Deductible increase!

tunkylala

I was diagnosed with IDC in April. I have satisfied ALL out of pocket expenses for this calendar year and am now at 100% coverage (per my last statement from health insurance). I was checking some unrelated benefits online and just saw today that my dedutable and maximum out of pocket has increased b $2k. Can they do this? Change the max out of pocket mid year, ironically just as I reach 100% coverage??

PLease share other experiences!

Thanks in advance!

Medigal

Many health plans I have dealth with have done stuff like this and upon calling I was told it is because the company uses July for any changes.  So if you want to take advantage of any deductibles you have to do it from July to June 30th of the year.  Other companies use January to January so it is an aggravation trying to keep up with the actual "calendar" year for the health deductibles.  If your company made any changes to the plan, it also can make a difference in what their actual calendar year will be for your deductibles, imo.

lago

My insurance company will be increasing their monthly premiums starting in August. For me it went up $200 a month! That's 2K per year so essentially I'm having to deal with the same thing as you.

cycle-path

I think it varies from state to state. Some states have very strong consumer protection laws, and others have very weak ones. In very general terms, and with no offense meant to anyone, the "red" states have weaker consumer protections.

peggy_j

 If you get your insurance via your employer (or spouse's employer) the HR dept might help you. If you have an individual policy, the anniversary date may align with either the month you originally signed up (or perhaps your birth month). I agree that laws vary by state. I  live in CA and called our state insurance board (make sure it's the number from a *.gov website) and the person on the phone was surprisingly helpful. Our state actually sued Blue Cross for it cancelling policies when people got sick, so sometimes the states do look for their citizens. Good luck. I know the insurance problems can be tough and the last thing you need right now.

Fearless_One

Companies drop people every day on individual plans.   It is always better to have a group plan.   Many people think the issue is whether or not they will take you.   But the issue is whether or not they will keep you (if you get sick). 

cycle-path

Even laws about whether a health insurance company can cancel your policy vary by state. In California, where consumer protection laws are extremely strong, it's very difficult for an insurer to do this. 

http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/newsrelease/ca-legislature-passes-historic-health-insurance-cancellation-bill