Waiting on Blue Cross

By Arline Bolvin

Sitting outside Blue Cross Blue Shield on Exchange Street in Providence surrounded by posh new buildings and the Union Station, the portal by which so many college students exit to their hometowns… It’s a calm lazy summer day, a Friday afternoon no less, when thoughts of the water call those of us so smitten to their shores.

But wait a minute! I may be smitten with the idea of lolling on a boat out on the water but I have no real expectation of spending any time there. You see in reality I’m sitting outside Blue Cross considering my pre-existing condition as I apply for coverage. Sure, I know the insurers have agreed to immediate suspension of the pre-existing condition exclusions that have haunted many a subscriber just applying for coverage before me. But still, the horror stories loom large. As I fill out the application I’m in a sketchy what-if-land that I’d rather avoid. Why such fear and loathing? Well those stories of people being denied coverage, denied care, denied, denied, denied.

But also, there’s the expense. Like most people agreeing to a premium that could be anywhere from $876.38 to $1502 per month.  The very fact that it’s unknown at this point is intimidating. That’s a big spread.

I apply for Access Blue, the BCBSRI premium support program whereby qualifying individuals or families receive discounts on their premiums based on their gross annual household income and family size.  A family of four earning under $44,100 would qualify for level one and receive $154 deduction for a Family Plan. Level two is for a family of four earning between $44,101 – $77,175 to receive a deduction of $102 per month.

The great part of this process is when Nora, the Blue Cross professional who goes over the types of coverage with me, tells me of all the lab tests and wellness check-ups that are covered 100 percent.  Of course the $6,000 deductible per annum for hospital expenses is serious money now that I’m at an age where hospitalization is not such an unreal expectation. With the application signed the process is begun by which my family will have health coverage. We are really happy about this.