So, a few weeks ago, we noted this challenge:
"I’ve gotten $100 back from my auto insurance company because of the decrease in traffic. With health care utilization down as much as 70%, where’s my check from my health insurance company?"
At the time, we posited a few answers, and were even provided a credible rebuttal:
"Only 3% of our April claims were COVID related. And no guarantee the avoided elective procedures won’t skyrocket now. Not the same thing."
But that was then, and this is now.
A small group client just received this from Anthem:
"I’ve gotten $100 back from my auto insurance company because of the decrease in traffic. With health care utilization down as much as 70%, where’s my check from my health insurance company?"
At the time, we posited a few answers, and were even provided a credible rebuttal:
"Only 3% of our April claims were COVID related. And no guarantee the avoided elective procedures won’t skyrocket now. Not the same thing."
But that was then, and this is now.
A small group client just received this from Anthem:
"We continue to look for ways to provide support and financial relief to you and your employees during the COVID-19 emergency.
Shelter-in-place orders across the country have caused significant disruptions to traditional patterns of care. As a response to these challenges, we are supporting our customers by issuing you a premium credit based on your April 2020 invoice."
That is, a credit on their August premium representing 10% of what they paid in April. Is this too little too late, or simply a nice gesture acknowledging the pain we've all been experiencing? I'm in the "don't look gift horses in the mouth camp," and grateful.
#YouMakeTheCall
#YouMakeTheCall