Insurance coverage status changes

[Happyone00]

Hi! My saga continues..when my son left for bootcamp on 7/28 the navy recruiter said not to make any changes to health insurance coverage until he completed bootcamp. I followed his advice and did not make any change until the next business day after bootcamp graduation. My benefits administrator refused to remove him from my policy saying I did not notify them within the 60 days of start of new coverage and therefore must wait until open enrollment. I have sent them info from Tricare website showing that there cannot be any coverage other than Tricare but still no budge...not sure how this will turn out but I did call my state of Georgia insurance commissioner office today. I will keep ya'll posted.

[Happyone00]

It appears there is not much I can do other than continue to pay for dual coverage that my son cannot use.  Today, I have spoke with Tricare, DEERs, the insurance commissioners office, and the US DOL.  So, just a bit of advice to other parents that cover their children on an employer health plan ---coordinate with your HR benefits department while your kid is in boot camp.  

[anasazigypsy]

Luckily for you,open enrollment starts at the end of this month. I ran into kind of the same problem when my sailor was in BC. I missed the life changing event deadline and almost missed open enrollment because they didn't accept my original proof that he had coverage. I told HR I was going to appeal, and they fixed it for me. Make sure you know what proof your HR dept will accept ☺

[Happyone00]

Ugh! I am working on that. Thanks. Phoenixmom suggested similar. Getting my son to set up DEERS account is a bit of a challenge. The lady at US DOL explained to me something similar in reverse. Her son is coming out of military and she is going to have to add him at open enrollment and pay several extra months of coverage for him to avoid a gap. Her provider will only use date of separation, not the date coverage ends, which for military in this case is not the same.

[anasazigypsy]

It's weird. With so many people entering the military every year, seems like they would have figured out a better way to handle it by now. Good luck with getting it all straightened out and in place.

[Phoenixmom]

Good afternoon Ladies found out my son made an appt. to get a letter stating he is covered and will be sending to me shortly. My open enrollment is at the end of this month so I will be making changes and god willing it will go through before I receive the letter, and no problems. and I am with you all they need a better way of handling situations that occur like this. Really ridiculous!

[anasazigypsy]

My HR took a copy of whatever the Navy equivalent of a paycheck stub is called as proof,along with another supporting document, but don't remember what. He messaged me a picture of them, as it was a time issue. Wasn't happy with them having so much of his personal info but didn't want another year of added premiums either.

[Phoenixmom]

Good Morning, you know the crazy thing is my son doesn't even have a clue which plan he is on, I told him it is important to know these things, not sure what or how they sign them on but they should at least know a little something. Have a good day!

[anasazigypsy]

Think they are all on Tricare,but I could be wrong. Was just another reminder for me that he'll be handling his own adult business ,with guidance as needed, when I ran up against this issue. One more part of letting go of the relationship that was to the new reality of the relationship that is/ will be. 3 years and still missing him daily, but proud of him for making his iwn way in life.

[Happyone00]

My son was able to pull up his Tricare online info  (enrollment date) and confirmed over the phone.  He said he was going to print and email to me, but I have not seen it yet.  I am hoping to have it by open enrollment at end of this month :-)

I am on the same page as both of you!  Some things that seem so important/urgent to me just don't even show up on his radar.  But you know what?  I have learned from him that sometimes I am making a big deal over something small.  I trust my boy will step up when it is needed.  I am proud of him every day too!

Happy Friday!!

[Phoenixmom]

Good Morning Ladies, I spoke to my son yesterday he had an appt. to meet with Administration and they will be printing out a letter stating his coverage so I too am hoping to receive it at the end of the Month, But actually speaking to the Rep for Ins. they state they aren't needing it, I can just make changes and take him off, So time will tell I know how one thing is said and then another. Plus also for tax reasons since now we have to show proof of Ins. Happy Friday to you all and have a great weekend as well.

[Happyone00]

I was wondering about that - do we even need the proof of new coverage to make changes during open enrollment.   I guess I'll find out when it starts. I'd rather have the documentation and not need it, than not.  Have a great day!

[anasazigypsy]

My HR required proof. With all the changes in health coverage, who knows? Sounds like your HR is pretty rigid, so you're doing the right thing ny gathering up supporting documentation.