Some woman called in on NPR and said her insurance premium was going up 300 extra dollars ...

[dolphindance]

next month because they said they now had to cover people with pre-existing conditions.

She is using Blue Cross / Blue Shield and currently paying $1000 for a family of three.

Is her story credible or was she trying to spread fear about the possible changes that might come from passage of this plan?

What she said MIGHT make sense if these rules were enacted without having a mass of people buy policies. But without having any law passed and also the amount of increase she describes, I am calling BS.

I'd like to know if anyone else is experiencing what she described.

(This was heard on the Diane Rheem show, 10:00 am hour).

[Buzz Clik]

1. It's either pure ca-ca or she's allowing herself to be ripped off.

Why would a company charge for something that has not come to pass?

It's possible but highly unlikely.

[OwnedByFerrets]

10. Why is it highly unlikely?

The credit card companies went hog wild when the new regulations were passed, even before they were put into effect. This is the issue that most has me worried about the proposed legislation. I didn't see anything in the speech that will disallow insurance companies to exponentially increase premiums.

[Buzz Clik]

12. Just show me that Blue Cross/Blue Shield is actually making these charges, and I'll shut up.

Until then, it seems ridiculous.

[OwnedByFerrets]

16. I understand what you are saying....yes, we do need proof...

But, it seemed ridiculous that my credit card company could HOLD my payment for 2 days and then raise my rate from 9.9 to 29.4% just because it was late, but they did so. I am fighting it.

[Tansy_Gold]

2. BS/BC could be just hedging their bets.

By pulling in more $$ in advance of implementation, they provide themselves with a cushion.

I'm not insured, so at least I have the consolation of knowing my premiums aren't going up.



TG

[asdjrocky]

3. The fucking plan doesn't go into effect until what?

2013? I don't think there's a lot of validity to this information. This is total bs imo.

[dbonds]

4. Sounds like BS and fear mongering

No bill has been passed yet, so they wouldn't have to be changing anything with their coverage. But they are trying to give you the fear that if they are required to cover pre-existing conditions that rates will be higher. This is not the case with all the other provisions in the bill to prevent that.

[PA Democrat]

5. Wow. That woman's insurance company is really on the ball,

sending out a new bill overnight to reflect their reaction to Obama's speech!

She's full of crap.

[Allyoop]

6. Insurance premium increases

I'm sorry, I don't have any links to this information, but I've been reading about lots of folks having their premiums jumping up to $$$ they can't afford.

Maybe someone more skilled than I in internet research can find some examples.

[lumberjack_jeff]

7. Either the caller or the company is lying. n/t

[Demobrat]

8. I have no doubt that her insurance premium is going up.

But in response to the president's speech last night? Come on.

[karynnj]

9. Before it is actually enacted???

sounds fishy

[Doctor_J]

11. Which is exactly why the private insurers need to disappear

This is a good reason in favor of the PO, not against it.

[high density]

13. So in other words, a great argument for the public option

I expect we'll see more of this. The credit card companies did similar last ditch things before rules went into effect on them.

[Peacetrain]

14. Making it up

[xiamiam]

15. my insurance just increased $160 per month because I had a birthday..

from $527 to $685...and NOT a birthday within a new tier..that happens next year...just a regular birthday...Blue Shield...one year ago I took a higher deductable to lower the payments raised..from 700 to 527...within that year i had a birthday...they raised it to 680 but told me i couldnt change the plan to an even higher deductable until the year was over...I dont even use the insurance...saw a doctor one time in the year...they raised it by one third...for no good reason...doesnt seem like it should be legal....next year I turn 60...i cant imagine what it will be...

[ljm2002]

17. Let's see now...

...putting on the critical thinking cap: 1 - insurance company tells her they will raise her premiums NEXT MONTH due to a clause in a bill that is yet to be passed, and won't be passed until November if we're lucky. 2 - we don't know what the bill will look like because there are currently 5 versions out there needing reconciliation. 3 - woman calls in to talk radio to let everyone know of this outrage due to the new legislation. 4 - FAIL

[uponit7771]

18. Yeap, if I was a betting person....

[Bozita]

19. BC/BS of MI to up rates 22% effective Oct. 1 - State approved this last month.

The woman is obviously a LIV (low information voter).