Did a medical provider refuse service based on your plan? We want to hear from you!

Our consumer advocates in recent weeks have heard from a handful of consumers that medical providers have refused to see them because they purchased health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, our state’s health benefit exchange. The consumers reported a couple of scenarios:

• They scheduled an appointment with a medical provider. The provider’s office later canceled the appointment because they say they are not accepting insurance that was purchased through the Exchange.
• Consumers contact providers listed as being in their network to find out if new patients are being accepted, and are told yes. The provider’s office later calls the consumer and tells the consumer they aren’t accepting plans purchased through the Exchange. In most cases, the insurance plans are confirming the providers are in the plan’s network.

We’ve heard of this happening with several plans and in several areas of the state. If you experienced one of these scenarios or something similar, please contact our consumer advocates at 1-800-562-6900 or file a complaint online. We regulate insurance companies and we want to make sure consumers receive the services they are entitled to in their insurance policies.