Insurance Vent

Happily Overwhelmed

DH just called from work. His boss handed him papers to fill out to change insurance companies!!! UGH! I don't know how fast any of it would take place..I still have about 5 weeks until my due date.

I'm beyond annoyed. Again, this is all new to me and I don't have just exactly what's going on. But to think I've busted my ass to FINALLY find a pediatrician I love (and who knows what this new insurance company will be affliated with).

At the same time I feel like I can't complain because I'm not too fond of our current insurance company. I feel like I'm being led done a dark hall. Their handbook says nothing about what is and and what isn't covered and when I call I get the run around and never feel confident in the answers I'm given. I don't know whether to expect a $500 bill from the hospital or a $50,000 bill! I know much of which depends on how I deliever, etc...but some sort of guideline would be great!

I'm getting more nervous about hospital bills and insurance changes than giving birth and being a mom!

 

xxmiyaxx

I'M IN THE EXACT SAME BOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MY work has decided for open enrollment, we are using ALL NEW COMPANIES. So now, after I've done all this work to get my OB and hospital registered with my current insurance information, prepaid some of the hospital fees (based upon my current insurancer rates), AND applied and was approved for STD................IT'S ALL USELESS NOW!

I'm beyond frustrated and DEFINITELY more stressed out about getting my *new* insurance up and going BEFORE I deliver, than actually giving birth LOL....I have NO idea if I'm even going to get approved in time for the STD with this new company either.

My HR is supposedly looking at the details to see what changes I should expect with these new companies, compared to the benefits/leave that was explained to me by the old ones, but they said I definitely have to redo all my forms. I hope they don't let things slip through the cracks and leave me SOL with my insurance and leave situation in a few weeks.

Just when I thought I was feeling more prepared for LO to arrive, I've been pushed 5 steps back again. *siiiiiiigh*

LaurenSweat

Does your plan have a deductible and an out of pocket max?  If so you can pretty much estimate what your cost will be based on that.  If they can't give you a straight answer on anything else, the out of pocket max is pretty cut and dry.

Maybe it will be a much better plan! 

indomesticbliss

I am guessing their change will happen on 1/1? If you deliver before then, your birth should be covered under your current insurance policy.

You should be able to find what is covered for L&D in your insurance policy paperwork-if not, request a copy to be sent over immediately. I would suggest that if you questioning at what percentage they cover your birth, the best thing you can do is find out how much you have left to spend until you hit your out of pocket max and plan on that being what you owe. My very standard med free birth turned into a 3 days hospital stay, emergent NICU trip, and a MUCH higher bill than we would have faced with a 24 hour med free vaginal birth. You really have no idea what can/will happen, so it's always best to prepare for the highest cost.

shanabonner

Does it start immediately or on January 1st 2012. We just had open enrollment and the changes do not take affect until Januray 1st.

xxmiyaxx

shanabonner:

Does it start immediately or on January 1st 2012. We just had open enrollment and the changes do not take affect until Januray 1st.

I wish that were the case for me - I wouldn't be worrying about it so much!

Mine starts 12/1 .....I have until Monday to sign up for all new plans. Not. Happy.

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Happily Overwhelmed

I agree that if anything is to happen it will probably take effect January 1st. But being due the VERY end of December...if I go over I'm screwed! Induction is sounding better and better;).