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If BCBS isn't paying your claim, don't panic. First, review the claim denial letter to understand why it was denied. This will help you identify the issue and plan your next steps.
BCBS may deny claims if the medical service or procedure is not covered under your policy. Make sure you understand what services are included in your plan.
If you're unsure about the denial, contact BCBS directly to ask for clarification. Keep a record of your conversation, including the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with.
BCBS has a formal appeals process that you can follow if you disagree with the claim denial. This process typically involves submitting a written appeal, including supporting documentation, to BCBS within a specified timeframe.
For another approach, see: Bcbs Medigap Plan G
Understanding the Issue
BCBS has a complex claims processing system, with multiple layers of review and approval required before a claim is paid.
Many policyholders are unaware that they have 180 days to appeal a denied claim, as stated in the "Appealing a Denied Claim" section.
Claims are often denied due to missing or incomplete information, which can be frustrating for policyholders who have already submitted all required documents.
According to the "Reasons for Denial" section, the most common reasons for denied claims are lack of medical necessity, not meeting policy requirements, and exceeding maximum out-of-pocket limits.
Policyholders may not receive timely payment for their claims, leading to financial strain and delayed medical treatment.
BCBS has a responsibility to ensure that claims are processed accurately and efficiently, as stated in the "Company's Obligations" section.
Policyholders who are experiencing difficulties with their claims should reach out to BCBS customer service for assistance, as they may be able to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.
After Denial
If your claim is denied, it's essential to read your policy carefully to determine if the denial was legitimate. Your insurance company may have interpreted a clause in your policy differently from how you understand it.
You should contact the insurance company to ask for a thorough explanation of the denial. This can help you understand why the claim was denied and if there's a chance to appeal the decision.
State law requires that "clean" claims, meaning claims that have not been challenged and are complete when filed, must be paid within 30 days if submitted by paper and within 15 days if submitted electronically. However, 57 percent of unpaid claims are more than 30 days overdue.
A large portion of unpaid bills are unpaid because they remain in dispute. In the case of Anthem, about a third of the unpaid claims were more than 90 days overdue.
If you're dealing with a large insurance company like Anthem, it's worth considering that they should be able to handle claims in a similar way to the Veterans Administration, which improved its claims handling process after meeting with each hospital and reviewing every claim.
Check this out: Insurance Refuses to Pay Claim
Seeking Help
If you're having trouble getting Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to pay your claims, don't worry, you're not alone. Many people have reported issues with BCBS paying claims, with some reporting that it can take months to resolve a single claim.
You can start by reviewing your policy documents to ensure you understand what's covered and what's not. According to BCBS's own policy, they may deny claims if the treatment is deemed not medically necessary.
Reaching out to BCBS's customer service team is a good next step. However, be aware that they may not always be responsive, with some members reporting waiting weeks for a response to their inquiry.
Contact the Insurance Company
If your insurance agent or HR department can't help resolve your problem, call the health plan yourself.
Be polite but persistent, and keep going up the corporate ladder. Keep a detailed record of all phone calls, including the names and positions of everyone you speak with, as well as the call reference number associated with the call.
Follow up each call with a brief letter stating your understanding of the conversation, and request a written response within 30 days.
Send letters by registered mail, and keep copies of the receipts.
If All Else Fails, Contact an Attorney
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Contacting an attorney can be a viable option if you're not getting anywhere with your claim. You can seek their help to navigate the process and potentially get your claim covered.
The attorney's fees may be a consideration, especially for smaller claims. This could make it cost-ineffective to pursue this route.
However, if you're willing to take on the costs, an attorney can help you understand your rights and options. They can also represent you in negotiations or disputes with the company.
It's worth noting that there have been cases in recent years where claim denials were reversed after reporters got involved.
Policy and Procedure
You have a right to appeal claim denials, as long as your health plan isn't grandfathered. Most current health plans are not grandfathered.
A significant portion of appealed claims end up being decided in the policyholder's favor, with overturned rulings by insurers in 39% to 59% of the cases.
External reviews can be a powerful tool, with the California Department of Managed Health Care overturning roughly two-thirds of insurer service denials in 2022.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Medical Insurance Claim
Review Policy for Legitimate Claim Denial
Your health insurance policy is a contract, and it's essential to review it carefully to understand the terms and conditions. This includes knowing what's covered and what's not, as well as any specific requirements like prior authorization.
Reading your policy will help you determine if a claim denial was legitimate or not. Abide by your sense of fairness and what you expect the policy to cover, and if the ruling doesn't sound fair, there's a chance that it isn't. For example, a claim can be denied because prior authorization wasn't obtained, even if the claim would otherwise have been covered.
Your policy may have rules about using in-network medical providers and step therapy, so it's crucial to understand these requirements. If you're unsure about any aspect of your policy, don't hesitate to reach out to your insurance company for clarification. They can provide you with a thorough explanation of the denial and help you understand the process.
It's also essential to note that even if you have met your deductible, you still need to submit a claim for healthcare services. This is because your insurance company uses claims information to track dollar amounts that count towards your deductible.
For another approach, see: Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield Prior Authorization Form
Out-of-Network Liability and Balance Billing
If you see a non-participating provider, you'll pay more for covered services. This is because non-participating providers don't have a contract with Blue Shield to accept their Allowable Amount as payment in full.
You'll be responsible for any plan deductibles, copayment and coinsurance amounts, non-covered items, and the difference between the billed charge and the allowed amount. Emergency services and some hospital services are exceptions to this rule.
Non-participating providers can balance-bill for the difference between the allowable amount and the billed charges. This means you'll be responsible for paying the difference.
Except for emergency services, urgent services, and services received at a participating hospital under certain conditions, this plan does not cover services from non-participating providers.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Bcbs Plan N
Submission Process
You need to submit a claim to request payment for covered services, even if you haven't met your deductible.
Blue Shield uses claims information to track dollar amounts that count towards your deductible. This means you'll need to submit a claim for every healthcare service you receive.
Payment on a claim can be made in error, and if that happens, Blue Shield reserves the right to recover the payment from you, the provider, or another health benefit plan, depending on applicable laws and regulations.
If Blue Shield pays a claim in error, they might deduct or offset the amount from any pending or future claim, if allowed by law. This includes payments made in excess of your plan's benefits, amounts you're responsible for paying (like cost share or similar charges), or payments made on fraudulent claims.
To get a refund for unearned premiums, you'll need to call the Shield Concierge (HMO) or Customer Service (PPO) phone number on the back of your ID card.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my insurance not paying claims?
Your insurance claim may be denied if the event is not covered under your policy or if your payments were not up to date, voiding the policy. Check your policy details to understand why your claim was denied and what options are available to you.
What is it called when an insurance company refuses to pay a claim?
Bad faith insurance practices occur when an insurance company unreasonably delays or denies a claim, potentially leading to further action
What are 5 reasons why a claim may be denied or rejected?
Here are 5 common reasons why a claim may be denied or rejected: A claim may be denied if it lacks necessary information, is filed too late, or contains errors in coding or billing. Other reasons for denial include pre-existing conditions not covered and duplicate claims filed.
Sources
- https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2023/04/20/report-targets-anthem-for-300-million-in-unpaid-claims-weekslong-delays/
- https://www.bcbsil.com/newsroom/category/affordability/why-health-insurance-claim-denied
- https://www.patientadvocate.org/explore-our-resources/insurance-denials-appeals/where-to-start-if-insurance-has-denied-your-service-and-will-not-pay/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-insurance-company-wont-pay-3231743
- https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/home/help-and-resources/claims-payment-policy-qhp
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