|
|
"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource."
|
Sick but Insured? Think Again
|
|---|
| Parent(s) |
Issue
|
| Contributor | RP |
| Last Edited | RP Sep 26, 2006 02:19pm |
| Logged |
0
|
| Category | Editorial |
| Media | Newspaper - Los Angeles Times |
| News Date | Sunday, September 17, 2006 08:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | When Steve and Leslie Shaeffer's daughter, Selah, was diagnosed at age 4 with a potentially fatal tumor in her jaw, they figured their health insurance would cover the bulk of her treatment costs.
Shortly after Selah's medical bills hit $20,000, Blue Cross stopped covering them and eventually canceled her coverage retroactively, refusing to pay for treatment, including surgery the insurer had authorized in advance.
The company accused the Shaeffers of failing to disclose in their coverage application an undiagnosed bump on Selah's chin and physician visits for croup. Had that been disclosed, the company said in a letter, it would not have insured Selah.
The Shaeffers say they weren't trying to hide anything. When they applied for coverage, Selah did not have a tumor, at least as far as they — or any physician — knew. The doctor visits occurred after Leslie filled out the paperwork, and they seemed routine, the Shaeffers say. They believe Blue Cross was looking for any excuse to dump their daughter and dodge her bills.
And it threatened to go after the couple for $19,000 it said it had paid for Selah's treatment before canceling her.
Blue Shield — a nonprofit led by an executive who advocates universal coverage regardless of medical history — says it can't afford to break ranks with the industry practice of selecting the healthiest customers.
Otherwise, "we will end up with all the high-risk people," said Blue Shield spokesman Epstein.
|
| Share |
|
|
2¢
|
|
| Article | Read Full Article |
|
| Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
|
|
