Complaint Review: Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield

We've had a family health insurance policy (2 adults, 3 children) with Arkansas BCBS for a while now. When we first signed on, we were paying a relatively reasonable amount for the health insurance. But, every year since we've had the policy, our premiums have gone up at LEAST $100 per month!

That's PER MONTH, not per year! It's outrageous! Can you imagine putting up with this kind of an increase for anything other than health insurance? If it was a mortgage, you'd immediately be looking into refinancing. If your utilities went up, you'd have the option of buying more energy efficient appliances. But, with health insurance, you're stuck. We've considered switching insurance companies, but they frown on that, and what do we do if we have pre-existing conditions? It's hard to find ANY health insurance at a rate our family can afford. We can't just opt for catastrophic insurance, because two of our family members have pre-existing conditions (hypertension, psoriasis) that require regular care. We need coverage that will help with everyday medical expenses and prescriptions. We've looked into applying for another BCBS policy, one that has lesser benefits than the one we presently have. But, we'd be getting a LOT fewer benefits for not much less in premiums.

Did I mention that my husband and I both have our own small businesses? We don't have the buying power that big companies do, so we're in a bad way.

Add to the above the fact that BCBS refused to cover one of my knees based on an MRI that was "inconclusive". The injury was minor, and the recovery was quick. Still, BCBS wouldn't listen to reason, probably because the physican "recommended" physcial therapy that was not necessary, and I didn't take advantage of, because I didn't need it. When I contacted the Arkansas Insurance Commission, the nice young man I spoke to about my complaint said, "Forget it. If you try to pursue this, BCBS will either drop your policy or if you hire an attorney, they'll win, because they have better lawyers." Yeah--he was LOTS of help.

I don't know that we have any recourse whatsover. We're looking at another policy, through MEGA, but I'm finding red flags all over the internet with regard to this insurance company.

What is a person to do? I grew up in another country (Panama), and they have MUCH better healthcare for their citizens than the U.S.! We're so frustrated, and have no idea what to do or where to turn. I'm even afraid to be writing this, for fear BCBS will find it and we'll be dropped. It's scary when your health insurance has that much control over who they provide coverage to. :(

Leslie
Springdale, Arkansas
U.S.A.