Has anyone ever had to switch from Kaiser to a different insurance?

Hey everyone! :)

I have a question about insurance! I'm currently paying for Kaiser out of pocket and due to financial hardship, I couldn't pay the last month and it got canceled. :(

I should have had a yearly checkup for my pacemaker in September but I was put on a waitlist, and then that's when my insurance got canceled, before I could even get an appointment.

I'm very paranoid over not having had my checkup, but I just got a new job that provides their own insurance. This insurance is Aetna and I could get a really good deal.

If I switch, how does it work to make sure I can get to a Cardiologist? Do I need to find a primary doctor first and then get referred? Also, would the new Cardiologist make sure my home monitor is updated to have someone on their end monitor me now?

I've only had my pacemaker for about a year so I'm not quite sure how this works.

Thank you all!

3 Comments

Aetna

by Lavender - 2022-10-25 22:33:52

I have Aetna and like it. Just see if your present doctors accept Aetna then you're set to go. Check if it's a PPO or HMO plan so you know if you must only go to in network doctors or not. 

Insurance

by AgentX86 - 2022-10-25 23:25:37

I found Aetna to be great while I was empoyed. My previous employer had a great insurane selection, with Aetna at the top of the list.  A few times we had Aetna go to bat for us for billing problems.  They have a bigger bat than we do and used it. My plan through Aetna didn't require any referrals.  Sometimes doctors require them but as far as the insurance was concerned, they get a bill, they pay it.

I'd be sure to get a PPO plan.  HMOs are extremely limited.

As far as doctors, with a good PPO plan, you shouldn't have to make any changes at all.  Just make sure your doctor(s) take that insurance.  Then, at the next appointment just show the new insurance cards and they'll figure it out from there.

Kaiser Indurance

by Rch - 2022-10-25 23:37:31

Hi

Go to Member Services or the Kaiser Health plan office and tell them that you were covered by the health plan when you were supposed have your annual check up but put on the waitlist. The health plan should be able to help you with scheduling the pacemaker visit. After that visit, you have plenty of time to find a new EP with your Health Plan.

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Member Quotes

It's much better to live with a pacemaker than to risk your life without one.