Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Are You Insured?

Anyone know if Rahm has fixed this fuck-up yet?
  • Please have all the members call up Blue Cross Blue Shield and make sure they have coverage. I currently have HMO and was at the doctors office today and was refused service, stating that I currently do not have insurance. I checked the BLue Cross website and it states that my insurance was cancelled on 01Jan17.

    I made no changes to my insurance plan from 2016. I called Walgreens to pick up my medication for my wife and the total for her heart medication which is normally $10 generic, was $590.00 dollars. Please SCC let the guys and girls know what is going on..........
Supposedly, there's a "fix" in the works, but the last recommendation we heard is "bring your charge card to the doctor." That's just fucking great - is the City reimbursing the double-digit interest charged for something that should have been covered?

Does anyone have any doubt this was a deliberate machination on the part of Rahm to stick it in everyone's ear again? How about a class-action lawsuit to make things right? Every insurance company knows that the City just didn't cancel all employees' insurance on 01 January, yet there are a sizable number of workers facing months of hassles, phone calls and letters to get their money back. Find and assign the blame and make them pay for the errors.

Labels:

94 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

They cancelled all the retirees insurance effective January 1, 2017. We have them in court. The FOP is more concerned about selling health insurance than helping Krislov with the lawsuit. Before they did I was paying $1215 a month for my Medicare supplement and my wife's healthcare because she is not Medicare qualified. The city sent out something from Blue Cross Blue Shield and it would have been over $2,000.00 a month. When we came on we were told they would always pay our healthcare for life. Just another lie from the city.

1/11/2017 12:10:00 AM  
Anonymous USMC said...

checked on the insurance and it did say i was no longer covered. sent them a message will also call benefits tomorrow. Thanks for giving us heads up.

1/11/2017 12:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heard this story from non CPD. It is the case for current employees. Then, Retired friend ordered a maintenance drug----he took it every day last year from Jan. 01, 2016--Dec. 31st, 2016. It cost him $65.00 each 30 day supply. I was there when he ordered the medicine for 2017. Big Pharma said he owed nearly $4,000.00 for a month's supply before they would place the order. There must be more stories like this. He needs these pills to stay well & live. GGRRRR!!
Screwed for life he guesses....no more pie & ice cream. Not even a beer. Immoral Big Pharma & Rahm.

1/11/2017 12:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All of the service companies changed for BBS HMO no notification no letter had an issue at LCM

1/11/2017 12:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My wife is a retired city employee. Her pension check shows that her insurance cost has been deducted, but Blue Cross has not issued her a new card. They have answered her requests for information by informing her that her application is still being 'processed'. Her application was accepted in the first week of November. The incompetence of the Rham administration is mind numbing.

1/11/2017 12:51:00 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

My thought is the city of chicago missed the 1st pay period of Jan 1st for bcbs hmo plan and now has to wait until jan 15 the second pay date for bcbs. your insurance should kick in latter that day

1/11/2017 12:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've had the exact same problem(s). I was told 48 hours until it's fixed. That was on Jan 2nd. As of 5pm on the 10th, it's still not fixed.

1/11/2017 01:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was denied service because I had no insurance tried to reach out to Bcbs and was told I had no coverage. To contact my employer gave all my information and they could not find a policy. Fast forward under PPO there's a co pay per dr visit I didn't sign up for Hmo...wtf!!! Was informed my coverage had changed there's a new policy/group number. Where's my freakin insurance cards. I have not received any letter stating any changes. Benefit fair no one mentioned a new group policy or changes to policy come January 1 and I made sure I asked after all the changes to Hmo. I am under medical treatment I don't have time for this crap.

1/11/2017 01:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I too, was at the doctor today and was told my insurance eligibility was "inactive" and would have to pay out of pocket for the visit. I immediately called BCBS. They said our employer sent some email out informing employees that they "fucked up". Never got an email or letter. Apparently BCBS is working on this glitch, but if you call them directly, you will be active within a couple of hours....because who knows when the city will provide the info that BCBS needs.

1/11/2017 01:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

a large number of attorney's would love to represent members for a chance to charge the city for their legal fees.

1/11/2017 01:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FOP or some cops should initiate a class action suit and not a grievance. Only thru a suit will all cops be restored lost monies associated with payments and interest on credit cards. Do so puts the City on notice that such DELIBERATE under the table acts to save them money won't be tolerated coupled with it was an unintentional mistake. you can bet the aldercreatures and Rahm have their bennies intact.

1/11/2017 01:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wtf I have a the ppo and just found out I'm not covered

1/11/2017 02:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

In Jan 2016 I went to the drug store to get a prescription filled and was informed I was not insured any more for prescriptions. This is the City's plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. Made numerous calls to the City's Chicago Benefit Management and spoke to a lot of useless people who said they were going to fix the problem but did not. I even called the Mayor's Office and the guy there said he called Benefit Management and said the problem was solved, but it wasn't. Over a period of a month and going back to the drug store and getting denied a total of three times I found out that Chicago Benefit Management is under the Department of Finance. So I called the office of Alderman Ed Burke, Chairman on Finance. That office connected me with some deputy in Finance who was really pissed that they connected me with him. Don't know who he called or what he did but we were reinstated on the insurance. We later found out we did not have insurance for one month. We wasted hours and hours speaking with Benefit Management and people who never called back. What I did find out is when you call the Chicago Benefits number you are not speaking with another city employee. Chicago Benefits Management is outsourced to a Canadian company called Moreau Shepell and your call is routed to Pittsburgh PA. The people there will tell you they work for the City of Chicago.

1/11/2017 02:37:00 AM  
Anonymous Cesar said...

phew! I thought I was the only one. apparently they thought it was a great idea to change everyone's insurance and not tell us! they've changed it to a tier system but the details are not up on the website yet. mind you I just had a newborn baby and the doctors are calling me nonstop because all they see is that our insurance is not valid. thanks a lot Rahm I'm sure he's not dealing with this problem. I don't want a class action lawsuit or a handout. just what I'm entitled to. technically we're all uninsured right now until further notice. was anyone going to tell us? once again, the city that works.

1/11/2017 02:56:00 AM  
Anonymous Phil the Thrill said...

I've said it before, live well, party on rahm's grave. Those who laugh last laugh best.

1/11/2017 03:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I switched from HMO to PPO effective 01Jan17, except I learned yesterday it WASN'T effective. I needed to take my child to the doctor for an emergency appointment and called BCBS to get my card info. The lady told me I didn't have insurance. She said my HMO was cancelled and I didn't have PPO. We conference called the benefits office and the benefits lady told BCBS lady and me that I, in fact, did switch to PPO. They put an "urgent" something in place where it'd be effective in 24-48 hours. We'll see about that. BCBS lady also told me my ID # and the most likely PPO group #. Thankfully my kid's pediatrician was understanding and dealt with other coppers with similar issue and just told me to contact them when I get my insurance info.

1/11/2017 03:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Chicago media should get to work there you go news to talk about !!!!!. What a disgrace !!!!!.... Fop should have been on this and making it public !!

1/11/2017 03:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been trying to call since Friday of last week and have been getting the run around. I have tests scheduled at the hospital but can't get them because I am told I have no insurance and when I call city benefits they hang up on me. When I call blue cross they tell me I have to wait on the city. So if my doctor finds cancer after having to continue to put off these much needed tests do i go after the city? My healthcare is paid for and yet I am told I am into in the computer system so I can't get medical treatment.

1/11/2017 04:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Same here went to pick up my sons acme creme and was told it is not covered and will cost 500.00 bucks. I said pimple medicine they yes . Dear lord!!!!

1/11/2017 04:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes I know 2 wrongs don't make a right but in the case of the city and seeing as how they have been ignoring the contract in many regards it wouldn't be outta line if a higher than normal percentage of people were affected by the nasty strains of flu going around now would it ????

1/11/2017 04:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I tried to get prescriptions refilled over the weekend and was told I didn't have any prescription coverage...I have had the same hmo insurance for years! It took me over 45 minutes to even get a hold of a real personal bcbs and then was put on hold a bunch of times by that person. I put two and two together that I wasn't the only person having this problem after I was told several times that they were "working on a solution"...so I said it's horrible that all city employees are affected...and she agreed but said they were working on it.

How does our union AND every other city union NOT know about this large scale problem? How is it the city has gotten away with not addressing this issue?

To all city employees make sure you look into this before you need the insurance coverage...or else you will end up paying through the nose!

1/11/2017 05:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As a retiree on Meducare I left the city BCBS plan and the FOP offer for my own choice. Aetna of Illinois and Humana pharmacy plan. For the wife and I we are paying $250.00 a month combined. I've already filled prescriptions -0- costs so far. We are saving around $3000.00 a year in premium costs the city will overcharge and take advantage of you at every opportunity. I am very glad I went away from any offers made by the city or fop and won't go back if the retiree lawsuit reverses the decision to drop retirees from health care. My first pension check that I received on Dec30, 2016 was $600.00 more when the health care costs for the city plan was removed

1/11/2017 06:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Troll: I'm reading and thinking where does this sound familiar? Oh, sounds like the kind of stuff that used to go on with the teamsters Central States pension and health programs in the 1980's. You know, money was taken from members paychecks for "healt and pension" contributions and then nothing was there or only pennies on the dollar.

Of course Central States was kind of a racketeer outfit but then again if you think about it, what is City government and how is it different?

1/11/2017 06:29:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Check your duty availability I got shorted, did anyone else??

1/11/2017 06:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wait until you retire and it takes months to straighten all your health care issues out. It was like a full time job working with the angry city employees.

Please, give me some more of that hope and change.

1/11/2017 06:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where the fk is your union who negotiates on your behalf. This sickens every one who works and receives health benefits through an employer. One phone call a day from even half your members should put a rush on things.

1/11/2017 06:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

TD 9.5 is a POS!

1/11/2017 07:06:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just a minor correction, no doctors office will "refuse service for not having insurance" . They will say your insurance is declined and ask how would you like to pay for the service.

1/11/2017 07:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'll bet 9.5 and family has uninterrupted health insurance! TD is a scumbag.

1/11/2017 07:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FOP will do NOTHING. Fuck them

1/11/2017 07:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm retired CPD. They took $1600.00 out of my pension check this month for my wife's BCBS PPO but still no card or materials for her. We don't know if she's covered or not. Calls to BCBS are a waste of time. We started the application process in October. Didn't hear anything so started calling. BCBS claimed to have "Lost" my wife's application twice.

1/11/2017 07:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Per Fop print ID cards for bcbs here:
http://www.chicagofop.org/news/7lotxkavdex6oft7s4rq6jfbd9yzou

1/11/2017 07:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When are we going to picket city hall?

1/11/2017 07:44:00 AM  
Blogger Mr. SouthSide said...

This is Rahm extending his middle finger at all of us.

1/11/2017 07:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Could someone fill out a missing report? I have not seen or heard Disability-dean in months! I guess his silence in representing us was rewarded with his idiot son making detective.

1/11/2017 07:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Face it folks the days of lifetime benefits ended long ago, just one in a longtime list of lies told by politicians, why would you think your special or exempt from the disappointment.

1/11/2017 07:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Call Madigan, Rahm,your alderman, or FOP. You voted for them because they really do give a crap.

1/11/2017 07:56:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

keep working!

1/11/2017 08:00:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been to doctor no problems,i have ppo.

1/11/2017 08:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

From fop website:

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
CITY OF CHICAGO
333 S U I T E 4 0 0 , C H I C A SOUTH STATE STREET, G O , I L L I N O I S 6 0 6 0 4 - 3978

December 27, 2016

Re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois ID Cards

To: City Employees whose PPO or HMO information changes January 1, 2017.

This includes sworn police officers below the rank of sergeant in the PPO. If you need to visit a medical provider or fill a prescription before your new Blue Cross card arrives in the mail, you can print a temporary ID card from the Blue Cross website.

You will be getting a new Blue Cross card because your plan changes on January 1, 2017 if:
• You had the PPO in 2016 and selected HMO at open enrollment, or
• You had the HMO in 2016 and selected PPO at open enrollment, or
• You had no medical plan in 2016 and signed up for coverage at open enrollment, or
• You are a sworn police officer below the rank of sergeant enrolled in the PPO for 2017

How to Print a Temporary ID Card
1. You’ll need your new group number (189421/Active Officers & 189422/55 and Out) and your Blue Cross ID number (this is not your City employee ID number). Call Blue Cross at 1-800-772-6895 to get the numbers you need. Blue Cross is available 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST.
2. Log into bcbsil.com/cityofchicago.
3. On the right side of the screen, log into Blue Access for Members. If you have not registered before, click the Register Now button and use your group and ID numbers to complete the registration and create a user name and password.
4. You should now be logged into Blue Access for Members.
5. Click the Log In tab and type in your user name and password.
6. Find “Quick Links” on the left side of the screen (see on next page of this letter). Click on “Get a Temporary ID Card” which you can print. The next page describes the Blue Access for Members tools and information. Call Blue Cross at 1-800-772-6895 if you need help printing a temporary ID card or have questions about your plan coverage.

The Chicago Benefits Office

http://www.chicagofop.org/news/7lotxkavdex6oft7s4rq6jfbd9yzou

Just logged in to bcbs no coverage called BCBS was told "well over 7,000 members affected" This is the 1st time all policies were cancelled and she did not know why!Rahm as usual taking care of illegal criminals using tax money for them but maybe rahm is so mad throwing a hissy fit like the coward he is taking his anger out at police! 30 years cpd never had this problem now look this is ridiculous!

1/11/2017 08:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This Jagoff mayor doesn't care about you or your insurance issues. These folks down at the benefits section here are all political hacks who think they can't be fucked with. I'm a retired Sgt. On medicare and the city fucked us real good. I chose Aetna as my medicare supplement and they claim to be better then Blue Cross. FUCK THIS CITY GOVERNMENT

1/11/2017 08:59:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just got off the phone with BCBS as I have HMO. They informed me that they are aware of the issue and have been actively working on this issue for the past week. They also said if you need to see a Dr. or need prescription medication and you're denied, to just call BCBS customer service and they can call the Dr.'s office or pharmacy and let them know you are covered. They checked my name against a spreadsheet they have with everybody's name on it that were affected. I would call and make sure you're name is on that spreadsheet they have just to be on the safe side.

1/11/2017 09:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I now live in Arizona and am retired on Medicare along with my wife. When the city dropped us, went with the local BCBS- cheaper than the city option, better coverage than the FOP nonsense. Rates by the city and FOP are very high considering the coverage, wonder if someone is doing a little money making.

1/11/2017 09:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pay out of your pocket the insurance company will reimburse you. Yeah right !!!

1/11/2017 09:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wonder if all of the above complaints will be included in the l"Low Moral Section" of the justice departments report on the CPD?

1/11/2017 09:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What's the big deal? Rahm figured out that he could take a "Insurance Holiday" just like he and Daley took pension holidays. What's the harm? If the cities insurance plans collapse on the employees who cares! Rahm's family is covered. The Alderman's family is covered. Only the cops families are not covered.

1/11/2017 09:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How about the other city retirees Fire, Streets and San? Are they having payment problems?

1/11/2017 09:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If the cops are not getting paid in full, do they have the right to strike or call in sick because the lack of medication made them sick?

1/11/2017 09:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"CPD employees' health care coverage disappears overnight"

That should be the headline on every newspaper and TV station site. If the FOP is not raising 3 kinds of public h e l l, then individual officers need to be doing so ! I also agree with the prospect of a class action, but you'll likely have to get an attorney from outside the city who isn't intimidated by dealing with City Hall, or doesn't have buds to protect.

1/11/2017 09:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mistake my a--. That rotten SOB Emmanuel is doing this deliberately to "send you a message" , which is push to hard in contract negotiations I will show you what I can do. Yes I am a retiree and could go on for pages about how he screwed us tit for tat during the medical insurance legalities. Right down to the letter cancelling our insurance. They sent a declaration stating drug coverage was terminated but you had to call if you wanted a declaration that medical was cancelled. You then had to go thru the usual run around. That declaration is necessary in many instances if you want to go to another company and avoid an evaluation of existing conditions. The insurance agent I used said they have to give you the declaration by federal law. I told the agent Chicago is its own dictatorship. So don't believe for one second that the "mistaken " cancellation of your insurance is an accident. There is some crap going on. Yesterday I got a letter from bcbs saying we could get into the city sponsored bcbs for retirees until February now. Apparently they didn't get enough of us to fall for their phoney program so they could still make money. So bottom line don't listen to their b.s. hold the fops feet to the fire sue the city do whatever is necessary.

1/11/2017 10:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I learned that BCBS was not covering my prescriptions. After a half hour on the phone with BCBS I was told that thousands of City employee plan members were cancelled instead of renewed and that they have spreadsheets and will manually add retroactively people back to BCBS. It will take some time. My prescriptions were covered after an override by someone at BCBS. Also do not pay your doctor. Call BCBS from your doctors office to resolve the issue. Otherwise, you will have a real hard time getting reimbursed.

1/11/2017 10:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hmmm?
Did this affect the Aldermen and their staff's as well?

1/11/2017 10:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
FOP or some cops should initiate a class action suit and not a grievance. Only thru a suit will all cops be restored lost monies associated with payments and interest on credit cards. Do so puts the City on notice that such DELIBERATE under the table acts to save them money won't be tolerated coupled with it was an unintentional mistake. you can bet the aldercreatures and Rahm have their bennies intact.
1/11/2017 01:33:00 AM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The current FOP won't do sh!t for you.
Haven't you talked to your co-workers lately?
This FOP admin does nothing for coppers, only themselves.
Hell, even the office staff was paid to go to all the conventions this past year, on your dime!

1/11/2017 10:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I received a letter saying that the ID were late and if you needed to go to the doctor or hospital to log in and get a temporary ID card after receiving a code from the benefits department.

Also, I received a letter stating that they would no longer be paying for my branded Synthroid thyroid med and if I didn't want the generic, I would pay the entire cost out of pocket. Thyroid meds are long term meds and not like a course of antibiotics where it doesn't matter. Many people are well regulated on the branded Synthroid and now they will not cover any of it. Nice insurance! I can use the Good RX card, go to Walmart and only pay $7.00 more a month than I was paying with my so called insurance. They can bite me. I should have to feel like shit so that they can save $4.00 a month.

1/11/2017 10:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For once something worked right. I am a retiree and went with the Aetna PPO. I have had two doctors visits and ordered drugs with no problem. My payment was also deducted from my pension.

1/11/2017 11:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Call the attorney's handling the retiree's law suit.

1/11/2017 11:56:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A Fact of life in Crap Chicago.. Hospitals will not even schedule any non life threating surgeries until you have insurance.. no money for drugs from City screw up ? Emanuel laughed when he cut out Retiree health insurance

1/11/2017 12:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Over/ under... City of Chicago did not pay up premiums for Blue Cross Coverage for 2017

1/11/2017 12:08:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Go to Stroger and Oak Forest like rest of us in the private sector who can't afford insurance!

1/11/2017 12:12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Time to follow the act alone guy's advice?

1/11/2017 12:13:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are people using their NEW group number that was issued on the 1st? Everybody received new insurance, you need to print it out at bcbsil.com

1/11/2017 12:24:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

CVS has not transferred my list of mail order medicine over to Walgreens. It has to be done via phone from CVS pharmacist to Walgreens pharmacist , or it will not be done , better check peeps.

1/11/2017 01:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Kell said...

Retirees Vote. FOP could become all retirees very easily. Time to step up and fight for yourselves.

1/11/2017 01:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

same story here......insurance (retiree and spouse) would have gone up from 1200/month to about 2000/month....so, finally got signed up individually, then wife had to go into the marketplace to get some coverage.....what a fiasco.....if anyone hears of a remedy for this cluster (lawsuit or otherwise)....please post

1/11/2017 01:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i called on dec 30th I was told no coverage, call your employer I did but bcuz of holiday. I wanted to make sure my monthly prescriptions would arrive on time. I was told at that time the group number was not valid and they looked me up by my personal info and nothing. I had to wait until Tuesday had an appointment paid 294 out of pocket no coverage. I had to go back to my primary dr and was told no coverage but bcuz I've had the same doctor for years he took care of me. Told me when everything gets straightened out just to go back and take information.

1/11/2017 02:11:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

About six months ago, I went to the dermatologist after calling the Blue Cross and Teligen to make sure the doctor was in the network and the procedure was covered. I was told the Doctor was and had a skin cancer lesion excised. Two months later I was notified by the doctors office that the claim was refused. When I received the statement from Blue Cross it stated that I had exceeded my allowable benefit for this procedure and they had declined the $650 dollar bill. i contacted them to let them know I hadn't filed an insurance claim in over 2 years and questioned why my claim was denied. They told me they'd look into it. Another month passed and I received a second statement from the doctor seeking payment as the insurance had declined payment a second time. I recontacted Blue Cross and was told the investigators needed "more time". What kind of bullshit is that? I contacted the Doctor's office and told them I was going back and forth with Blue Cross and asked that my bill not be turned over to a collection agency until the matter was resolved. I contacted Blue Cross a third time and was told the claim should have been paid, they recognized the Doctor was in the network and they asked for a little more time to process the claim. Finally, 6 months later, the bill was paid and my end was reduced to $167.00.

If this is the way our claims are going to be handled in the future, we're screwed.

1/11/2017 02:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just when I thought the city had hit the pinnacle of fucking shit up they raise the bar! The Shitty that works never let's me down!

1/11/2017 02:31:00 PM  
Blogger Leonard Hamilton said...

I did not vote for this assailed but this is really tucked up. This places families in stressful situations. We need a leader to fix this.

1/11/2017 02:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have not had any problem with PPO Doctor or Pharmacy.
But The City did send out a letter to call BC/BS or print out their Temporary ID's on the website to avoid problems until new Cards are issued.
If you switched from PPO to HMO, then probably some unqualified clerk made the mistake. Retirees were also to get new BC Group number and Cards. In most cases when you go to your regular medical center, they just keep resubmitting the bill until it's paid. Maybe some people with complaints have switched coverage, providers and doctors are experiencing the problem.
Again, when you go to the doctors office you are taking the word of a low information receptionist who might not want to bend over backwards on your behalf.
But in the grand scheme, what good is insurance when the deductible is $3000 for a $150 dr.visit?

Stay healthy - Stay Fetal.

1/11/2017 02:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another reason to stay fetal do nothing.

1/11/2017 03:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So you have to ask: Why is a company, this Morneau-Shepell, which is not in our country let alone not in our city handling our health care? Didn't we have city employees doing this. So how did they get the contract? Have they contributed any money to any politician for a quid pro quo. Where is the transparency, there is no mention of this company in our health care plan as there should be. Why don't they identify themselves as members of that company? Where are the unions on this are they even aware? Maybe some of our City Hall investigative reporters will be able to get to the bottom of this!

1/11/2017 04:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maybe this can help the posters. If you go on line to the city of Chicago employee phone directory you can run depts. Finance-city of Chicago employee directory-query results. Came up with finance which has employees in various areas. There are a few for Chicago benefits management. But this one lists the benefits claims supervisor as Raquana Sumrall tel. 312 744-6738. Raequana.sumrall@cityofchicago.org Hope this helps.

1/11/2017 04:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Not CPD.....CDOT here......why can't all.....ALL of the unions get together and get a plan for retirees? Somebody here or who reads this has to have a somebody that would want to write this policy. 30,000 or more retirees? Nice piece of residual cash for someone.

1/11/2017 05:02:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hu guys and gals.

Its me, that Finance Guy on a Bike



If you have Facebook: Contact Jeff Johnson via PM

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004781981259&fref=ts

He is working with the Comptroller to get this crap fixed.


1/11/2017 05:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Y'all do realize that the PROBLEM there is your 'insurance" coming from your employer, right?

It will always be a problem until you get your health insurance the same way you get your car insurance - you go out and buy it yourself.

1/11/2017 05:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Call Madigan, Rahm,your alderman, or FOP. You voted for them because they really do give a crap. I DID NOT VOTE FOR ANY OF THEM, keep voting democrat buddy it is working out great

1/11/2017 06:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just received a notice from BC/BS. Said card will be sent later. Enclosed with the notice was a letter explains how to get a temporary I'd card. You have to log on the BC/BS website and get a user I'd and password. Then it give instructions on how to get the temp card. I did that I printed out the "temp I'd card" which actually is a short letter explaining that you have insurance with your information along with your group no and I'd no. It informs the dr or hospital that you are covered. After I printed this notice out I signed out and then signed back in to BC/BS and went to the area where you ask for a duplicate card to be mailed out. It had my info, name and address but also stated that the submit area was temporarily suppressed and no duplicate cards are being sent out. Guess the cards will be sent out shortly and they expect the temp card letter to suffice. Last thing the letter stated the problem affects po's who changed from ppl to hmo, those that changed from hmo to poo and all po's that had a BC/BS PPO in 2016

1/11/2017 06:33:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just wrote all that stuff about the letter I received and then looked in a few comments and saw FOP gave a link that has a copy of the letter. If you follow the directions in the letter you will receive the letter I wrote about but not a temporary CARD. PS. The letter has a disclaimer stating this letter does not guarantee payment.

1/11/2017 06:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Face it folks the days of lifetime benefits ended long ago, just one in a longtime list of lies told by politicians, why would you think your special or exempt from the disappointment.
1/11/2017 07:55:00 AM

I'm facing no such thing. We were guaranteed benefits. Let's see how our lawsuit plays out.

1/11/2017 07:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have Bcbs ppo. Went to dr had to pay a 35.00 copay. First time ever

1/11/2017 07:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm a PO and I lost both of my parents within a two month window. Unmarried and childless, I didn't have kids and a wife to fall back on. So, I entered counseling. Laugh all you want, but I lost two very important people. My counseling was approved via BCBS and it was a PPO, so I was paying out of pocket for that. Again, it was approved. Six weeks into my therapy, I was told by my counselor that it was not approved. This after my counselor had gotten it approved. Suffice it to say, even though I was paying my COBRA (because I was off for six weeks), which was documented by Rahm's outsourced benefit management people, my claim was denied. As far as I am concerned, Rahm Emanuel and his bean counters can take their transplanted asses back to whatever suburb er/neighboring state they come from. They are hilarity in their lack of integrity and complete lack of human empathy. The time has come that we remove this man from office, no matter what comes behind him. It cannot possibly be worse. Rahm: you and your brothers can go eat shit from a flaming pile of matzah during a shivah, you cocksucking sociopathic dickholes.

1/11/2017 08:52:00 PM  
Anonymous 1stDistFF said...

I discovered the problem on Jan 2ns when I took my daughter to occupational therapy. They refused her service, and told me our insurance was cancelled. After 5 hours on be phone, blue cross said the city cancelled out policy, and as far as they are concerned, we missed open enrollment for 2017, and will be without insurance until we can re apply for 2018. Meanwhile, the city took the premium out of my check. Benefits management and admistration (two separate city agencies) said I am active, I am enrolled and it's a glitch on the pet of
Blue cross. Blue cross points the finger back at the city. The cities response, just pay the full price of the office visit and we will reimburse you the contract price at a later date. $280 per visit, and my daughter goes twice a week. Her meds, $1973 for one month. That's more that I take home in the entire month. Who needs to pay a moartgge. Or the heat or light bill? It is silly law abiding public servants.

Also, I called Local 2 on 2Jan2017 and let them know of the issue. Guess what we've heard from them? Crickets. Fucking hall full of uses less hacks. Not a fucking peep. It's election time, so they don't have t he time.

1/11/2017 09:27:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Go to the BC/BS website. All you need is your card. If you don't have a user name or password register. Once you are registered you can get a copy of the letter from BC/Bs that verifies you are insured. It has all you info on it. I did it today took less than 15 minutes. Hope it works out for you

1/11/2017 10:13:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Po here. Have the city PPO plan and have been to the Walgreens pharmacy twice since January 1 and had no problems. Brought in the prescription, it was filled and no problem with the insurance. Just sayin

1/11/2017 10:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would like to take this time to give props to our 12th district 3rd watch rep. He has been sending out text messages the last few days informing us of this. And I have personlly called him and he took the time to explain it over the phone. I may not always agree but he always makes himself available. I have even seen him help guys on other watches. Thanks and I hope he runs against our unit rep she is completely useless. Signed a guy with 19 years.

1/12/2017 12:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@ 852 pm who lost both of your parents, I am very sorry for your loss. I think I speak for many when I say I don't think anyone would laugh at you for seeking counseling. I can't imagine losing both my parents like you have, counseling does good for anyone who needs to talk or advice,comfort or just someone to listen. Years ago I spoke to a counselor and it did help me ease some of my hurt and pain. Take care of yourself.

1/12/2017 12:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And fools still want to work for cpd? They can't even take care of your benefits that you pay for. Screw this place and city.

1/12/2017 01:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is what happens when BCBS offshores and outsources thousands of jobs, mostly technical, to India and it's not covered in the news. It's been a nightmare, and only going to get worse. What used to take 15 minutes to fix, now takes hours, if not days with the current issues. Been on calls for over a week, but can't fix shit as it's not our responsibility any longer. Enjoy more of this in the coming years courtesy of the greedy bosses at BCBS, not to mention the reps being offshored to the Philippines. Enjoy future data breaches.

1/12/2017 05:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I had contacted the benemies section a few years back. The boss there is Helen George, not any relation to Steve Georgas, different spelling but I don't know if she retired but was helpful. Also send tons of e mails to Rahm Chief of Staff, send thousands to her. As far as FOP and PBPA they don't get involved unless a contract issue is violated. FUCK ALL OF THEM. Every year you will notice very slight changes in your coverage, read the fine print, RAHM IS NOT OUR FRIEND AND NEEDS TO BE REINED IN.

1/12/2017 08:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a PERFECT example at to why I stay FETAL for this city!

Police work is DEAD!

1/12/2017 09:17:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Class Action Lawsuit With Puntitive Damages Against Mayor Emanuel...That works for me..

1/12/2017 11:37:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"$1600.00 out of my pension check this month for my wife's BCBS PPO"

Get out of the City's plan. The only plan the city has is to bankrupt everyone involved.

I'm retired and private insurance is costing me under $700.00 a month.

1/12/2017 11:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

1/12/2017 11:52:00 AM,

What insurance company and how many people are insured under your policy? Is it a PPO? Or, HMO? Details, please!

1/12/2017 08:45:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

1/12/2017 11:52:00 AM,

What is your deductible(s)?

1/12/2017 10:52:00 PM  

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