Canadians with BlueCross BlueSheild: Pay less?, read how..

[CANbirdUSman 11]

I was a resident of BC for 18 years. *Not sure how other countries medical works, just Canada & learniing the US system one bill at a time*

Currently residing in HAWAII, USA, I have medical coverage under my husbands BCBS of LA plan. (BlueCrossBlueShield of Louisiana).

I now understand why many say Canada has 'free' healthcare. Over the past 7 months, I had to undergo certain medical services, that could not wait, testing for cancer. All clear, thank goodness.

I was prepared to pay whatever the cost, as I wasn't going to 'wait' whatever amount of time the insurance company tells you to wait. I was following the orders of a docotor in Canada/BC to 'follow-up' on what could be breast cancer. THAT's something that must be taken seriously.

Anyway, I questioned many of the statements that BCBS sent to me. At first I was covered for certain things, then a second statement would say not covered. One fine day, a lovely agent asked me about my PRIOR HEALTH CARE COVERAGE. As a prior resident of BC, CANADA, I had coverage under the Medical Service Plan, for 18 years! I had them send me a letter stating that. And I had BCBS email & mail me a PRIOR HEALTH CARE COVERAGE form. That form, saved me over $1,500. YES... One thousand five hundered. I don't know who actuallly covered most of my bill, I think the state of Hawaii, but at least I'm not having to pay for something I was told to follow-up on, by a medical professional. Maybe Canada paid it? I'm thankful either way.

It's something to ask about if your covered under BCBS. Insurance companies don't tell you about these things, you need to dig deep. Glad I did.

I plan staying away from any doctors if I can help it.

Peace Out.

[hikergirl 277]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/291549-health-insurance-proof-of-coverage/

For proof of coverage you could have also gotten a letter from BC MSP.

All Canadians qualify as having prior health care coverage from their province and Health Canada even if they didn’t supplement their coverage.

It’s a good point for the newer members though who haven’t seen some of the discussions from a long time ago.

[Cliff&Liz 10]

I had BCBS in Florida while I worked for Hilton Hotels in Orlando. My advice is take the maximum coverage possible the 'platinum' in some cases. I figured paying this much was equal to the deductions that Ontario used to take from my pay. Mind you FL only have 6% tax on income and working with a TN status I get most of that back. It's worth the $25-30 per week for the top coverage to keep things consistent to the medical services we are used to in our provinces.

[CANbirdUSman 11]

Yes, good advice to get a letter from your Provincial Medical Provider, prior to moving to the US (so you don't have to wait for it...).

BCBS of Louisiana, never asked my husband (fiance at the time) for anything from me. They just added me onto his plan.

So, if there's an issue, such as the 'waiting period' for medical coverage, for pre-existing conditions, the form I posted about from BCBS, may help.

Being healthy is the best way to keep your bills down....lol...

Much Aloha