Jay
Phoenix,#2Consumer Suggestion
Wed, May 21, 2003
I replied in more detail on the previous complaint from "Sheila". The insurance industry is full of scam artists. The industry itself promotes that via its commission schedules. But there is no excuse for not "paying attention". Health insurance isn't a commodity like washing machines. Although health insurance will generally take care of you, there are legal clauses in the policies you need to pay attention to, like in anything else. "Whisper" has a much overinflated concept of health care insurance, particularly a AHP (association health plan) from NASE. I won't comment on the "pressured" statement. No one forced Whisper to buy the policy, and, there is ALWAYS a "free look" period in which Whisper had plenty of time to change or cancel (or put on hold) the policy. All of that is very clearly stated in every insurance company's paperwork and mandated by most states. Whisper's experience with his check is unfortunate. If you don't have the money you shouldn't be giving anyone a check. Tell the agent to call you back in a few months. If you can't afford a car today, don't buy one! In his defense, though, Whisper should have been treated better by the agent. I can't comment on the doctors issue because there isn't enough information, but the dentist issue is easier. Dental work isn't medical work. Most dentists want you to pay for services and then collect yourself from the insurance company. Second, all dental insurance plans have bucket loads of exclusions and waiting periods. My guess is that Whisper ran into that. There is no vision care with Mega. NASE offers a discount program - not insurance. All Whisper needed to do was show his NASE card to Sears to get the discount. There are no forms to fill out - it was NEVER "insurance." But, if Whisper believed he/she had insurance, then I can understand the problem. READ THE CONTRACT! Lastly, if Whisper is paying for health care insurance hoping to get the insurance company to pay for little stuff like doctor's visits, he's in for a shock. The world has changed! If Whisper wants that kind of coverage, it can be had, but not at $250 per month! Sorry: There is no free lunch.