Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas from the Oregon Exchange: Ya Know That Insurance You Thought You Had? Well Not So Much, Good Luck with That!

The state of Oregon is sending out some festive robo-calls this Christmas Season.  How fun would it be that get this call with one week to "look elsewhere?"  But don't worry. It will all work out fine when you and your sick child show up for urgent care.  This is from Oregon Live:
Oregon's troubled health insurance exchange began robocalling applicants Friday, warning them that if they don't receive enrollment confirmation by Monday, they should seek coverage elsewhere for Jan. 1. 
"If you haven't heard from us by Dec. 23, it is unlikely your application will be processed for Jan. 1 insurance coverage," a woman's voice on the pre-recorded call from Cover Oregon says. "If you want to be sure you have insurance coverage starting Jan. 1, you have other options." ... 
Cover Oregon spokesman Michael Cox said Friday he did not know how many recorded calls were being made. They targeted individuals whose eligibility for tax credits has not been determined, Cox said, including those with incorrect applications. ... 
The recorded call tells applicants that they can get coverage directly from an insurance company or through an agent. But they won't qualify for tax credits. Cox said he did not know if Cover Oregon would compensate individuals for tax credits or subsidies they lose in January because of the exchange's shortcomings. ...