Maryland Insurance Administration - fax 410-468-2270 and 410-468-2260
Attn: Consumer Complaint Investigation
525 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202-2272
Re: CareFirst Medigap Under 65 - Unfair Billing Practices
Sir or Madam:
I am eligible for Medicare and the Social Security Administration Disability program due to records maintained by the University of Maryland and the State Spring Grove programs. I have tried to get other coverage but have been denied due to my medical history. CareFirst is the insurer of last resort.
My father has been paying CareFirst premiums and has been paying continuously since 1981. He shall continue to pay CareFirst because I cannot do so myself.
It was not until Medicare Part B that I have had outpatient coverage.
I mailed an application for the cheapest Medigap coverage CareFirst offers in the middle of October. I ticked off "monthly".
What I got back was a bill retroactive to September and for the entire month of October PLUS three months going forward (i.e., five months). In other words, CareFirst was demanding a payment just shy of $1,000.00 up front (copy enclosed). This is NOT accessible and affordable coverage in accordance with CareFirst's enabling legislation.
I telephoned CareFirst only to be told, "We only bill quarterly." I wanted to change the start date and was given a fax number requiring all sorts of personal data (copy enclosed). I subsequently received a brand new application which I am declining to file.
I am not going to my father with this bill. I am requesting the Insurance Administration to straighten out CareFirst's billing policies on under 65 Medigap.
Your attention to this matter will be appreciated. I note that the Medicare Part A deductible is $876 - well below the premium requested.
3 sheets to follow
cc: CareFirst (by fax)