Tuesday, December 30, 2008

A study in annoying.

I am (as I write) on hold with our health insurance company.

For 15 minutes I have been listening to the same 2 minute loop of an enthusiastic helpful woman telling me about dental care. The loop actually has pauses and clicks built in so that you keep getting your hopes up, then dashing them when the loop starts again.

Then, you are sent to an operator that takes all of your information (again) - then, puts you back on hold.

Then, after another 10 minutes - someone answers, and asks for all of your information again.

AAARGH.

I am doing this to resubmit a claim for the third time (it has fallen off the abyss each other time).

This insurance company has a history of rejecting every single claim I have made, out of hand, and requiring resubmission and justification. For example, my visit to the emergency room on a Friday evening was rejected because it wasn't pre-approved (their office closes at five and I had the audacity to break my arm after five). It was noted that they have too many spurious ER visits.

My visit to the ER when I needed eight stitches in my finger was rejected when the doctor failed to note that the finger was on my RIGHT hand.

I don't want the government in charge of my health care, but I don't want these assholes involved either.

What is the most frustrating insurance fiasco you've had?

2 comments:

richgold said...

Oh, I want the government in charge. Here in Canada, we just have crazy wait times (for some things, at some times - the triage system at my local hospital is pretty good most of the time - seen in under two hours for a non-life threatening/blood gushing injuries). AND there is usually no insurance claims to deal with.

I still have to submit to the insurance yahoos on a monthly basis. With six in the family, there is usually one or the other who is on a medication or something that needs to be reimbursed.

The worst? Sending stuff in three times because 1/2 the kids have a different last name then the claimer.

If you're reading this and haven't sent it in yet, try writing "Dear Garbage Can, seeing that you're going to get this claim next, I thought I'd address it to your attention first." I bet you a Loonie (Canadian dollar) that you'll get your claim processed!

Perpetual Chocoholic said...

I'm in the same boat as richgold. Problem is you can die waiting to get an appointment with a specialist. I've seen it happen with friends and family. It's free once you actually get in, just you may not make it in time!