HANDLING CLAIMS - CLAIMS PROCESS

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SPEEDING UP THE CLAIMS PROCESS

I seldom meet a person who has processed an insurance claim and feels good about it. Why is that? The main problem is that we want quick and easy reimbursement, whereas the insurance companies want to make sure the claim is valid. Fraud causes great losses for insurance companies. So they always research the claim. Here are a few ways you can accelerate the claims process:

  1. Know and follow your plan. We may not enjoy reading dry material like an insurance policy but you must be familiar with what is and what is not covered by your plan as well as the policy guidelines.
  2. Complete the claim form and submit it in a timely manner. Most companies require that you submit a claim within 90 days of receiving medical care. Make sure you complete the form correctly and thoroughly. List the claims in date order on the Claim Form, with the oldest date listed first. Make sure each receipt has a date of service and a diagnosis. When possible, convert monetary amounts to US dollars and translate into English the services provided.
  3. Inform your insurance company when a dependent over 18 becomes a full-time student. If your company provides coverage for full-time students, they must be informed when your child changes to a full-time student status.
  4. Be patient and persevere in getting the information requested to the company. If you accept from the beginning that reimbursement on your claims may take four to six months, it is easier to accept the delay.