Now, Dammit...

[rolanni]

OK, so nobody who Actually Lives In Maine thought the Dirigo Health Plan was going to happen. Call me a dreamer, I had at least hoped for one (1) other insurance company to bid the contract, in order to kick the complacency outta Anthem BC/BS. Hah. Hah! I say!

Only one insurer submits Dirigo bid
By JOSIE HUANG, Portland Press Herald Writer
Copyright © 2004 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

The state's largest health insurer is the only company willing to provide coverage for the state's Dirigo Health program, but says it needs more time to prepare for the undertaking.

Full story: http://www.pressherald.com/news/state/040612dirigo.shtml

...I wonder if it's too late to move to Canada.

Comments

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

Well, you know that old saying: "God is an iron."

I've always wondered about the mechanics by which Anthem bought out BC/BS, anyway. How do you sell a non-profit? Where are the assets, other than the subscribers? And where does the money go?

Oh, well, I have Medicare to sustain me in another few years. And this deed to a bridge somewhere in Brooklyn. The one in New York, that is.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

I ended up going with the National Business Association's insurance--it's not great, two permanent riders, and doesn't pay for my chiropractor (my regular doctor) but it has only a $3000 deductible, and then everything is paid. No one else will offer that--they'll pay penny-ante stuff, but insist on an 85-15 split at the end.

My SO's ex needed surgery for one of those benign tumors that grow between organs--the doc nicked a lymph duct while he was in there. Six weeks, two operations and $140,000+ later, they let her go home a blimp sleeping in a lazy-boy.

$21,000+ would hurt a LOT....

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Lessee. Our deductible is closing in $20,000; doctor visits and tests and the drugs-not-paid-for do count against the amount, but it's nickles and dimes against a mountain of hundred dollar bills. The only way we'd ever come close to hitting the deductible is if -- avert, Avert, AVERT -- one of us had major surgery or got really banged up in a car crash.

And Anthem BC/BS is completely opposed to customer service. They don't return phone calls, they don't send requested quotes for other coverage plans; all they do is send the monthly bill and the little notes that say, "We see that you incurred a medical expense which we have not covered. Please play again."

Not that I'm bitter or anything.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

I have Medicare to sustain me in another few years

You're a funny man...

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

Bitter? What's to be bitter about? (Ducks.)

Always remember -- insurance is gambling, and the "house" knows the odds better than you do. I was amused, so to speak, by recent experience. I had minor surgery this spring, and the amount _just_ squeaked in under our deductible.... THEY know.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

$#%#@!@^&!!!

Like I said--I researched like mad, and I have no real complaints. I feel very lucky to have what little I have-- Hope something else turns up for you.

[persimmon.livejournal.com]

It's NEVER too late to move to Canada :-)