Recently, a Hollywood, California resident was given an individual health insurance quote from Anthem Blue Cross. The resident then received a letter from the insurance company stating the premium had increased 25% because of some occasional chiropractic maintenance. When David Lazarus of the Los Angeles Times caught wind of it he began asking questions. A day later the Hollywood resident received a phone call from Anthem Blue Cross retracting the 25% increase.
Statistics obtained by insurance companies clearly demonstrate most policy holders will go ahead and pay the extra 25% without raising an eyebrow. Their statistics also demonstrate physicians are equally indifferent when it comes to their reimbursements.
The case of the Hollywood resident is an example of how insurance companies do as they please. It also shows us that when a person writes letters, jumps up and down, or does whatever it takes to get other people involved justice prevails.
This case also should behoove physicians to outsource at least some or their billing. Physicians need someone in their corner who writes letters, jumps up and down, or does whatever it takes to get claims paid. Indifference toward this stolen silent PPO discount or that unsubstantiated overpayment notice adds up to a lot of money being left on the table.
