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

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

juliplease — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:32:40 -0800

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?

By: headnsouth

headnsouth — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:39:07 -0800

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.

By: xo

xo — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:39:38 -0800

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.

By: juliplease

juliplease — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:42:25 -0800

I was paying $175/month and canceled on the last day of the last month I'd paid through.

By: grouse

grouse — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:03:57 -0800

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.

By: ikkyu2

ikkyu2 — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:24:18 -0800

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.'