Question: I have submitted payment to Blue Cross but have not received a card. In the meantime, I found out that my therapist only takes Blue Shield. (I thought Blue Cross/Blue Shield were the same company because this is my first experience purchasing in CA. Also some of their paperwork includes both names suggesting they are the same). I want to change carriers because I want to remain with my therapist, but I don't know if that is possible or what the smartest, most efficient process is to complete the switch. Do you have any helpful suggestions?
Answer: You can change plans or carriers within the open enrollment period, that is before March 31st. It can be done online by "terminating participation" (in your CC account on the home screen click on "terminate participation" at bottom left of page) in the previous coverage and selecting new coverage. It's important to get the dates right so that you do not have a gap in coverage or double coverage. The smartest, most efficient way to do this is to contact a Certified Covered California Insurance Agent.
I have called Covered California multiple times, been left on hold for 45 minutes and more, and then told “Experiencing high call volume, call back later, goodbye.”
I requested online chat for second time today—waited over an hour watching my number in line go down from over 300 to 1, only to repeat my first chat request experience: I was told to try again later.
I completed an application for wife ONLY as I am currently receiving my health benefits through medicare. I recently received a letter from Blueshield stating a binder payment is due for me as a primary and stated my wife as a child dependent. I’ve had no luck trying to contact blueshield direcly. What can I do to correct this? I’ve already paid the binder payment for my wife. I need to remove myself as a primary and my wife need to be on the policy as a stand alone.