Insurance Switch Question...Please Help!?

Question

My employer is in the middle of an insurance provider switch. They are going from a company called Physician's Care to BCN HMO. My question is...I'm pregnant and have frequent doctor's appointments, including one very important appointment in a few days that includes an ultrasound. We don't have our insurance cards yet, nor are they giving us our group number yet. For some reason, this switch over is taking weeks...and likely another 2 weeks from now.

I still want to go to my appointments, as I really need and want to. Is it normal to tell the doctor's office/hospital that my employer is in between insurances currently but it should be resolved in a week or two and give them the name of the rep and my soc. sec. number?? I shouldn't have to re-schedule all my appointments b/c they can't seem to get this situation handled in a timely manner, should I??

Soooo...frustrated!! Help!! Thanks!!

Answer 1

Relax, Dub.

The person, above, is correct.  The HR people may be able to help right away.

You are probably still covered by the old plan if it is within the common limit (usually 30 days).

All you need do is call the front office for the doctor.  Mention the situation.  The front office people either know what to do or can learn what to do.  

If you know how to negotiate, and you run into trouble in that they do not want to help, you could always say, "Darn.  So Dr. Williams would perhaps be more appreciative is I change doctors...right? (Without a pause, quickly continue:) Can I just send him a Thank You card after I change doctors (continuing promptly)...should I mention your name for helping me switch?"

Answer 2

Call your HR dept before your appointment and ask them how to handle the situation. They will be able to tell you what to do.