May 18th, 2015 I stepped into the ring without signing up for the bout. 29 days later – a new meter, numerous panicked phone calls to my endocrinologist & pharmacy, an assload of money paid out of pocket, tears shed, curse words spoken – the battle is over. As the tears, sweat and blood are wiped up from the boxing ring, I wish I could write about a victorious moment that wrapped up this ridiculous situation, but that is NOT the case. My diligence and Capricorn spirit forced me to continue swinging when I was SO close to being down for the count.
I would put money on the fact that every T1D has been threw the ringer when it comes to the insurance runaround, so I felt my recent battle was one worth documenting. DING, DING, DING!
Round 1: I contact BCBS moments after my insurance was denied while purchasing test strips.
- Balance is paid in full – so what gives?
- They explain they didn’t have proof of citizenship. Really? I’ve had coverage for over a year now.
- I mail in requested information (passport and driver’s license).
- The word “urgent” and “expedited” were used in every sentence and yet nothing was resolved.
- At this point I actually said, “My life is dependent upon your actions today so please don’t get off the phone until you feel confident my death would not haunt you because I promise – I will make sure you remember me.” Dramatic – yes.
- 5 days later after no word from Brittany W. I call BCBS. Boxing gloves are laced up & mouthguard in place, I’m prepared for the final round. Stacy is reluctant to pass me to a supervisor and 42 minutes later she says the magic words, “I see that all Marketplace materials have been received and your policy was reinstated as of May 1, 2015.
As I walk away from the longest battle thus far in my quest for medical insurance, I’m happy to report the Unanimous Decision (according to both parties) – I have coverage, but no one is to blame. I call total bullshit. The system is broken and if I hadn’t stalked, documented, cried and had enough cash in savings – my diabetes would have been affected. I’m angry and will make it my life mission to share stories like this in hopes BCBS and the Marketplace will recognize that people’s lives are at risk when they fail.
Even though I don’t believe in misery loves company, I know you have a similar story and it might be comforting to hear how you came out swinging and won the battle. Feel free to drop a story in the comment box below or on the DDG Facebook page.
Want to be a DDG Guest Blogger – This would be great material so hit us up at [email protected] if you want to join the movement in providing Real Support For the Diabetes Life.
Battle To The Death – Amber’s Battle w/Insurance #diabetes #BCBS #marketplace #insurance http://t.co/Xs06NwNYkZ http://t.co/mQX2OQEDzx
Battle To The Death – My Death That Is.. http://t.co/Xs06NwNYkZ #diabetes #bcbs15 #insurance #T1D http://t.co/0VktLnJhxZ
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