health insurance *headdesk*

[goddessfarmer]

So.... I just got divorced.... therefore I need to find my own health insurance. For this, we have the internet. (Truly, we do)

I found a website called ehealthinsurance.com. I put in my details, and they gave me some choices, all with Anthem BC/BS. I picked one. Then I filled out the long form with lots more details. A week or so later, I got an email from eHI and a letter via usps from Anthem saying that I was "ineligible". So I called the phone # for Anthem and requested reconsideration. They said I had to do that in writing and that I should send supporting material. It took me some time to get the supporting material together, but I mailed my appeal yesterday. TODAY, I got another email and letter saying that my application had been reconsidered and was approved. WTF? I sent an email back to eHI, basically asking what was up, and a little while ago, they called me. They told me what the premium is (only an arm, not an arm and a leg too, but then, it's a pretty comprehensive plan) and that it was effective April 1. Um, that is not so useful, since I still have coverage.....  so in order to change the effective date to May 1, I need to send them a signed letter.... thankfully they will take a scanned PDF with my signature on it uploaded to my application/account on their website. 

To sum up: I am very happy with the people/organization ehealthinsurance.com. Anthem is still Anthem and a PITA. 

Comments

[slackerstalker.livejournal.com]

You have my sympathies. I don't know how closely you follow my LJ feed, but when I was applying for individual health insurance policies last summer I was repeatedly appalled and confused by health insurance company behavior. I ended up with Anthem Blue Cross (PPO Premier Plus 1500), which has been -- let's say, to be charitable -- UNEVEN in its policies' fairness/ customer service helpfulness. I'm preparing a letter to my Congressional rep about them right now. The moral of the story: get the insurance, because that's smart, but DON'T HAVE ANY RIDING ACCIDENTS. Or any accidents. Maybe just wear padding and a helmet and stay home.