I am newly employed by a private family who told me they would cover my health insurance as long as I found the plan/coverage. I looked online and found a site where I entered my phone number and IMMEDIATELY started to receive phone calls. I was busy doing other things (finding out about different insurance agencies,) therefore did not answer. They called 8 - 10 times before I answered to see what this strange number wanted. I let them know I would return their call when I was able to.
A few hours later I had time so I called back and spoke to Derek, who gave me his shpeel. I told him I wanted to check out their website first, so he directed me to three or four different websites to look at. I searched through the websites, and I looked for one of my doctor's names, and she popped up as being part of the plan (WRONG!).
I asked about a prescription plan and he said he wasn't sure about it, but had someone else come on the line to explain it to me. This was my first transfer.
After I agreed to this "health discount plan, " I gave them my credit card number and was promptly charged $290.98 for a "sign up fee" and the first month's worth of the discount plan.
I then spoke to 4 or 5 other people who each confirmed my information (INCLUDING CC#!!), and finally was able to hang up about 30 minutes later. The first thing I tried to do was call my doctor (who was listed as an accepting physician on their website,) to set up an appointment. The receptionist had never heard of such a plan but promised to look into it. I was called back after the weekend and told they didn't accept the plan nor know anything about it. This happened with every single doctor I tried to make an appointment with - except one. One dr took the time himself to call the company, and see what rates he should be charging through this 'discount.' Honestly, as a self-paying patient without insurance the visit would have cost me about half as much as I ended up paying.
As of Thursday (today is Sunday), I have sent in a written request (e-mailed AND faxed, will send out in US Post tomorrow!) to please cancel my account and to refund my money at once. I can only hope that they do.
0 comments