This is a short story about our first encounter with ObamaCare. We received a referral for a new TT prosthesis. The patient presented his United Healthcare card and we began to investigate. It turns out that his coverage is through the “pre-existing” program.You may remember that pre-existing conditions will no longer be a deterrent to getting insured under ObamaCare. With this coverage, there is a significant deductible and there is a significant out of pocket expense limitation. There is need for a “pre-authotization”. As it was explained to us, this program is funded by the Federal Government AND WHEN THE FUNDS ARE EXHAUSTED, YOUR “PRE-AUTHORIZATION” IS USELESS! THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS ONLY A CONDUIT TO DISTRIBUTE FEDERAL MONEY.
The nice lady from UHC assured us that there was probably money still available as it is early in the program but also allowed that it is just a matter of time before the funds are exhausted. So, yes, there is coverage. There was never any guarantee by Obama that with a pre-existing condition, you would be able to find someone hungry enough to gamble that they would get paid and provide the services. BTW, as far as I can tell, there is only one bucket full of cash for ALL providers. LET THE PROVIDER BEWARE!
Hopefully, enough of our field will read this message and then investigate on their own to make the right decision concerning this program. 1 800 220-7898 is the number that we called for the “Pre-existing condition insurance plan” at United Healthcare.
Jim Fenton, LPOMiami, FL
