Well, to wrap up a two week series of Health Insurance, I hope it has given you a nice overview of what is all involved. I have not dived into any one topic too deeply, because there is so many differences from policy to policy, these articles would be longer than your insurance documents. So instead, read your documents, whether a printed version or some companies have your benefits listed online. Use these resources so you are not caught off-guard.
Secondly, keep details and records. This is for explanations of benefits, check stubs, receipts, everything. Sometimes a year or two may go by and then someone sends you to collections for not paying a medical bill. You know you did as well as the insurance, but where is the statement? The other reason to keep them, especially if you have FSAs or HSAs, is the IRS can do an audit and documents are your safe ground.
Lastly, keep in mind who you are talking to when calling your insurance company. A customer service representative, who’s job it is to help. These are your first line of defense. You have questions, they have answers. Can mistakes happen? Yes. But consider this, any insurance company processes hundreds if not thousands of claims a month, some done by automation. Of these numbers, on average, less than 10% have errors. I know that is no comfort when it is your claim, but keep it in mind when you are wanting help to straighten it out. Also by knowing your policy, including exclusions, less errors are made. Treat others how you want them to treat you.
