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Cigna rant

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/29/2023 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
I used to think CVS Specialty was bad, but that was before I got to experience Cigna and it's minion, Accredo. I have spent hours and hours on the phone and today takes the cake. The prior authorization that THEY CREATED does not have the correct information so they have cancelled my Stelara order and are contacting my physician. This is such UTTER BULLSH1T. I wish I knew where to report them, I am going to try though my state but I'm pretty sure they are going to say its not in their jurisdiction. Maybe they will know.... All I know is this goes on and on and we need to fight back.
Posted 6/29/2023 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
I’m a firm believer that these insurance institutions deliberately make thing difficult hoping that we’ll give up and disappear and save them lots of money in the process. And I’m stubborn enough that I refuse to give them that satisfaction. But boy is it stressful and frustrating and time consuming.

I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that patients aren’t allowed to sue the insurance companies for malpractice or whatever you would call it. Which is a damn shame.

In CA we have an insurance commissioner that you can file a complaint with. It doesn’t solve anything but it does make you feel like you’ve done something. Not sure if every state has one of those or not tho.

So sorry you are going through this. In my experience the insurance and dr office just blame each other for not following through, leaving you stuck in the middle unsure of who’s lying. My money is on the insurance.

Please let us know when you get this resolved.

Oh yes and my son worked for Cigna for a short time in their claims processing dept. they are well known as being total ***holes.
Posted 6/29/2023 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I have absolutely no doubt it is deliberate on their part, and therefore I will call them daily and report them to whoever I can until they provide the coverage they are supposed to. I also think it is a shame that the doctor's offices have to spend so much time on crap like this when they could be actually doing something productive instead.

Thanks!!
Posted 6/29/2023 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
I have a love hate relationship with insurance. I too believe that they try to slow play expensive treatment.

There's usually a fast track process that health insurance agencies have that must be followed completely with answers given within 72 hours after receiving all requested records. It's in the fine print usually on the back of one if their brochures. If you call in and ask they should be able to tell you how to do it. The issue is if they don't tell you all the information they need... If it's not sent to them they get additional time. And if that happens resend everything with the additional requested info.

I really loathe the way they are able to get away with this crap.

I hope you are able to get this straightened out.

Clo
Posted 6/30/2023 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
There should be an insurance commission and some sort of pharmacy board/commission in your state where you can report them. But I doubt that they can speed this up. Just stay on them. Maybe threaten them by saying you are calling the commissions. Might work. (It worked for me with Verizon when they kept giving me the run around -- I told them I was going to call the PUC and my problem was solved the next day - true story)
Posted 6/30/2023 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
You have my deepest empathy on this. What we go through with insurers, prior auth rules, etc. contributes enormously to setbacks in our health and spirit. Maybe we should compile a "dirty dozen" list here on the forum. / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)
Posted 6/30/2023 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry you are going through this and hope things get resolved ASAP. What I will never understand is why they delay access to treatment. This increases the likelihood that we will need additional treatments and cost them even more money.
Clo, I love your idea of a dirty dozen list of insurance companies.
Posted 7/3/2023 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Every state has an insurance department … and they accept complaints - good luck.
Too many hands in the till and we pay everyone their cut (and they try to escape their responsibilities when possible) ….pharmaceutical manufacturers, insurance companies and pharmacies … lots of greed. The solution is not to get sick but that ship has already sailed for us. Good luck.
Posted 7/4/2023 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
I've had good luck with CVS Specialty, but Walgreens Alliance was a total nightmare.
Posted 7/4/2023 12:05 AM (GMT 0)

FlowersGal said...

In my experience the insurance and dr office just blame each other for not following through, leaving you stuck in the middle unsure of who’s lying. My money is on the insurance.
.

Yes! I'm always wondering who is lying to me. Ive had crappy doctor offices with atrocious office staff and they ALWAYS blamed the pharmacy, insurance and even their own hospital lab when my orders never got send there. The pharmacies and lab blames them all, too.
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