We have a flex plan at work that’s a great way to take care of out of pocket health costs incurred throughout the year. If you’re unfamiliar with such a plan here are the basics. I determine how much I want to contribute to the plan and that amount is withheld from my paycheck throughout the year as pre-tax dollars. As I incur costs not covered by insurance I submit those to the company who administrates our benefits. That amount then shows up in my next paycheck. It’s usually pretty smooth.
A couple of months ago my wife had some dental work done and the dentist did an estimation of what our insurance would cover (most of it wasn’t covered by insurance) and we paid the difference. So far, no problems. Then when I went to the dentist a couple of weeks later I went through the check out process and they said here’s what you owe for today’s visit and we’re also adding on an additional amount from your wife’s last work. It turns out their insurance estimate was a little off and so I paid what was owed at the time – around $60. The next day I submitted it to the benefits administration company and expected to get my $60 reimbursement. Instead I got a letter saying my receipts showed they only owed me $9.
OK, this sort of pissed me off since first of all it’s my money and I’m just asking them to give some of it back to me. Second, I gave them a receipt from the dentist for $60 so just give me my damn money. SO, I send an appeal letter explaining the error of their ways and giving them more documentation than I think they could possibly need. Yesterday I get an email saying that according to the receipts I submitted they still only owe me $9. Did I say this was my money? Then they tell me several MORE things they need if I expect to get my money. I feel like sending them a bill for all the time I’m spending on gathering information so I can get my own money back.
The real pisser in this whole thing – other than not being able to get my own money – is in the ladies signature line. Right below her name it says, “Service is Your First Benefit.” Oh give me a freakin’ break!
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