OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

Boop2704 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 09:59 AM

OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

I left my last job teaching job in June, but had full benefits covered until the end of August. I have come to find out that it is October now and the idiots working over at my old school have yet to take me off their health insurance even though I don't work there anymore.
So my question is, if I were to go to the doctor and use the health insurance they are still paying for, and they should catch on, could I be liable to pay it back?? I am so sick and could really use a doctor, but benefits at my new job don't kick in til December 1st. So do you think I should use it? They already paid it for the month of October so there is no way they would get the money back if they caught on and cancelled it. Would you use it??

Rainmama Posted: Oct 12, 2004 10:02 AM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

I would..absolutely!

usuk2004 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 10:02 AM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

I don't think I would. When the claim gets back to your old school, they're liable to realize their mistake. I think it could get ugly.

Feel Better!!!

TwoBugs Posted: Oct 12, 2004 10:03 AM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

Posted by usuk2004

I don't think I would. When the claim gets back to your old school, they're liable to realize their mistake. I think it could get ugly.

Feel Better!!!

Unfortunately, I have to agree.

Chloegirl Posted: Oct 12, 2004 10:04 AM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

The same thing happened to me and they never stopped my insurance for 2 years. I called the school, board of ed, insurance company and I still got insurance cards in the mail every year.

I think if they caught on they would just ask you to pay.

Feel better!

Irishbride Posted: Oct 12, 2004 10:10 AM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

I would. the worst that would happen is you have to pay the doc.

ChristineC68 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 10:17 AM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

Are you sure you are covered by the old insurance? How do you know this?

If you are still on their policy, I don't think your company would find out if you use the insurance to go to the doctor. If they do, they may charge you the premiums for the months you should not have been covered.

If you are not covered, the doctor's office would just bill you when they get the denial of claim from the insurance co.

I hope you feel better.

btrflygrl Posted: Oct 12, 2004 07:26 PM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

yes, you would be liable for payment on the services...it happened to me!

suven Posted: Oct 12, 2004 08:18 PM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

Posted by Boop2704

They already paid it for the month of October so there is no way they would get the money back if they caught on and cancelled it. Would you use it??

Not true. I am in HR. Companies can retroactively cancel health insurance. If that happened, you would have to pay for your visit out of pocket...

TracyInQueens Posted: Oct 12, 2004 09:04 PM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

Would that constitute fraud? I would be too nervous.

dm24angel Posted: Oct 12, 2004 09:46 PM

Re: OK, Here's a What Would You Do Question??

Ok..this is my professional opinion since I work for a large health insurance company.

Yes, they can retro actively terminate your insurance. They likely will. Some huge unions for example , well it takes them MONTHS to terminate their employees off the insurance and its always retroactive.

As far as will you get caught and be responsible. It depends on the company. At my company, everyone does it and we do not ask them to pay it back ( unless it was in the THOUSANDS) . We have had people go to many appointments for months and then be retro terminated and no we tell them they were lucky basically.

BUT..when I had Vytra insurance years ago, I had this issue and ended up paying for an ultrasound out of pocket due to an end in Cobra where I was active the day of the appnt. but they came after me for the money.

So...bottom line..thee's about a 99% chance you will not 'get caught' and unless its a huge amount of money I would say go for it, benefit from their mistake. ( DO NOT tell my employer I said that! LOL)