Obamacare Confusion - A Note From The Field

Three years preparation time was apparently insufficient for governmental agencies and health insurance companies to prepare for a transition.  What a combination!

Here is a result reported by a colleague from Texas:

Just received a transfer request from family of 2 long-time patients.  Parents went to exchange to get insurance.  They made sure that we were on the plan they chose (a BCBS HMO).  They just got their new cards and called to reconfirm that we are on the plan, but we are not (BCBS HMO Advantage). 

There may have been a language barrier, as the family is primarily Spanish speaking. 

Both kids have chronic health care issues and I have spent many many hours helping them to coordinate care and treat them. 

They were told they can change their plan in a year. 

This saddens me greatly.  I'll be reporting it to the appropriate people at the state and county level who are monitoring these issues. 

I fear this is just the tip of the iceberg regarding to confusion as to what exactly people are signing up for.

Budd Shenkin