In recounting my COBRA nightmare saga, I want to mention that one of the more decent experiences I had was with the billing people at a couple of the providers’ offices. (In addition to ET at the DOL, of course. And RN, who got me set right to begin with.)
I spoke with Rita at the surgical center and Nancy, of the anesthesiologist’s office. (Don’t know why the surgeon never contacted me—the Explanation of Benefits form I got denying it said his fee was $7000.)
Both of them were professional and polite. And--moreover—understanding, reasonable and helpful.
This was in marked contrast to Towers & Watson, the COBRA administrator and the pay-no-attention-to-the-man-behind-the-curtain stealth operation of the ex-employer.
It occurs to me that Rita and Nancy have one of the lousier jobs in our healthcare system: managing billing for providers. Think about it—the only people they deal with are insurance companies (with all the myriad coverage and payment types, regulations and what-all) and patients who may or may not have the money to pay for the medical services.
Including those who, like me, have been hung out to dry by their insurance carrier and are facing tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected fees.
So it’s really remarkable to me that Rita and Nancy were so, you know, human. Even though I really dreaded the calls, when I actually spoke with them, I felt like I was dealing with human beings and that, even in the worst case, I’d be able to manage something workable.
COBRA snakes—you could really learn a lesson here.
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