Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan Abuse of Individual Policy Holders/Cancellation Detroit, Michigan

When I needed post-COBRA Health Insurance, I had to go with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan due to a pre-existing condition. In 2005, my Individual Policy cost $300 plus/month - by 2011, they had raised the monthly fee to $721 plus. This was very high for my income but I somehow managed to keep paying it by taking extra side jobs.

Several times throughout, they did not show my payment although my bank records showed that they had cashed the check. I mailed them copies of my payments showing their endorsement each time because it was absolutely impossible to speak to a real person or attempt to resolve it online.

When I called my pharmacist in August for a prescription refill, she told me that according to Blue Cross, my insurance had been cancelled on June 14. I had received no mailings from Blue Cross regarding a cancellation so I assumed it was the same situation as I described above. Again, I could not reach a Blue Cross Representative by conventional means. So, I sent in another monthly payment. Several weeks after sending in that payment, I received a refund check from Blue Cross of the same amount with no explanation.

It is my understanding from media reports and the sad tales of others that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is systematically trying to get rid of their Individual Policy Holders. I am assuming that we are not profitable to this so-called non-profit company.

Since Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan is touted as the only Health Insurance Company who must accept all, I am wondering why they are able to get away with this behavior? As my situation and story are not unique, why is the State Attorney General not involved in these complaints? And what the heck does one do at this point regarding obtaining Health Insurance? I am furious.