prescription deductible…only to hear, “That will be $160.”
WHAT?!
Sur-prise! Sur-prise! Sur-prise!
Again, I have to call my insurance carrier; but this time the representative tells me that the prescription medication I require is not covered by them on any plan available nor do they cover any circulatory system medications or any maternity costs (my medicine has nothing to do with these health issues, by the way). To which I respond, “Ok. So when I called in last month about this same prescription, you guys couldn’t explain this to me then? Instead you led me to believe it was not covered simply due to an unmet prescription deductible, which was also not disclosed when signing up for this plan? Ok. I see.”
Am I dealing with Barney Fife? Though I cannot deal with the incompetence displayed by this company (a.k.a. Barney Fife), I began to wish I was in Mayberry! At least then, Andy Griffith would walk in, realize the discrepancy found between the service I have received and the service I requested and for which I paid, and rectify the situation. What happened to a society that truly cared for the person rather than the profit? What happened to honesty and integrity in the business world? Where was my Andy Griffith?
It was then that I knew I had to find someone to help me decipher the health insurance maze. I immediately called Richard Monello (a.k.a. my Italian Andy Griffith), a local health insurance expert, to help me find the best health plan with the most reputable carrier for the most affordable price. Richard is the founder and CEO of Custom Health Plans, Inc. located in Plano, Texas. He immediately understood my frustration, identified my health care needs, and sent me price and plan comparisons from the leading Texas health insurance companies. With his personal assistance, I have now not only found a health care plan that provides the coverage I need at an affordable price (I have a better plan and am saving $75 a month!); I now have a personal health insurance representative that will haggle with the insurance company if I ever have another problem concerning my benefits and coverage.
What did I pay for Richard’s services? NOTHING! The insurance company pays him, and I receive a better suited plan at a cheaper price!
Sur-prise! Sur-prise!
So what are you waiting for? Call Richard Monello today at Custom Health Plans, Inc. 877-749-2241 or locally for those in the Dallas/Ft Worth area at 469-361-4032, or go to the website at www.customhealthplans.com. I assure you that you will receive quality service with the respect and the friendliness found only in old-time TV shows!
