Merri and I each have an “orphaned” health insurance account, as well as accounts that kinda-sorta work. We know exactly how the first accounts became orphaned: During setup, SSN was listed as optional, so we opted to leave it out initially. Turns out that up until a month ago (perhaps still), there was no way to add SSN later. We got orphaned because the Fed site let us select BCBS and regarded the setup as successful, but BCBS *requires* SSN, so Fed think we’re set up and BCBS had no way of accepting our original applications.
Do you think the Feds actually understand this specific problem? Don’t bet on it.
At the time, in addition to not being able to add SSN to an existing account, there was no way to delete an account (that has changed). We were forced to create new accounts from scratch, filling in the SSN more than once as we went.
Now, we both have indications that the second accounts have been established. I have yet to receive a card or bill. Mer had to take a check by hand to BCBS, and later they said they never received it. She still can’t schedule automatic payments online. I’m not even trying. Fortunately, BCBS has “magnanimously” moved the payment due dates. I hope they informed the Feds that SSN isn’t optional for them.
Make sure you REALLY have an account with proof of payment and an account number. peace, mjh
Some find health insurers have no record of them | ABQJournal Online
But orphaned files — when the insurer has no record of enrollment — are particularly concerning because the companies have no automated way to identify the presumed policyholder. They say they have to manually compare the lists of enrollees the government sends them with their own records because the government never built an automated system that would do the work much faster.
“It’s an ongoing concern,” said Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for the industry trade group America’s Health Insurance Plans. “Health plans can’t process enrollments they haven’t received from the exchange.”
Julie Bataille, communications director for the federal health care rollout, disputes the industry’s view.
“We have fixed the issues that we knew were a problem, and we are now seeing nearly zero errors in the work moving forward,” she said.
Some find health insurers have no record of them | ABQJournal Online