I just got $449 unexplainable dollars from my old health insurance company. Is it mine for keeps?

November 13, 2008 6:32 PM

I just got $449 unexplainable dollars from my old health insurance company. Is it mine for keeps?

I recently became eligible for health insurance through my workplace, so I canceled the personal health insurance plan I'd been using. I didn't tell them that was why, though. I told them it was because I was frustrated with the inconsistent customer service I got when I needed a three part procedure. I had called ahead and was told they would cover all three parts, and then they only covered two, leaving me with a $200 bill.

When I called to get more info, I got three different reasons for why. I wrote a strongly worded letter and canceled the plan when my new insurance kicked in.

Tonight I received a check from the old company for $449. There's no letter, there's no mention of the check in my online profile, but the check has my name on it. Do I call them and deal with it, or just feel really proud of my strongly worded letter and start holiday shopping a little earlier?

posted by juliplease to grab bag (5 comments total)

The check probably has more to do with refunding your premium as of the date you cancelled your policy than any strongly worded letter you wrote them. I would call and find out though.
posted by headnsouth at 6:39 PM on November 13, 2008

How much were your monthly premiums? When I switched plans recently in the middle of a month, they sent me a check for the portion of the month I didn't use.
posted by xo at 6:39 PM on November 13, 2008

I was paying $175/month and canceled on the last day of the last month I'd paid through.
posted by juliplease at 6:42 PM on November 13, 2008

They might be faster at cutting checks than they are at sending letters. I'd call them in a couple of weeks if you don't get an explanation. Until then, save the money in case you have to return it.
posted by grouse at 7:03 PM on November 13, 2008

If one of your doctors is 'non-participating', they may send her payment to you. It is then your responsibility to send it to her. A lot of insurers have been doing that to me lately.

They conveniently include *no* explanation of why they are sending my patient all that money, the patient spends it, then a couple of weeks later they get my bill and tell me 'oh, I already spent that money. Sorry, can't pay you.'
posted by ikkyu2 at 12:24 AM on November 14, 2008