Health Insurance Changes
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September 21, 2013 at 4:05 am
My NC State Employees Health Insurance (Blue Cross) is changing me over to a Medicare type policy. I already have Medicare as my primary coverage but the Blue Cross as secondary coverage is currently paying for my IVIG infusions. Got a basic brochure saying you have two polices to choose from (calling them “Medicare Advantage”) and if you don’t pick one before October 31 then we’ll assign you one. The choices are Humana and United Health policies with no info on about treating CIDP or frequently of IVIG treatments. Supposively they will be very similar to Medicare?
I called the IVIG supply company that has been sending the IVIG with home health infusion nurse to my home for 6 years and they are clueless right now about this situation.
Was wondering how the rest of you are handling these upcoming insurance coverage changes and may know more than me? How with this affect receiving IVIG and for having it at home? Will this really be 2 Medicare health polices back to back and give us the help we need treating CIDP??
(Also posted on CIDP forum).
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November 10, 2013 at 2:38 am
Hi there — talk to the biller who deals with your IVIG to get a recommendation, not just any so and so in the office that can get away with saying “I don’t know”… If that doesn’t work ask the doctor who to talk with. The biller should know what will get the bills paid — regular medicare with a supplement, or an advantage plan, and if so, which carrier. You may also need to look at your medication costs. Regular medicare requires that you also choose a Part D plan for your Rx. Your biller should know what is the most desirable plan to pay for your IVIG.
Good luck, and make a wise decision!! Now is the time to do your research!
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