Fighting Insurance

Sunday, February 6, 2011

I have to say that while I'm glad we have insurance - actually two between my insurance from Stanford and being covered under Chris' insurance - sometimes it is a plain 'ol hassle.  We'd heard that hospital grade breast pumps are "covered" while babies are in the NICU/nursery.  However, I couldn't seem to get my hands on anyone at insurance to help with that.  So, Chris and I decided to bite the financial bullet and rent one from a place in Palo Alto.  We were prepared to kiss-away nearly $100 for a monthly rental.

Later, I put in a grievance and my insurance said they'd pay all but $13 (they claim I was overcharged).  This has been a total fiasco that I'm quite sure put more stress on my milk production than having babies in the NICU!  Needless to say, the insurance cut the check to the rental place, who returned it to the insurance since they got paid (yes, I'd left a message and called them several times...we had an agreement they'd cash it and give me the money, but apparently they "forgot" about that).  My insurance claims they cut me a check on rush and I should get it soon...It is now going on June 1st and I've yet to see the money...  ARGH!

Here is my advice to anyone that needs it:  use Apria Health Care to rent your equipment if your babies are in the hospital.  They'll deal with your insurance and all you have to do is give them info and then relax.  Wish I'd known that on February 4th...and saved myself trouble and tears!