BCBS BS

unfortunately, as we all now, every year the prices of things goes up, and health insurance sure is one of them. they aren't supposed to raise just one person's rates however, this is against the law. everyone must have the same rate increase. i would probably suggest you see if you can get a "cheaper plan" through your employer......but this is a very high jump. if the jump was say, $1,000 more, that would be inline. i would suspect that they are price gouging you now. you can call your state insurance regulatory office and find out the story behind such a huge rate increase. the state agency can DEMAND they answer and show proof everyone else did too receive such a rate hike.

in fact, many times in the newspapers, BC/BS is SUPPOSED to announce a rate hike.....at least they are required to do so out here.......that way, all the subscribers can go to the meeting, and ask questions and vote it down.

let us know how you make out. i only wish i could have been here earlier to tell you this.

i tried to send you a PM, but it was denied by you...

 

Since you have the plan through your employer, it is very possible, that the employer has changed the plan with a new deductible for reduced costs.

This is probably the only communication you would have received from Blue Cross. However, your employer should have notified you of the changes to the plan.

As far as you getting a change to the out of pocket makes one wonder. I do not see a year changing in the middle of the week. They usually change on the renewal date of the plan or the specified month.

I would be expecting them to send a detailed explanation of the benefits, since it is possible, they are just trying to avoid payment of the benefit.

 

The increasing costs are a combination of many factors...

It's not just the poor economy causing insurance to skyrocket; my girlfriend worked for Boston Medical Center as an insurance coordinator - 85% of urgent care (Emergency Room) visits were never paid (no insurance, illegal immigrants), and this was a FACT! Who do you think is going to make up for these unpaid "Urgent Visits"? That's right, you and I who actually are paying for insurance. These people, who have no intentions of paying, are also what causes the extreme wait times in ER. They go to the ER for ANYTHING - cough, cold, stomach ache, etc....they aren't like most insured people who have a $100 ER visit deductable - they are the reason why the wait in Mass. Generals' ER has been at times 24 hours!!!

Here is an interesting letter from an ER doctor to the president regarding the USA's "health care crisis".

Hope all works out for you!