What is the name of your state? IL
A few months ago, the small technology company I work for "merged" with another equally small technology company. Prior to the merger, our medical, and various other benefits, were managed by a third-party company.
Under the previous arrangement, I had several choices as to the policy I wished to enroll into (co-pay, deductible, etc.). I was shown my options for family and chose the plan that was most economically applicable. At no time was I shown a break-down of cost-per-person and, since my wife had always previously carried the insurance through her employer, I didn't know to ask to see it. I just understood that the company was picking up 80% of the premium.
When the merger ocurred, we severed ties with the third-party to move to the partner company's benefit structure. When the representative for BCBS came to present the plan, we were told there would be no options to choose from; we would have to decide, as a group, what level of coverage we wanted. Based on our decision, we were told that the monthly premiums for family coverage would be approximately $1,000. When I expressed concern about this number, the BCBS Rep. stated directly that we were only responsible for 20% of the premium. I then asked him to confirm that I should expect a pay period deduction of around $200, to which he said yes.
A few weeks later, we recveived and enrollment confirmation form (again, stating the roughly $1,000 premium, but no individual breakdown). This concerned me and I contacted the owner of my company directly. As near to an exact quote as I can remember, he said, "remember, you're only responsible for 20%". With this information I signed the confirmation form.
I have just received my first insurance deduction which totaled about $460 for a single 2-week pay period (more than double my previous payment). When I questioned the owner about it, I found for the first time that only the employee is coveraged at 80%; we are fully responsible for the remaining family members.
I feel I was grossly mislead, if not actually lied to, by company management and their representatives. If I had had the correct information at the time, I would have opted to purchase a more economical personal plan.
The reason I cannot just do that now is that a week or so ago (after the new policy went into place), my wife suffered a dangerously accelerated heart rate causing her to be ambulanced to the hospital and receive a prescription for a beta blocker. She has yet to have a follow-up examination with the cardiologist but I am guessing that regardless of the diagnonsis, none of the expenses relating to her her heart issue would not be covered if we switched policies now.
Sorry to be so long winded, but I wanted to give as much background as possible. What I really need to know is am I simply out of luck since I signed the confirmation form? I simply can't afford an additional $450 taken from my income each month. Just as an aside, I have not signed the consent for payroll deduction until this is settled.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
A few months ago, the small technology company I work for "merged" with another equally small technology company. Prior to the merger, our medical, and various other benefits, were managed by a third-party company.
Under the previous arrangement, I had several choices as to the policy I wished to enroll into (co-pay, deductible, etc.). I was shown my options for family and chose the plan that was most economically applicable. At no time was I shown a break-down of cost-per-person and, since my wife had always previously carried the insurance through her employer, I didn't know to ask to see it. I just understood that the company was picking up 80% of the premium.
When the merger ocurred, we severed ties with the third-party to move to the partner company's benefit structure. When the representative for BCBS came to present the plan, we were told there would be no options to choose from; we would have to decide, as a group, what level of coverage we wanted. Based on our decision, we were told that the monthly premiums for family coverage would be approximately $1,000. When I expressed concern about this number, the BCBS Rep. stated directly that we were only responsible for 20% of the premium. I then asked him to confirm that I should expect a pay period deduction of around $200, to which he said yes.
A few weeks later, we recveived and enrollment confirmation form (again, stating the roughly $1,000 premium, but no individual breakdown). This concerned me and I contacted the owner of my company directly. As near to an exact quote as I can remember, he said, "remember, you're only responsible for 20%". With this information I signed the confirmation form.
I have just received my first insurance deduction which totaled about $460 for a single 2-week pay period (more than double my previous payment). When I questioned the owner about it, I found for the first time that only the employee is coveraged at 80%; we are fully responsible for the remaining family members.
I feel I was grossly mislead, if not actually lied to, by company management and their representatives. If I had had the correct information at the time, I would have opted to purchase a more economical personal plan.
The reason I cannot just do that now is that a week or so ago (after the new policy went into place), my wife suffered a dangerously accelerated heart rate causing her to be ambulanced to the hospital and receive a prescription for a beta blocker. She has yet to have a follow-up examination with the cardiologist but I am guessing that regardless of the diagnonsis, none of the expenses relating to her her heart issue would not be covered if we switched policies now.
Sorry to be so long winded, but I wanted to give as much background as possible. What I really need to know is am I simply out of luck since I signed the confirmation form? I simply can't afford an additional $450 taken from my income each month. Just as an aside, I have not signed the consent for payroll deduction until this is settled.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
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