Being denied insurance on a technicality

**kbn820** · #1 09-13-2009, 01:44 AM

I'm currently filing an appeal, but here is what my daughter's insurance company did to her (she is 3, by the way).

The law says that COBRA should be available for 18 months after losing your job. In this case it was my daughter's father who lost his job and her that was covered under COBRA. It also says that if someone who is covered is on disability, that we have to let the Ins company know because they have to cover her for an additional 11 months.

While I attempted to let them know about my daughter's status, they wouldnt talk to me because I was not the subscriber. I explained that I was her mother and she was 3. They said "Can you prove that?" I sent her birth certificate with my name on it and her SSI paperwork, but they wouldnt confirm they ever got it.

After several months I was able to get someone to clear me to speak for Lauren... but by then, our 60 days to notify was up... argh!

So, Im appealing the decision. We'll see what happens.

**fireladyst2** · #2 09-13-2009, 09:04 PM

Good luck with that! Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with. I would just make sure that you stay on them, and follow up. I would also make notes and documentation of every interaction you have with them. It may come in handy later.

**DCMerkle** · #3 09-14-2009, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by kbn820

I'm currently filing an appeal, but here is what my daughter's insurance company did to her (she is 3, by the way).

The law says that COBRA should be available for 18 months after losing your job. In this case it was my daughter's father who lost his job and her that was covered under COBRA. It also says that if someone who is covered is on disability, that we have to let the Ins company know because they have to cover her for an additional 11 months.

While I attempted to let them know about my daughter's status, they wouldnt talk to me because I was not the subscriber. I explained that I was her mother and she was 3. They said "Can you prove that?" I sent her birth certificate with my name on it and her SSI paperwork, but they wouldnt confirm they ever got it.

After several months I was able to get someone to clear me to speak for Lauren... but by then, our 60 days to notify was up... argh!

So, Im appealing the decision. We'll see what happens.

Take this to your State's Insurance Health Organization. Also, check to see what Senator is on the State's Insurance Committee. Write a letter to your Congressman about the problems you've had. Also, there's usually a tv reporter that will handle the consumer complaints. Check on your tv station's websites to see who that is and write to them and emphasize the issue of where they wouldn't let you know that you couldn't speak with anyone because you weren't the subscriber even though your daughter was 3 years old.

DCMerkle

**Rohan** · #4 09-17-2009, 02:21 AM

good Luck...

**Michelle** · #5 09-17-2009, 05:54 PM

Wow, I am sorry to hear you are going through this. I am just so disgusted with health insurance companies right now. I know they need to make a profit and I understand it is their business-but geese. Some of the things I have been through with them, seen others go through, and what I read about is just incredible. I wish you luck with your appeal!

**Rohan** · #6 09-22-2009, 05:50 AM

yes that is truly disgusting....

**igorvolseo** · #7 07-28-2010, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by Michelle

Wow, I am sorry to hear you are going through this. I am just so disgusted with health insurance companies right now. I know they need to make a profit and I understand it is their business-but geese. Some of the things I have been through with them, seen others go through, and what I read about is just incredible. I wish you luck with your appeal!

yes
this is totally disgusting they should fulfill the claims according to rule