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Denied $10, 779.00 for covered services.
Posted by
NEW JERSEY -- On 11/24/2009 I had a medical procedure that amounted to $10,779.00. I was informed that this procedure was covered my Cigna insurance. On 01/27/2009, the service provide send me a latter tat was addressed to an incorrect mailing address. The letter stated the Cigna send a notice to the provider on 12/18/09 that they are not obligated to pay any portion of the claim because of the provider's wavier of co-insurance and deductible.
For years, this provider had wave co-insurance and deductibles and was notified of the Cigna change after my service were provided.
About 2 months ago, I was contacted by a collection agency demanding payment of $10,779.00. I called Cigna on 6/23/12 and was informed that it appeared that the claim was denied incorrectly and was schedule to be re-opened and to call back in about 15 days. On 7/5/12, I did a follow-up call and was informed that the claim was being reviewed. On 7/23/12, I called again and was informed that claim was active and call back in 15 days. on 8/8/12 I placed another call and was informed that a service representative call and informed me that I would have to file an appeal due to the claim is now over 2 years old. I am now appealing the claim and awaiting disposition.
Meanwhile, debt collection company is now calling and for payment. I am trying to hold the off because I am on fixed income and no means to repay $10,779.00 to repay this amount..Now they are possible reporting this on my credit file and at 68 I may have to file bankruptcy to get out of the debt.
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madconsumer on 08/08/2012:
some procedures require pre-approval. this is one aspect of cigna that is annoying. I understand if there is no pre-approval, they can deny and not pay the claim.
Kris10 on 08/08/2012:
send a letter to the debt collection agency asking telling them to stop contacting you. Also, send a letter to your state's insurance commission/department and ask for resolution to this. At the very least, it will light a fire under Cigna's butt to get a move on with your appeal.
trmn8r on 08/08/2012:
I can't follow all the lingo in the letter, but hopefully Cigna will get this resolved. It's too bad you have to deal with the collection agency in the meantime.
CowboyFan on 08/08/2012:
What was obviously happening was that out-of-network doctors were charging patients more, then waiving the co-insurance and deductible on that amount, so that in effect CIGNA paid the entire cost of the bill, e.g. $10,000 normal cost of procedure-patient to pay 20% ($2,000): instead doctor inflates bill to $12,500-waives the 20% from patient ($2,500) and then collects $10,000 from CIGNA. Doctor gets paid full amount, patient pays nothing, CIGNA gets stuck paying an extra $2,000 it should not have to.
Now CIGNA says that patients must pay their share of the total, or none of the bill is to be paid by CIGNA. Since the bill will be paid if the patient pays his deductible/co-pay, the solution would seem to be for the OP to go back to the doctor, pay her doctor the co-pay and deductible amounts, and then have the doctor resubmit it showing that these have not been waived. Then CIGNA would pay their portion of the bill which the patient has not paid. The op paying part of the bill would be cheaper than paying all of the bill.
Anonymous on 08/08/2012:
Why did the provider wait so long to do anything? If they had done all this 2 and a half years ago, then maybe Cigna could have done something. Insurance companies usually have a time frame for re-considerations for claims.
olie on 08/09/2012:
Cowboy Fan, you explained this well.
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Warning If You Have A Choice; Don't Use Cigna For Your Fsa!!!
Posted by
EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA -- I am not aware if CIGNA provides FSA management for other companies, but as a CIGNA employee spouse I am appalled at the lack of communication and the frustration of processing a request for reimbursement from my Flexible Spending Account.
I had $2500 from my FSA for 2013, my son had orthodon'tia on 12/31/13. This is a qualifying expense for the year 2013. I waited for the processing of my dual dental coverage, but there continued to processing issues. I could no longer wait to file my request for reimbursement as the deadline for submission had approached. I submitted the information I had indicating payment to the Orthodon'tist of $2475 and an EOB from a dental insurer indicating treatment began in December 2013.
CIGNA's explanation of eligible orthodon'tia services being reimbursable clearly indicates that "reimbursement can be made once charges have been billed. This can be a one time fee less any amount paid…" The total billed for orthodon'tia is approximately $6000, I have paid a portion and dental insurance will eventually pay the rest. NO WHERE does it indicate that FSA will be reimbursed to the member / client / customer based on date paid.
Per the IRS Orthodon'tia is an eligible medical expense. And "distributions from a health FSA must be paid only to reimburse you for qualified medical expenses you incurred during the period of coverage." The period of coverage for my service was 2013.
STOP WITHHOLDING MY MONEY!! The FSA has a use-it-or-loose-it policy and a dollar limit, so that people don't shelter income tax-free. The other advantage people have to use a FSA is access to the money for qualified expenses during the plan year before they have contributed all the earmarked funds. BUT CIGNA is not accountable – I am accountable to the IRS, so GIVE ME MY MONEY!
ORTHODONTIA is not special – it may be paid differently when processing it a s a dental claim – BUT CIGNA YOU ARE NOT PROCESSING A CLAIM FOR PAYMENT TO A PROVIDER! This is my money; this was my qualified medical expense during my qualified plan year. There is nothing more to process.
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This medical-management and Medicare affiliate. company offers many nice amenities, free exercise work-out facility access, transportation to medical-dental appointments and a small monthly allowance for OTC (over-the counter) medications and left-over dollars roll-over each month.. This all sounds good and looks good on an advertisement. This is a good draw for retired and disabled persons living on fixed incomes of just a thousand dollars or less per month. We manage but there's not much left over for extras.
The problem is, mainly with transportation and customer services' ability to resolve an issue. We need transportation to get to and from appointments. No-shows and being late is a consummate problem. Customer service personnel are surly, argumentative. Many, disrespectfully, presume first names when addressing their patrons. They hang-up on you. They make a, relatively, easy encounter stressful.
My daughter, uses a wheel-chair, was refused transportation because she, allegedly, had used up her transport quota.
Our agent was incredulous to explain this mis-information. He made a call to customer service said we would get a call. I got a voice-mail. We returned the call. We left a message with a live person but never heard from this person. Our agent followed-up to see what happened? We told him we were filing a grievance.
On a call to customer service, I recognized her voice and her name but she, totally, denied any knowledge of having tried to contact me. It was her. Go figure. Right? We mailed a grievance around June 2013. One person left a voice-mail, 09/04@9:20 am. Nine days later after (4) return calls to her voice-mail we've received no further response.
OTC? About 8:30 am, 09-11-2013, I was hung-up on (3) times on (3) separate calls by (3) separate clerks before, on the 4th attempt I got a clerk capable and willing to dispense week later I called to inquire, as my meds had not arrived. The insurance clerk gave me a postal tracking number and told me to call my local post office. I did. They told me the package was there and it would be delivered in a few days. About, 08/15/2013, a clerk told me it was their ((Cigna) responsibility to track the order and she did telling me the items were at the post office and would arrive, shortly. I left for vacation from 8/21-8/28.
The meds had not arrived. On, 08 /29 I called again asking for a supervisor. This person apologized for the confusion. My item arrived about, 09/03. I called (Cigna) and, actually, got the same guy who, originally, placed the order. He tried to give me the track number again. I refused telling him that was his job not mine. I suggested that he cancel the order and submit a new order, as the delivery time had surpassed its allotted time. I asked, why, who at Cigna had diverted the original order from UPS to the local post office? And, why, were their personnel instructing clients to track packages?
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Unethical Practices
Posted by
Recently by error a bank payment of $1908 was transmitted to CIGNA for a monthly payment on a life insurance policy. The amount due was $19.08. Soon as the error was discovered their customer service was contacted and said that they could not send it back. Even the bank representative could not get them to send it back to correct. I ask for a supervisor and was told there was none available. I ask for one to call me.
hours later I received a call and was told they could not return the amount. They said they could send me a form to fill out and request that it be returned and they would review and let me know what could be done. I said not acceptable. I owe them no money and they are holding nearly $2,000 of my money. They have had it for a week and if I waited for a form and followed their suggestion it could be weeks if ever before that money could be returned. Until and unless this $2000 is returned my home budget is in the red that amount. I have no idea what they plan to do with the money but they won't return it.
Now I must pay a lawyer to sue for me to try to get some of it back. With their unethical business procedure I question how reliable their product is. Shame on CIGNA.
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saj80 on 01/27/2011:
You can also file an ACH dispute with your bank, as you have time to do so, and it would be a lot less expensive than hiring an attorney.
Obsfucation on 01/27/2011:
She can't file a dispute, SHE sent the incorrect payment. Cigna is telling her that she must submit a form to request that the payment be returned. This is pretty standard, and if she moves on it, it doesn't take long. Rather than antagonize Cigna, she should try to get them to work with her for a quick refund.
BofAmerica666 on 01/27/2011:
You should be able to get the money back, because it was their error, and you have everytight to be upset about. If the amount is under $2500 you might be able to resolve it a small claims court, if you need to take it further. Good luck in anycase, let us know how the result.
Your review was very helpful, and I think we can all learn from these things.
Obsfucation on 01/27/2011:
No where does OP say it wss a bank error, she says that amount was sent in error, I.e. she forgot to put a decimal point in the online payment amount. If it was a bank error, all she'd have to do is point it out and the bank could reverse it because it was a bank error, and that is allowed.
CIGNAQuestions on 01/28/2011:
I'm sorry to read of your experience. Email your contact information to firstname.lastname@example.com and I will take a look.
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Cigna Medicare Access (PFFS) 2010
Posted by
P.O. BOX 696018, TEXAS -- BEWARE!!! SENIORS OR ELIGIBLE MEDICARE RECIEPIENTS!!!! CHECK MEDICARE VS. ADVANTAGE, REPLACEMENT PLANS BEFORE YOU SIGN UP!!! THEY WILL OFFER YOU "FLUFF'S," AND YOU WILL PAY MORE OUT OF POCKET THAN ORIGINAL MEDICARE!!! Cigna's Medicare Access Plan (PFFS) 2010 does not pay for some medications that have to be administered by a physician in their office. Cigna states that the medication (medical Botox) has to go through their Part B; they gave me the run-around. I have been told more than 4++ (I lost count) different excuses from Cigna. Here is their latest "Mumbo Jumble" that was stated by a company representative (SUPERVISOR) in Arizona: "Yes, we do cover the ADMINISTRATION of medically necessary medications MEDICARE PART B-but, you must meet your $3,000 deductible; any and all the co-payments that you have made throughout the year do not count." I reminded that their contract stated that an individual on their plan is only responsible for a $20.00 co-payment for a specialist MAXIUM. Then, "Marge" stated that Part B was separate from a regular office visit for the administration of the drug. CIGNA insisted that I had to get this drug from their pharmacy (covered under "Argis-I am guessing their preferred drug company 'Medco' uses this pharmacy.") First, Cigna's Part D called and told me I would have to pay $241.00 out of pocket. Then, they called back and stated that the cost would be $999.60 out of pocket. Again, Cigna called and stated that the drug would cost $940.00 out of pocket. "Marge" called and stated that she could get the drug for $760.00, but....I still did not meet my $3,000 out of pocket for the neurologist, so, I would have to pay for the drug and an out-of-pocket expense for the doctor to administer it (they told the Botox Assistance Programs that they were going to pay for it). I called Medicare; they told me that if I had regular Medicare after I met Part B deductible, that my cost would only be 20%. Medicare stated that these replacement, access, etc. could make up their own rules without government regulations. Now, I had to reschedule my appointment for December 21st, 2010 until after the January 1st+++, 2011, when regular Medicare kicks in. I am in so much pain that it is difficult lying in bed to type this. My neck, face, jaw, and eyelids are in painful spasms. I have had surgeries, pain management without any relief. I am a disabled RN due to a patient assault. I thought Cigna was a good company; I should have googled them instead of trusting them prior to signing up with them (I was ill when I signed up with them, and I was not thinking properly due to serotonin toxicity). As a nurse (although disabled), I believe it is my duty to warn our senior population and disabled individuals, so that they do not end up paying more out of pocket expenses that regular Medicare. (Please note: I paid CIGNA $95.00 monthly + Medicare Part B premiums + co-payments; this equals-MORE than REGULAR MEDICARE.
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Deliberate Obstacles to Health-Care Benefits
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11095 VIKING DR., SUITE 350, EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA -- I am dropping Cigna as soon as I can because its service has been appalling. I have been submitting claims since February 2010 and never once have I received the amount of reimbursement that I was promised (70% of Reasonable and Customary for an LCSW in 20912=105 out of 150); it was solely on the basis of that promise that I chose Cigna.
I could not make up the nightmare this company has been. I have met every possible roadblock: one claim was denied based on my mistake of copying the diagnosis code incorrectly from my provider's itemized bill to my itemized bill—BOTH itemizations were included with the claim, however. I have been repeatedly denied full reimbursement (70% of reasonable and customary for out of network) because initially my provider was in an affiliated network, without knowing that that was still active (or that that affiliation with Cigna even existed). He has since TWICE provided documentation that his association with that affiliated network was ended AS OF 1 March 2010, and still, as of this date, I am being told that Cigna has no record of this change having been made. I have had to call twice monthly and each time explain the entire situation because apparently no record is made of my calls.
I am convinced that Cigna is deliberately blocking my access to reimbursement, and thus to ongoing health care provision, in order to frustrate me out of pursuing my claim. I will not only not renew my policy with Cigna, but I will tell all my family and friends and everyone else I meet that Cigna is just a typical Insurance company whose SOLE concern is its own profit, and who is willing to sacrifice anyone's health and well-being to its bottom line. I will also continue advocating for socialized medicine and the abolition of all such companies as Cigna. The only recourse the U.S. has to such abuses is to nationalize health care and place limits on the unprinicled actions of those who believe that capitalism is an ethical system entitling them to exploit and abuse those who have physical and mental illnesses.
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Anonymous on 08/20/2010:
I, too, have had problems with Cigna this year with things that just should have been paid--and have been in the past. After appealing, they relented on one claim. On another, they kept denying, so I ended up just paying the $60. I think that's what they want us to do all the time. That saves them from paying. Just imagine if they do this to all of their policy holders. That's quite a sum of money they're saving.
We pay a huge premium for this coverage, which is provided by my husband's employer. I am sure we never have enough claims to even cover one month of our premiums either. I don't know what the answer is, but I agree that a change is needed.
skelly39 on 08/20/2010:
Contact the Dept of Insurance in your state and file a complaint.
E-Squared on 01/18/2011:
Here we go again. Cigna is denying my Rx payment, claiming they need more info. from my doctor's office. Granted, it's an expensive medication but then, that's why we buy insurance, right? I submitted the Rx to the pharmacy over one week ago and have talked to a Cigna rep. once since then, and now I find out they just yesterday (8 days now) faxed the form to my doctor's office. They also tell me that they have 2-4 days AFTER they receive the form from my doctor to approve the Rx. It'll be well over 2 weeks before this whole thing is over. Not a bad scheme - - if they can get away doing that twice a year, they save themselves at least one months worth of payments. Not bad work when you can get it, eh?
rir122 on 01/20/2011:
I used to work for Cigna Healthcare I was a CSR, I used to handle the inbound customer calls. Trust me when I say that they have records of your calls. They have to document ever thing that they are told.
They have a program named Impact that is used just for documenting these calls. If you have ever called Cigna they have a record of it word for word.
Even if you just asked for a phone number to a doctor they have to keep a record of the call. They even keep track of wrong number calls and people who just hang up without speaking. Also they record all the phone calls; they used to play us back transcripts of the conversations.
Anywho they have their CSRs bury that information. I used to do it everyday that is their main responsibility.
I would get calls from people who called mulitple times about a claim they submitted a while ago; sometimes years before the date they talked to me.Because there was no payment made on their claim.
I would then log into Impact; only to find that the member has called multiple times and was told multiple times that there claim was being processed or it hasn't been received. Then I would log into another database where they house the claims "Docs" (as they call it) to find that so called missing claim was sitting there untouched!
You would be surprised how many people I have told we didn't receive their claims when in actuality we did and just didn't pay it.
There were times when I had members who sent their claim multiple times; and we had multiple copies of it. But we where told to tell them to send it in again.
I remember this one lady who had a claim for $25,000 for a surgery she had in 2007. She called 9 times; we had 6 copies of her claim but my analyst Rick told me to tell her we didn't receive it. I was instructed to have her resubmit a claim I was already looking at.
Cigna teaches its CSR's to bury that stuff, I know it sounds like I'm exaggerating but it is true I used to do it.
They would tell us to take ownership of the mistakes previously made by other CSRs. So if you looked in Impact and you saw where someones claim wasn't processed properly; you where supposed to make it seem as if it was the first you ever heard of the situation.
Cigna only cares about the claims of the executives that are insured with them. The Vice president and higher ups of the company will get there claims processed but everyone else has to wait until Cigna feels like paying them which is usually never.
Cigna doesn't tell you this but they put each group in different categories. Your company all has the same insurance provider but different levels of coverage.
Like A,B,C,D they classify it by the pay scale of the employee. You don't even know what class your in nor will you ever! CSRs are told not to mention to the members that there are different levels of coverage. They use that as a scale of whether or not your important enough to them to pay you. The higher up in class you are the better chances of your claims getting paid.
If I had a member who was Class A on a plan he was probably an executive and there claims pay more often than not. Also the higher your class the better overall plan you get.
Cigna knows that if they can keep the high ups who make the decisions happy by paying their claims that that company will stay will them.
The executives know that they have better coverage but they don't know that their workers have such poor coverage. Sometimes executives would call in on behalf of their employees when problems would arise. It's amazing how much of a difference being an executive can make.
Cigna says that the "C" in Cigna stands for Care that's what they tell the customers, Insiders know that the "C" really stands for change! That's because Cigna changes their S.O.P's so much; that you literally have to check it on every call; just make sure that something that was covered yesterday is still covered today.
Example During training we where told that Out patient procedures did not require pre requisite at all. Well Cigna changed their mind one day and decided that a Pre requisite was needed depending on the state you where in.
I hated working there and most of the people who work there are miserable its a sad place to be. You have no idea how bad you feel when your on the phone with someone who pays their premium but can't get covered because of some B.S. rules
We actually had some CSRs sitting on the phone with people who were dying literally dying at that moment and they couldn't get cleared to go to the hospital even though they paid their premiums.
A friend of mine once sat on the phone with a guy who was in the middle of gunfire in Iraq. He wasn't a solider he was over there working for his company. He had repatriation coverage which would send someone to go get him out of there; in the case of an emergency. But the catch was he had to be injured first.
My friend had to sit on the phone with this guy until he got wounded; before she could call for help to get him out of there. Our supervisor was sitting right there while this was going on. He couldn't do anything about it that was the way the coverage worked.
Cigna doesn't give a damn about its policy holders they only care about getting their premiums.
Emily on 11/07/2011:
Thank you for sharing this info. I wish that everyone in Congress was reading this email now.
Zooey on 06/25/2012:
Reading this literally made me sick to my stomach. After 6 calls to Cigna repeatedly being told they have my "docs" and they will be resubmitted, I was finally told today that they actually don't have my "docs" and they have no recode of them either... Do I have any legal options here? This is plain obstructionist of Cigna.
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CIGNA: Using your private medical information
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EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA -- I'm have been on Cigna as insurance for 8 months. I have been with the same therapist for many years, using the insurance plans offered through the companies I've worked for. I suffer from mild depression and working with a therapist has helped my quality of life immensely. I recently received something in the mail from Cigna. A letter that begins: "Have you recently experienced trouble concentrating or sleeping? Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious or withdrawn, or having difficulty adjusting to a major life change? Did you know there's a free service through your medical benefits that can help you manage your symptoms? Recently, a claim we received from either your doctor or pharmacy, or information from a health assessment you completed, has helped us identify you as someone who may benefit from this program."
I am feeling completely violated by this. I have never had an insurance company feel they were entitled to step in and comment on my private health information or assume they were qualified to inject one of their staff into my life to comment on personal health issues. It's like a new level of intrusion. How could this possibly be in compliance with HIPAA?
My expectation is that an insurance company can approve or deny claims, not that they can administer care or provide health care advice. Cigna has taken my health care information--either privileged information that I share with my doctor or specifics of medications that I have been prescribed, and run it through a marketing program that would identify me as someone they could put into a bucket for solicitation about a mental health "coaching product" they offer.
I'll be taking this up with my doctor as well as the attorney general about privacy and legality. I can't just let this end with Cigna pushing the envelope with methods that are intended to intimidate patients into ending medical care that is of a highly private nature. I'm sure it would be quite convenient if Cigna could get me to end my therapy with a qualified physician with whom I've been working for years, and call their free "phone coach" for therapy instead, but this is totally unacceptable to me.
I don't want Cigna to monitor my private health care and diagnoses and offer me tailored marketing based on their business objectives. I pay my premiums, percentages and copays and am entitled to proper medical care. So I have two choices: 1. End my care so that they no longer have access to my private health care information and diagnoses, or 2. Fight back and tell Cigna that I don't want them using my private health care information and diagnoses for anything other than a yes/no vote in their claims system. Knowing that my disapproval with their policy won't be enough to bring about change, I have no choice but to bring this issue to a wider audience.
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DCGirl on 07/10/2010:
HIPAA does not mean that all medical information must be kept private in all circumstances, despite the widely prevailing belief to the contrary. You may want to review this link at the Department of Health and Human Services HIPAA FAQs titled "May covered entities use information regarding specific clinical conditions of individuals in order to communicate about products or services for such conditions without a prior authorization?"
Seattle1 on 07/11/2010:
Thanks for the link. I'll read it over before sending my letters and talking to my doctor. If HIPAA doesn't protect us then I guess I'll have to appeal on another level. My primary issue is that an insurance company is trying to intimidate me into discontinuing medical care by letting me know that they are using my private medical information for reasons other than making yes/no decisions in my claims--and these are very basic claims. This felt like getting a letter saying "Hey- we read your files and noticed that you have a sexually transmitted disease. If you are promiscuous or immoral or have some other messed up issue--you should call us so one of our customer service agents can talk you out of whatever it is you are doing that has caused you to seek medical treatment." It's inappropriate on so many levels I don't even know where to start.
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Cigna Sham--Disability Buyers Beware! You Are Not Protected
Posted by
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION -- Where to even begin.
I have been fighting Cigna for 4 long years regarding my short and longterm disability insurance.
Like others who have testified on this site, my benefits were abruptly shut off and then I experienced a continual denial on each appeal for various different reasons starting with "We don't doubt that you have suffered from various medical problems, but believe they do not constitute total disability" to that of a "preexisting condition". Cigna utilizes an in-house nurse to rubber stamp rejections as their supposed medical review process.
I suffer from Interstitial Cystitis, Fibromyaglia, Depression, IBS, Degenerative Back Disease, Vulvoldynia, and Migraine Headaches. My medical records contain letters from 4 different urologists that state I must undergo longterm narcotic theraphy for chronic pain due to an incurable disease which causes intractable pain. My pain management doctor has attested to my inability in maintaining employment due to both physical and physcological limitations.
Like others on this site have stated prior to my review, Cigna ignored my doctors reports and medical records which declared me disabled. They also ignored the fact that the Social Security declared me disabled and incapable of any performing any occupation. In addition, Cigna has never even requested a physical examination performed on me by a doctor of their choice.
I appealed Cigna's denial decision to the State Medical Board. The State Medical Board required Cigna to have an "outside" (Cigna paid) medical doctor review my case. Cigna's doctor reviewed my medical records. There is no surprise that he denied my claim. The doctor was blatantly unfamiliar with my primary disease (IC), and he could not even read my diagnosis reports. The State Medical Board could not require Cigna to pay my claim, and they suggested that I hire a lawyer and take legal action against Cigna.
I hired an attorney who works on a 40% retainer with $400 down. At this point, Cigna came through with a chump change settlement offer which I declined. Cigna only offered to pay my entire claim/policy off for just 2 years of payments which would constitute the lookback period of whether I can work "any occupation". The case is now in court awaiting the judges decision.
According to the policy, the question to the court now is not whether I am disabled, but whether Cigna's administrator was "arbitrary and capricous" in making their denial decision. Of course they were "arbitrary and capricious" in their decision. but this is huge hurdle to prove and really irrelevant, I am disabled and deserve my money.
From reading comments made on the reviews posted, the majority of people do not understand their employers disability policies or ERISA law. You cannot sue for or collect punitive damages (pain, suffering, mental anguish) against the insurance company. You may only collect what is due to you under the policy adjusted for cost of living and interest. That includes the fact that I cannot recoup my doctor and prescription costs which I paid out of pocket during the 4 years that my insurance and prescription benefits were also denied. With all this being so, there is absolutely NO incentive for Cigna to pay ANY claim.
WARNING: Therefore, it is best NOT to pay for disability insurance through your employer (which falls under ERISA laws), but protect yourself and family by buying outside independent insurance. Paying through your employer is just flushing good money down the drain. DON'T DO IT.
At this time, I am hoping for a favorable ruling from the court. If so, as I state above I will be out 40% to the lawyer and will not recoup any out of pocket doctor's office or prescription expenses occurred over the past 4 years.
My lawyer has informed me that if we Win the case he expects Cigna to appeal. My lawyer has also told me that if Cigna appeals he will not continue to work the case on a contingency basis but need upfront payment.
This entire process of dealing with Cigna has been a nightmare. I have exhausted my 401K in medical bills and living expenses.
FYI-God forbid that you should ever find yourself in a similar situation. If so, my best advice is to ask for a copy and review your disability file from Cigna regularly. Make this request in writing sent certified. You will find that Cigna purposely ommits information that bolsters you case, and Cigna purposely inserts information that makes you appear unavailable and unresponsive to their requests.
This employer insurance is a SHAM and need serious reform. I am at a loss as to why this is not covered in detail by the media and news programs. Someone somewhere is making BIG money and must be paying others to keep hush.
You have now been warned. Consider yourself lucky and protect yourself and your family appropriately.
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Skye on 06/28/2009:
Excuse me, but what does Cigna have to do with your disability?? I thought disability was paid out through the social security disability insurance.
whiteon on 06/28/2009:
I paid for both shortterm and longterm disability through my Employer. Cigna is the carrier. This is private insurance. It is a policy where 60% of my salary is covered. If disabled Cigna pays this amount. Since I have been awarded Social Security disability payments, Cigna would deduct the amount of SS payments from their payment and owe me the difference.
Suusan B. on 06/29/2009:
Thanks for the follow-up information as it makes your situation more clear. One of the most difficult things in the world is to get Social Security to deem a person permanently disabled and it does sound like Cigna is blocking your claim which stinks. You are basically sold this insurance coverage by your employer and faithfully pay for it each month but now that you need to "cash in" on what you paid for Cigna won't pay. Good luck.
whiteon on 07/01/2009:
Suusan B.
You are so right. Dealing with Social Security was a nightmare, but it was NOTHING compared to dealing with ruthless Cigna and their insensitive robot employees. I don't know how these people can even sleep at night. I certainly could not hold a job that I knew was a sham and detrimental to the healthcare of others.
Thanks for your post and your support. I am trying to patiently await the courts decision.
anklebiter58 on 07/21/2009:
I've just had my short term disability claim denied/cut-off by Cigna. I had my 3rd cervical fusion surgery on March 6, 2009, which left me with a four level fusion. The reason for this surgery was a very large disc at C3/4 that was ruptured into my spinal cord. Before and after the surgery, I suffered with quadriparesis. Because of the weakness and pain in my arms and legs, and the inability to turn my head right, left, up or down very far without a lot of pain, I have not been able to return to work since my surgery. I also had a disc at L5/S1 rupture 2 weeks before the surgery and has caused sciatica and severe pain down both hips and legs. I am not able to sit, stand, walk,or even lay down for more than a few minutes at a time. On top of this, I already had fibromyalgia and chronic hip bursitis. Even though my doctors say I can't go back to work within the next 6 months, and not even then without strict restrictions, Cigna's so-called experts have denied my claim, stating "frankly, we don't see any reason why you can't work." I only got this denial after the paid me for the first 6 weeks, then stalled for the next 3 months - with claims that the doctor's office had not sent them requested information. As soon as I called them back and told them the doctor's office had sent them the information weeks ago, they lied and said, Oh, yes, we just received it yesterday, now we have to have a statement from your doctor. All just stall tactics to get to the inevitable denial. Cigna Insurance is a scam - we have short term disability and long term disability to cover us for when we can't work. I'm 50 years old and worked hard every day of my life and never had to be out like this before. Now when I need it, I am denied - no matter what my doctors say. I am frustrated and depressed. Its bad enough that I'm only 50 and walk and get up like and 80 year old, but I have to go through this humiliation with Cigna claiming my conditions are fake. It looks like it will be a hard road to ever get my money from them - but I'd like to see things change so that can't do this to other people.
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Change In Policy And Notification
Posted by
I am a current recipient of disability benefits from Cigna. I received a call today from my representative at Cigna informing me of a policy change. I was supposedly to have received prior notification of said change -- but, of course, did not. My case is under review -- I had Cancer surgery 2 years ago and currently am being treated by a pain management specialist for chronic visceral abdominal pain syndrome. I also have systemic lupus erythmatosis, and recurrent bladder cancer. I have one kidney and have had 5 other cancer related surgeries (three abdominal, one testicular, and one for parathroid cancer. I am on so much pain medication that I can barely type this message and have sever short term memory loss. Yet I am under review again. Social Security still carries me a permanently disabled and I receive a 20% service connected disability payment for service in Vietnam. I am well educated and have worked in government scientific research since 1974. Again, Cigna gave no prior notice of a review nor was information regarding the nature of the policy change forwarded. I still don't know what exactly that change is - but I would guess they are divorcing themselves of Social Security determinations.
We have lost over half of our 401 K and I cannot interest any reputable company in refinancing our VA loan -despite the low interest rates and the streamline procedure mandated by the VA. By the way my combine credit score is 787.
Now I am to lose my only other source of income - due to a "policy change". I have had one physician refuse to treat me because according to him I am so ill that I belong in a tertiary ( hospital) treatment setting. What are we to do. I just returned from a grocery store that cheated me out of $10.00 worth of their own coupons -- due to "system failure". What recourse do we have - is America finished?? Beware -- those who served their country -- it will probably dance on your grave after starving you to death when you are physically unable to work -- by the way I was exposed to Agent Orange - and what has been done about that - a lot of verbiage and still no support for veterans who are now dying by the score due to cancer and other premature illnesses.
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jenjenn on 02/25/2009:
I work for an insurance company, and we send out several notifications of any plan changes at least 60 days prior to the change. (it's the law) Funny, nobody ever receives our info either. Read your mail people!
tnchuck100 on 02/25/2009:
jennjenn, would it be possible that your company sends these notifications "Presort Standard" (formerly Bulk Rate) instead of "First Class"?
If your company is using "Presort Standard" people most likely treat it as solicitation garbage. But, that probably plays into the corporate plan to slip changes by the customer unnoticed. Many companies use this tactic.
Principissa on 02/25/2009:
Our insurance company puts any notifications in with the bill. No excuse not to notice.
ToxDoc on 02/25/2009:
we read our mail even if it is so called junk mail for exactly the purposes you cite. Thanks. I still am bewildered by the things going on. I have contacted my HR person with this information and hope to hear from them soon. If I don't then I will know that I have a bigger problem than I first thought. Thanks again for the advice - although some appeared to be rather remonstrative. Regardless, I don't intend to go down without a fight as Proverbial "they" say. I would appreciate any constructive ciriticism or advice that can be tendered.
jenjenn on 02/25/2009:
It doesn't matter how the mail is sent. If it's from your insurance company, it COULD be important. (perhaps not always, but why take the chance) I know with our company several notifications are mailed out - to people personally, to the employers, and in newsletters. I love it when people tell me, "I never got that." Besides, I don't look at the postage on my mail to determine how it was sent. I scan it, if it's trash, then I toss it. (that's just me)
ToxDoc on 02/26/2009:
my profession require thorough reading of all communications then applying action if needed. the statement of the person who made the call was clear that such communication was probably not sent (there is at least one person at that orgainzation who is cocerned for their customers). the underlying issue is not clack of communication bue unilateral violation of a contracutral agreement. Ov course this corporation has a cadre of very expensive lawyers to overwhelm any individual complianant -- idt is to bad thet these funds are not used to fulfill their obilgations which they contracted in the first place . It is attitudes and actions on the part of large corporations that make their money by establishing agreements with others and then ignoring the agreement that has gotten our country into the worst financial crisis since the Depression - and this may prove to be even worse than that was. However the ramifications are larger than just unilateral violation of a contract - this economic crisis is global - and people from other countries have guns and bombs and are not afraid to use them to get what they want. We are now one of the most hated nations on earth and it is not beyond possibility that the greed and misbehavior of a few could lead to dire consequences for themselfves and those that they cheat. History is full of examples. The Roman empire, Alexander the Great's empire, Gengis Kahn, Napoleon, The British empire (a few dozen other examples ---- and now the global financial empire -- get the picture or need I say more. My plight and complaint is, of course, critical interest to me - and should be to evayone else. If you are saying to yourself not me - think again. When was the last time the lowest eschelon of you large corporation given a merit raise - do they live near the poverty line even though they may be very dedicated employees. when was the last time you got a well deserved merit raise? NO I am not advocating socialism - just good old American fair play. This mess seemes to be go be a good reason to return to a fair play ethic and to return to the reason this country was made great - that anyone can achieve commensurate to their native abilities given a level playing field.
ToxDoc on 02/26/2009:
sorry my typing is so lousy - I have arthritis in my hands and rely so much on spell check these days I fail to edit these messates properly before posting - enough is enough I made my point - luck to you all no more comments - thanks again.
cherpep on 02/26/2009:
I always read my bills, and check the so-called junk mail for important notices. But, it does occur at times that I do not receive something that a company claims was mailed to me. I repeat - I check EVERY piece of mail. I just LOVE it when I call that company and get that sigh on the other end of the line that is followed by the condescending comments.
Sorry, I don't have any advice for you, ToxDoc, I just wanted you to know that there is someone out here who believes it's possible to NOT receive something from the mail. You have my sympathies for your situation, I truly hope you are able to find some assistance.
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Do Not Buy Insurance Coverage From This Company
Posted by
PORTLAND, OREGON -- I got Cigna through my husband's work. This is the first time I have Cigna. The coverage said that they cover acupuncture. Since my cancer treatment, I had many pains on my body. I had tried physical therapy many times, but it doesn't seems to work. Since my Cigna insurance cover acupuncture, I decided to try it with my doctor permission. I picked a acupuncture doctor through the network, cause I don't want to have any problem on denial of my treatments. After a few treatments, I felt better. My neck was able to move better and shoulder not so tight. My back pain was almost gone. I felt so much better emotionally and physically.
Then, my acupuncture doctor told me that Cigna was not paying him. When I called, they told me, they denied the coverage, cause I didn't call them for permission to go see a acupuncture. In my entire life, I have never experienced this before. If my insurance coverage said they will cover acupuncture with my family doctor's permission, than, this should be covered. I even picked a doctor under their network, hopefully this way will have not problem, but Cigna, just finds ways to not pay their coverages. What kind of insurance company is this? My husband paid for our insurance coverage every month through his pay check, so we won't have to worry about paying so much when we need to go see a doctor. Cigna has fail to do that for their clients. Because Cigna had rejected to pay for my acupuncture bills, now I had to stop my treatments. My neck, shoulder and back pain have came back. Due to this experience, we will not buy Cigna again next year. I will encourage whoever out there trying to look for a health insurance coverage, make sure you do not pick Cigna Corporation. You do not want to deal this kind of situation like me.
P.S. I will research this kind of practice about Cigna. I believe, this kind of company practice is totally wrong. May be a big cost of lawsuit will get them understand the basic moral of human nature.
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jenjenn on 12/01/2008:
If acupuncuture is clearly covered under your policy, and the correct steps were taken to get the highest benefit level, you should submit a letter of appeal (to Cigna) to get the services covered. You usually have 180 days from the time the claim was originally denied. If this does not produce results, contact the Bureau of Insurance in the state in which you live.
Anonymous on 12/01/2008:
I have a little bit of experience with insurance, but I am not familiar with Cigna's processes. I can tell you that with the company I work for now, specialty services such as acupuncture are an in-network covered benefit IF the primary care physican believes the therapy is medically necessary. If that is the doctors opinion then a request for authorization is submitted and then you will be covered for treatment. IMO it is a lot of unnecessary paperwork, but that is the way that it is. I think if you read your benefits handbook it will state the same things that I have said here. If your handbook does not specifically state that authorization must be obtained in advance, I would appeal the denial. If they still do not pay I would submit your informatoin to your states department of insurance to investigate and ask them to overturn the denial of payment.
yoke on 12/01/2008:
We have CIGNA now. It sounds as if they need prior authorization which they did not get. Just because the doctor suggests it, it does not mean it will be covered. The acupunture doctor should have verified the authorization before they started to work on you. It took us about 3 weeks to get an authorization for a surgery for my son this past summer.
Anonymous on 12/01/2008:
See, Yoke! That's what I said. :) I feel validated.
yoke on 12/02/2008:
John, a lot of people think they can go to any doctor in the directory without authorization and then get upset when it is denied. I blame the acupincture doctor in this case since he treated her without the authorization he needed. His office staff should have known to get prior authorization. That is their job.
Anonymous on 12/02/2008:
You are absolutely right, Yoke. The office should have gotten as much information over the phone as possible so the insurance issues could be dealt with before the patients appointment. When it comes to health benefits we should all ask as many questions as possible. Don't just find out what your share of cost will be... that's just the tip of the iceberg. Find out what is covered, if not, does the procedure require prior authorization or is it a benefit exclusion (there is a difference). Be prepared so when we are confronted with a situation like this we have the information we need. It's also good to know this information so if you don't like your current health coverage you will be prepared during your next open enrollment.
joshvhawaii on 12/19/2009:
Have you heard of an HMO?
Blessedintx on 03/10/2010:
I am new here, so be patient with me please. I think my situation is a little different. My Bariatric Surgeons office called Cigna (I have Open Access Plus) and was told by a Cigna Rep that bariatric surgery was a covered benefit , that I had to go to 6 months of nutrition, behavioral and exercise lecture classes, I had to do several things , like a psych eval, an EGD upper GI test, sleep study etc. I have done it all, Paid out ove $500 in copays, Cigna has paid out over $7000 for all of this and when the doctor's office called to get the final precertification by submitting all the records that we had followed the required course, they were told that their rep made a mistake. This surgery is not covered. Sorry, really too bad, but we don't pay for any type of bariatric treatment. BUT they have paid over the last 6 months for tests and classes by a Bariatric Surgeon. I don't get it...who's screwing with me Cigna or Dr office?? Thinking of talking to my lawyer. Any insight or advice is appreciated!
I am just devastated. My new life I have been working towards, the one were I could get more mobile, be healthier, enjoy my family, enjoy LIFE has just drifted away like a mirage...
Anonymous on 03/10/2010:
Blessed, what happened to you is immoral. You were told the procedure is covered. 6 months of you working towards your goal. 6 months of Cigna paying, which would lead you to believe the procedure is covered. Then one day, poof. You've been done a huge disservice. I do agree you should call a lawyer.
MarlyB on 04/08/2010:
You have to obtain prior authorization for certain services, it says on the back of your card. your Md should have know that. Especially if he is contracted with Cigna.
Word of advice, if he is a contracted MD with cigna, and they fail to precert your procedures, they are responsible.. not you. It's in their contract.
Carola3173 on 05/26/2010:
Great article, 5 STARS
It is very important for everyone to have health insurance.If you don't have insurance and you have to go to hospital, you'll have to pay over $20,000.That happened to a friend of mine.I know a site that offer the cheapest possible price for health insurance, free quotes and a lot of benefits.
NationalHealthInsurance . info
Sheriffs Uncle on 05/26/2010:
Carola, Indigents with no money can't and don't pay $20,000. The people that need health insurance are the people that have something to lose if they get sick, which is most people. Your figure of $20,000 is just a made up figure. If you go to the emergency room, and are released without being admitted, your bill will probably be a whole lot less than $20,000. Did you sign up here today to sell people insurance?
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I look up at the bright pot lights and wish I could 'clap' them off instead of having to get up and switch them off. If only one of the kiddies was here; I smile as I remember my husband and I joking with them by saying parents only have children to turn off lights or fetch them items that might be out of arm's reach. Their little faces not amused but knowing full well that they are our sole reason for everything we do.
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VISA Extended Warranty Protection
Posted by
GREAT FALLS, MONTANTA -- I want to share my experience with others so if you decide to use the Benefits Program of your VISA credit card, you will be prepared for the process.
I bought a new kitchen appliance in the summer of '09 of the same brand as the previous appliance I'd used for 18 years. After 18 months of use, something inside the door broke render it useless. The warranty is only 1 year. Then I remember this benefit feature from VISA that gives consumers double the warranty protection period. So, I called with the hope that VISA might pay for getting it fixed. I've never used the benefits that come with my credit cards in the 30 years that I've credit cards. The first time I did, it was quite a trial. Like any companies, they lose money by paying for your repair or replacement so they won't make it easy, as you can imagine.
First of all, the VISA benefits program is not administered by the bank that issues the card; I don't think it's even administered by the VISA corporation but handled by some third-party company with a contract with VISA.
To summarize what I've learned:
1) Before you call, check with your credit card or find the booklet that describes the benefits to verify what benefits you card entitles you. Benefits like purchase protection, price protection, extended protection, return protection, etc. are pretty much standard for most cards nowadays, and not limited to "premium" cards anymore.
2) Afterward, call the benefit admin number and discuss the situation with them. When I called the number, I was immediately told my card didn't come with extended protection although I'd the benefit booklet right in front of me that says I do. They told me to call the issuing bank to sort it out instead. Don't waste your time like I did. Call back in a little while and another agent probably will be more competent and can start the process rolling. I don't know if they did it on purpose or it was just a fluke but my experience already didn't start out well. The first step is for them to send (snail mail) or fax you the forms to fill out. No emails exchange.
2) Don't expect to get an answer or find out how much they'll compensate you right away. The rules are that if your purchase is less than $100, they'll reimburse you for the purchase of a new item (up to your original purchase price, naturally.) Anything over $100 is more problematic. They'll either pay for the repair or a replacement depending which cost less. Totally understandable and makes perfect business sense.
3) Get your item to an authorized service provider and have them give you an estimate in writing, you'll need that despite what they might tell you. It makes sense since they need an estimate to see if that's cheaper than reimbursing you for a new one. But for some reasons, they told me I SHOULD NOT go to get an estimate, just send back the paperwork and they'll decide if I get a repair or replacement. When I question how they could make a decision without a repair estimate to compare, they kept saying that they're trying to make it easier for me. Well, don't believe them, get that estimate from an authorized service center right away or you're just delaying the process!
4) Every time you mail or fax anything over to them, it will take 1 day to log the information into the system and then "up to" 5 business days to make a decision and get back to you. Don't expect to be called in less than 5 days. Count yourself lucky if it's less than 5 days because they'll wait until the fifth days to call. And if you don't have call waiting and they call when your phone is busy, they'll consider their job done and unlikely to call back unless you call them. The very day they promised to call, I used the phone once in the afternoon and that just happened to be the time the benefit manager called. When I didn't get a call at the end of that day, I called to inquire and was told she called earlier and the phone was busy. That's all the agent said and no apology, no offer to patch me to the benefit manager. Now, I've to say the agents are polite and business-like, but there's an indifference attitude when we communicated. When I asked to speak to the benefit manager, the agent said she was not available. So I asked if she'd call me back. The agent said yes but she had up to 72 hours to do so. To their credit, she called in 2 hours. She said the paperwork was in order but they needed the repair estimate in order to decide how much to reimburse me. I asked her why then was I told not to bring it to the repair shop for an estimate when I first called, the process could've been sped up, she said the agents shouldn't have told me that, blah, blah, blah. She assured me that after they got the estimate, she would be able to make a decision "right away." Well, there is no such thing as "right away" because it would still take another 5 business days before contacting me.
Let me give you an idea the length of time to put the whole process in perspective. Using fax will speed things up a little.
1) Took 4 days from calling to receiving the forms by postal mail.
2) Returned the forms the same day via postal mail and they logged the forms into the system. That took a total of 5 days including weekends.
3) A benefit manager called 5 business days after the forms were logged in. (7 days including weekends)
4) Went to the repair shop the next day, got the estimate in 2 days and faxed it back. (3 days).
5) 1 day to log in the info, then another 5 business days to call back. (10 days including weekends)
6) I was approved to purchase a new appliance. I faxed them the receipt on the same day. It took another day to log in the fax and 5 business days to let me know if my receipt was accepted. (8 days including weekends)
7) I was notified that the amount on the receipt was approved and I would received a check in 7 to 10 business days. The check arrived in 4 days.
The whole process took 41 days, almost 6 weeks.
Using fax and getting your estimate ready should shave off 2 weeks. In my case, every single decision took all 5 business days to attain and every time I send something over, it took 1 day to log in the info and another 5 business days to advance to the next step. So, if you do want to take advantage of your VISA benefits program, brace yourself for the process and the wait, you'll get what you're entitled but you'll have to be patient.
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Anonymous on 04/21/2011:
Excellent write-up Tantris. I'm going to bookmark it for future reference. I love your tenacity man.
This is one of the better reviews Iâve read in quite a while. Thanks for posting it.
Anonymous on 04/21/2011:
Excellent review! I've always wondered about this process.
Whiteduck on 04/21/2011:
I've never heard of anyone taking advantage of the credit card warranty. It's great to hear that it can work, albeit slowly.
Thanks for a great writeup.
gautha on 01/13/2012:
Excellent review and absolutely true. I logged a claim for my elliptical exercise equipment and I had already sent a copy of my invoice, warranty statement and credit card statement a week after I purchased the equipment. Now after close to 16 months something goes wrong and they take exactly 5 days to get back after each step. To tell me that I had to give them a repair estimate it took them 5 days and after faxing the repair estimate I am still on the 4th day now and no news yet!!!
stamamoto on 04/15/2013:
I found this website because I was trying to get help with getting a replacement or refund from my Visa Signature Card. I called the credit card company and VISA to get help. I'm writing to warn people that the extended warranty isn't always what they make it out to be. I purchased some computer hardware which failed after a few months. I went to the manufacturer to try to get help on a replacement or repair. After 4 months, I still didn't have a working part. I called VISA to get help because of the extended protection. Their customer service said that because the part failed during the manufacturer's warranty, which was still valid, they would not be able to help me because the VISA warranty only starts after the manufacturer's warranty runs out. In addition, they only cover repairs for incidents that occur after the manufacturer's warranty runs out. So, if the manufactur never helps me with my problem, VISA will not help me either.
Mike on 07/03/2013:
Excellent write-up. Thank you.
I'm in the process of trying to get reimbursement for a LG dehumidifier that failed in 18 months after purchase.
A few important points that are worth mentioning. First of all, the extra 1-year VISA warranty applies only if the original manufacturer's warranty was 1-year. In my case, the compressor of the dehumidifier had 5-y. manufacturer's warranty, and the rest of the device- 1-year warranty. They told me right away that if the problem is in the compressor, they won't cover anything. It's interesting to note that I had another LG dehumidifier (same manuf. warranty) that failed 25 months after purchase, and VISA wouldn't cover anything at all because it was more than 2 years after purchase. Apparently, the compressor wasn't covered by VISA at all. So yes, the original manuf warranty has to be 1-year in order to receive any benefits from VISA.
Now, after I sent them all listed documents including the repair pre-estimate (the repair would be more expensive than the unit, of course), I received a request to send them an itemized receipt for a replacement unit. You MUST buy a replacement before they issue any benefits. And no, they're not going to reimburse you based on the original sale amount vs. repair pre-estimate. What if I'm not going to buy any replacements? Well, then there will be no reimbursement from VISA. Sounds like a scam to me, but I guess it's not unique to VISA.
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Visa cuts off scamming merchants
Posted by
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Visa just announced that it is no longer doing business with over 100 merchants who are allegedly scamming consumers. As we have all read on this site, consumers think they are getting a free trial offer of some product (teeth whitening, dietary supplements etc) then these merchants charge the consumers credit cards, sometimes hundreds of dollars.
Here is a description from the article on how the scam works:
"consumers click on an ad for a free trial offer of supplements or a free "information kit" that will explain how to apply for government grants or use the Internet to make big money effortlessly from home. They think they're entering a credit card number to pay for shipping and handling. But in a few clicks, they've unwittingly authorized ongoing charges that can rack up fast. When consumers see their statements and try to question the charges, they are often unable to track anyone down to make them stop. Often, clicking through can result in more than one monthly charge on a card.
"The game here is to get people hooked, keep them on the hook for monthly charges as long as you can, and only stop making those charges when you're forced to," said Stephen Salter, vice president of BBB Online. BBB has received thousands of complaints about the problem, with multiple companies to blame. "The product is irrelevant to getting the charges on the card."
The trick is a marketing technique called "negative option," where customers must say they don't want to join a so-called club or receive additional materials in the future. The details of the ongoing charges are often in small print or can only be found by following a hyperlink. There's frequently a series of pre-checked boxes that most consumers zoom past as they order. Skipping those boxes is key, because leaving them checked ostensibly giving the companies permission to keep charging the card."
It is refreshing to see a major corporation take this action.
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Skye on 12/17/2009:
Good to know. But anytime a free site offers you something for free, and then asks you for your credit card information, red flags should go up. Also, people need to take responsibility for themselves and read the terms and conditions, and fine print before even placing an order. It's to easy to point and click to buy something, and then have buyers remorse later on, after actually reading what you just gave your credit card information to.
goduke on 12/17/2009:
"There ain't no such thing as a free lunch."
Anonymous on 12/17/2009:
Hooray for Visa!!!
Good info, thanks for the post.
Skye on 12/17/2009:
Amen, Hallelujah, and pass the shotgun!
Skye on 12/17/2009:
Darn, lost my edit time.
That should read, "Hallelujah"
Anonymous on 12/17/2009:
A positive move by Visa but in a matter of months (or less) these same scammers will have figured out a new scam and company name.
Anonymous on 12/17/2009:
If a company is offering something free, then they should not need your credit card information and they shouldn't charge you shipping because its not free if they do.
That's how that bald headed thief has been getting away with scamming people in to buying his crappy CD's.
Slimjim on 12/17/2009:
Sounds like they are getting aggressive, although Visa (and the others) has always cut off any merchant who has high volume of disputed charges.
Anonymous on 12/17/2009:
More symbolism than substance?
Anonymous on 12/17/2009:
Typical merchant fee's run 2% - 4%. These trial offer companies are high risk and pay a much higher fee. The processor knows the charge back rates will run higher than the 2% limit. It sounds like it has become more of a consumer protection issue that just a flat charge back problem.
GenuineNerd on 12/17/2009:
A good move for Visa. MasterCard, American Express, and Discover should take Visa's lead and block scam merchants as well.
GenuineNerd on 12/17/2009:
Also, most of these pills and other products (for weight loss, bowel cleansing, sexual performance, etc.) are a big waste of money...not only from the credit card fraud, but the products themselves aren't effective. Drugstores, supermarkets, and supercenters also sell versions of these products that you can buy without waiting for the mailman...even the vast majority of "as seen on TV" gadgets are sold locally now. CVS and Walgreens, for example, sell "bowel cleansing" products once sold only by mail or web. Libido boosters could be found alongside the condoms and lubes. And with the new year coming soon, look for sales and promotions on practically every diet pill out there...aimed at those wanting to shed those pounds they gained over the holidays (or years.) Why fall for a web or mail order scam when you could waste a little less money for pills that don't work...at the corner drugstore.
Anonymous on 12/17/2009:
^^I was surprised to see Klee Irwin's colon cleanse right next to the Extenze pills at the local Walgreen's. They had Acai berry pills too, which is what a large number of the scammers are selling. Good to know the grossly overpriced placebos are now available locally.
Anonymous on 12/17/2009:
Klee Irwin, now there is one freaky, greasy looking snake oil salesman. One look at him should send anyone running.
Anonymous on 12/18/2009:
Not to mention the perma tan and his apparent obsession with feces.
When I first saw this guy holding forth with his theories about poop, I could not believe what I was seeing.
Starlord on 12/23/2009:
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Visa / Mastercard Fraud
Posted by
This has been sent to me and I wanted to pass it along to as many people as I can reach...
WARNING...New Credit Card Scam.
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself. My husband was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard". The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460 Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?"
When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to(gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a Fraud investigation.If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?" Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers". There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the Security Numbers' that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes used to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him.
After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card. Long story made short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card.
Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation.The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost to late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report. What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up!
We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening. Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.
Please remember, Debtorbasher is not the original writer of this information, but it was sent to me through an E-mail...Is it true? I don't know, but it's best to be informed, just in case this is going on out there.
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AML on 08/29/2005:
DebtorBasher on 08/29/2005:
Thanks AML: The link posted above by AML has a more clear explanation, showing examples of the CVV # (or ID#) on the back of the credit card, in case anyone is not sure where to find it.
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Survey Winnings
Posted by
NEWARK, OHIO -- I took a survey about ago a month ago online.....I completed the survey and did not receive MY winnings because that I only carry a Visa rush card, I was unable to receive MY gift card from Walmart or MY gift basket as well............ was upset because I feel like you should let it be known What the requirements are before we take the survey.....I took the survey, but couldn't be rewarded any of MY prizes because I wasn't a REGULAR Visa card holder.....MY RUSH CARD wasn't eve good enough to claim my prize.......I feel it was unfair and kind of under a false pretense.......
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trmn8r on 09/25/2012:
I'm surprised that WallsMart conducts surveys or gives anything away. There are a lot of scams out there - could this have been one?
Jody on 09/25/2012:
They don't, it's a scam.
Slimjim on 09/25/2012:
Agree with the others. This doesn't sound like Walmart is really behind it. Be thankful on this day you didn't have a mainstream Visa, as that appears to be what the prize(target) is on their end.
Ben There on 09/26/2012:
I agree that this was probably a scam that has nothing to do with WalMart.
CrazyRedHead on 09/26/2012:
If they followed the link that is on there receipt to complete the survey then I believe this is the only one that is legit, although I have never won anything. When you fill out the survey that is listed on the receipt then you are entered into a drawing. Just because you fill out the survey doesn't mean that you are going to get anything. I have filled out the survey a couple of times but never saw anything out of it.
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Visa Signature Commercial On Tv !
Posted by
TEXAS -- I would like to file a complaint on Visa Signature commercial on TV. I consider it to be very, very Racist..!. They show a small white man, being confronted by a large black man. Being intimidated by the large black man. You making fun of the white Race, showing the black race being inferior to the white race.
I think you should pull this add. soon as possible........! also believe you be
very Racist in you advertising.
I would appreciate a written reply...!.
James Wallace
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Jktshff1 on 05/31/2013:
Never happen us white folks are the only descriminators according to the libd
trmn8r on 05/31/2013:
Your allegation is that the white man is being made fun of by depicting black men as inferior.
I don't see how that makes sense, but it may be racist. If that is what the ad is implying, they should take it off because it makes no sense. Being racist would be a bonus.
BigAl on 06/01/2013:
I googled the commercial. The white man is not small. The black man is a well known football player. I will not argue whether or not it is racist because racism can sometimes be in the eye of the viewer. But come on now--Very very racist?
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Pay at the pump
Posted by
Informative. As I was logging in to my bank there was a notice about Visa - below:
Visa's "Pay At The Pump" pre-authorization hold has increased to $125 and may take up to 72 hours to release from your account."
I called Visa and this information was confirmed. They did indicate that retail locations have the option to request a lower limit, but if not requested the $125.00 hold is now the general policy.
Personally I never pay at the pump with a credit card, but thought this information may be helpful to those that do.
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trmn8r on 06/23/2011:
This is good information. I do pay at the pump, ALWAYS, with a credit card. I am nowhere near my limit, so holds have no effect on me personally.
Incidentally, at a station I was at the other day, there was a sign on the pump saying "Maximum Visa purchase $75". I wonder what THAT is about...
Churro on 06/23/2011:
Good info. I'll be sure to check the pre-auth online next time I pay at the pump for gas.
Regardless there has to be a better way. This is the year 2011. If the auth can hit in miliseconds then why can't the release. Silly.
whatsthepoint on 06/23/2011:
I believe you are talking about a Visa Debt card. I never use my debt card for anything other than to get cash from an ATM. I use a credit card fir everything then pay the entire bill off at the end of the month. You have a lot more protection and rights with a credit card and you are not risking your own money.
Alain on 06/23/2011:
I never pay at the pump since I usually want something inside, but this is very helpful information.
jktshff1 on 06/23/2011:
Just enter credit when using your debit card..end of problem.
Cwazychicken on 06/23/2011:
I use my vias debit card (issued by my bank, not from a store) when I get gas and it only holds 1 dollar....I guess it depends where you get it, and where you live...or perhaps what bank you use.
Anonymous on 06/23/2011:
I'm confused. I always pay at the pump with my Visa debit card, and I always use the debit option (enter PIN #). My bank does not do a pre-auth hold... what I pump is what is withdrawn, within minutes.
leet60 on 06/23/2011:
@just_cause. I expect this is in reference to those that do not enter a pin number with a debit card purchase.
Cwazychicken on 06/23/2011:
See, I never put my pin number in at the gas station. It just swipes and it takes about a day to come out (but the dollar is a hold until they take it out).
Joe on 06/28/2011:
Churro, the merchant still has to physically "batch" their card purchases at the end of the day (or longer if they choose to wait)...it's a 2 part process.
Denise on 08/08/2013:
Paid by Visa Card at the Pak n Save pump Wairau and saw a $ 150. 00 hold plus the $55. The actual cost of the petrol. We have never given authorization to put any hold on our credit card. NEVER DEAL with Foodstuffs (the parent company of PK n Save again. BUYER BEWARE
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Beware Of Fraudulent Reward660
Posted by
OAKS, PENNSYLVANIA -- I had gotten a card in the mail that I never ordered, I opened it to see what it was and it was the card asking me to activate it and add money to it? I called the company and told them I never asked for the card and sent it back to them? now they are charging my card with interest and the fees and late charges that I do not have? I have never used this card or did I have one, just sent it back after I called them?
So please beware of this card, if you have one please check it out first, they are screwing everyone over and sending them to the collection companies of Jefferson capital systems, LLC and also first national collection Bureau, INC.
Not sure why but this needs to stop.
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tnchuck100 on 10/22/2009:
You need to start building a paper trail. Send them a certified letter/return receipt requested. Outline everything that has transpired to this point. Communicate with them ONLY in writing. Not by phone.
If it ever gets to a collection agency immediately demand proof of the debt. Again, certified mail, return receipt requested.
Do not ignore anything you may receive from a court regarding this.
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Excessive Charges/Inadequate Disclosure
Posted on
CLASS ACTION AGAINST VISA USA AND COOPERATING BANKS-We represent holders of VISA Gift Cards from Pennsylvania and California. We are about to commence a Class Action on behalf of all victims of the sellers/issuers of these cards who have not gotten their full value. If you have information about your experiences with VISA Gift Cards that you wish to have included in the Complaint, please do not hesitate to contact me. It is not necessary to make any reference to your name or address in the Complaint. If you contact me by email and provide a phone number, someone from our firm will call you. Otherwise, you will receive a response by return email.
whitheatrdg@Earthlink. net
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Black Friday Debacle
Posted by
ATLANTA, GEORGIA -- A little background. I have been a Chase Visa Customer for the past 7 years. My wife and I actually run out entire household budget out of this card, which we promptly pay off every month. We do this mainly for hotel reward points, and typically run a fairly large bill each month. That has never been paid a moment late. I would hazard to guess that we have one of the best payment records of 98% of all or their card members. Today during the annual black Friday shopping event my wife had our card declined 3 times for 200.00 in purchases. The customer service folks told us it was for security. Our available credit is in the tens of thousands of dollars. She worked with customer service for over an hour to get out small transaction approved and Customer service actually hung up on her once. Not to mention that this delay caused her to miss several of the prized and time sensitive doorbusters. Customer service seemed powerless to make thing happen and when I call they put me on hold and eventually disconnect me.
This card is definitely cancelled I can't believe in these days where everyone defaults this company treats a first class customer like me to this complete debacle. I will never have a visa card again..
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Anonymous on 11/28/2008:
All credit cards operate the same way. Their system detected 3 large amount purchases in a short time period. This causes the card to be automatically denied. Let's say your card had been stolen. The thief would attempt to make as many purchases, usually high priced items, as possible before you reported the card stolen. They would cut off the card until they heard from you.
Anonymous on 11/28/2008:
PB.... I don't think there were three large purchases, it sounds like they tried the card 3 times for a single $200 purchase. I'd be PO'ed too.
yoke on 11/28/2008:
Agree with passinby. We had that happen a few months ago. We were out shopping and the card was declined. I was embarrassed at first, but then I called and I was told the reason it was declined was the fact we had done 3 transactions in less than an hour in 3 different stores and it was not our normal pattern. They were only protecting us.
bigboxworker on 11/28/2008:
Yep as someone who has worked with Point of Sale systems for years, I can tell you this happens quite often when you make several large purchases within a very short time span. The card will either be declined or the cashier will be asked to call in manually for an authorization. Every time you credit card is swiped it goes through a computer system that determines the risk level of the transaction; if its over a certain threshold the card will be denied or the merchant will be asked to call for authorizaiton. Happens all the time especially with VISA and American Express Cards.
Anonymous on 11/28/2009:
If your card were stolen you would be complaining that they let the charges go through.
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Overcharge user of gift card
Posted by
LOVELAND, COLORADO -- I can not believe how greed has set into poisening your Visa Gift cards
First you pay $4.00 or more for the card, then $2.95 a month after 6 months.
Then .50 fee to check on your balance.
What greedy snakes you have become..
I really thought it was a wonderful idea and did not mind paying the fee to buy the card, but now when all is known it is one of the biggest rip offs I have ever gotten involved in.
But the surprising part is that it is legal for you greed mongers to do.
It is so sad that corporations have to stoop that low to make 50 cents.
You even have the gift card money in advance of the spending, WOW what a sweet deal for you.
Needless to say you will get no more from me or my grand children, we will just use green currency from now on, hope you enjoyed the money you made off of the cards and spent it wisley there will be no more.
When you give a young child a gift card to teach them about handeling money you have to explain to them about the big thieves that take it from them, I guess in today's world they can not learn that to young. "Way to go Visa".
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Cyane on 01/14/2007:
When purchasing the card, the customer is told of the stipulations that are attached to them. If you have an issue with the company and its fees, don't buy them. Furthermore, cash works just as well for teaching a child about money, if not better.
MRM on 01/14/2007:
I, too, thought that the VISA giftcard was a good idea, but when I read the fine print that came with all kinds of fees, I was disappointed, and did not purchase the giftcard. So the moral of the story is to read the fine print and you won't make a mistake.
Anonymous on 01/14/2007:
Thanks bulla for taking the time to warn us. I knew there were fees but I had no idea there were so many!
Extended Warranty on 01/14/2007:
Don't forget they also make money by charging the retailer transaction fees!
Best Buy gift cards are the greatest gift cards IMO.
tander on 01/14/2007:
If you buy your Visa gift Card from where you bank at there's no charge, at least not at my bank.
Anonymous on 01/15/2007:
What Tander says is true, but the 6-month fee and the monthly fees all apply. These cards are just not a good value.
Timboss on 01/15/2007:
Why not use cash? Then you are not tied to one store. Tacky? I'd much rather have cash than deal with a gift card trying to buy something for around the amount of the card.
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Published on 2013-10-22
Scott Rod Fabrications brings you true custom fabrication at an affordable price! They produce a ton of custom aluminum fabricated engine, exterior and interior parts. These include aluminum rear seat deletes, door panels, radiator filler panels, cowl vent grille delete, race dashes and more! Their smooth inner fender aprons and other engine bay parts are perfect for your next show or race car build. They will be sure to get you plenty of attention when you open your hood. Available for your SN95 and Fox Body Mustang?
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If you want to smooth out your engine bay or assemble a full aluminum race interior, Scott Rod Fabrications offers the panels you need for your Mustang. Underhood panels range from rivet-in aluminum to weld-in steel. Interior panels are nicely bead rolled aluminum and come in natural or black finishes. Whatever your show car or race car needs, we have a panel for you. If you're not currently viewing this video or our website, click below to browse latemodelrestoration.com's full Scott Rod panel lineup.
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Impressive Georgian Emerald Paste Parure in Box
At the dawn of Regency England alongside Napoleon's crest of power, a truly breathtaking parure of jewelry was created. Peaking inside the cover of the original wood, red leather, and cream silk-lined box, one glimpses the height of refinement and classical elegance. Napoleon's essentially religious fervor in respect to classical antiquities fueled the elite's interest and greatly influenced the aesthetic sense of couture of the time.
Thus was born an era of gossamer white cotton muslin empire gowns and upswept Grecian coiffures - all of which may be seen in the portrait of Madame Recamier painted by Jean-Louis David. What an amazing painting and such an influential woman—the couch known as the Recamier was named after the Madame.
With this, suites of jewelry became de rigueur for the fashionable – frequently comprised of bracelets, brooches, tiaras, earrings, and necklaces. Here we have every piece except for a tiara. However, instead there are several surprising additions. Fashioned of a striking Colombian emerald-like hue of blue green paste and 9k gold, the set's theme is of the rivière. The rivière (French for river) is composed of single stones, gems or pastes, graduated and formed in a line using minimal metalwork, mounts or bezels. Ribbons of blue-green pastes form the necklace and two identical bracelets (can be joined to wear as a choker) which are often worn on each wrist or doubled onto one wrist; a brooch pendant with drop; and a pair of earrings that makes three earrings – highly unusual and rare.
Day night earrings are integral to the suite, and can be worn singly with only the top or alternatively, added to with removable teardrop shaped drops and additional shorter drops of two rectangular pastes. Three versatile profiles to fit the mood or costume. The brooch also hooks onto the necklace or can be worn separately. The screwback ear fittings are of a later date and we can easily change these to shepherd's hook ear wires for no charge. Versatility in jewelry was a prized trait and this suite offers numerous combinations.
Juxtaposing the linearity of the other pieces, the brooch is a treat with clusters of pastes – both rounds and rectangular cuts. Forming cruciform shapes, it is a visual play against the more classical set. Also in evidence is a linear chain anchoring the bottom drop. Each piece is entirely hand worked and every stone is, of course, hand cut and faceted. All are set as open backed and the bezel is a crimped collet of 9k gold.
Color is most certainly one distinction for paste and this one is outstanding for its richness and hue of blue-green. Blending with so many skin tones, the shade is full-bodied and dark, soft not stark. Singly or en masse, the parure is worthy of any museum collection. Dating to circa 1810, it is possibly English in origin. Please refer to the tome "Understanding Jewelry" by Daneilla Mascetti and David Bennett pages 67-87 for several examples of rivières and of parures of jewelry from this period as well as "Fabulous Costume Jewelry" by Vivienne Becker page 25 for a similar suite.
Measurements: Please remember that each paste is hand cut; all links slightly vary as to the artist's touch. The necklace graduates in size from 5/8 of an inch by ½ of an inch (1.6 cm by 1.2 cm) to more than 5/16 of an inch by 5/16 of an inch (0.8 cm by 0.7 cm). There is a small loop at the top of the main stone for attaching the brooch when desired. Total length is 16-3/8 inches (41.7 cm). It drapes beautifully on the body and over the collarbone. The brooch measures 2-5/8 inches long by more than 1-3/8 inches wide (6.6 cm by 3.6 cm). Each bracelet, when worn, is a bit less than 7 inches long (17.5 cm) and the various pastes each way measure approximately 5/16 of an inch (0.9 cm). Earrings together with the long drop are 1-9/16 inches in length by more than 3/8 of an inch at the widest (3.9 cm long by 1.1 cm wide). With the shorter drop, they measure 1-1/16 inches long by 5/16 of an inch wide (2.6 cm by 0.8 cm).
Condition is superb and near mint with one minute flaw on the back at the bottom of the brooch – a very tiny area of silver solder where something may have been added or removed. Very light general wear and patina to the gold; otherwise superb. Box condition is fair to good with all parts intact; hinges and swing curved clasps and the outer red leather case show significant wear with scratches and scruffs; one bottom edge is separating. The interior is intact although the silk has darkened and shows considerable age.
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Embraceable Cool Nights Short Sleeve Lovestruck Ivory Lace Trim PJ Top
Plum lace looks pretty on the sleeves and hem of our classic PJ top. Pair with the matching lace-trimmed crop in Lovestruck Ivory, a floral of plum and soft greens on ecru. And layer with the a Majestic Plum cami for maximum versatility.
- From the Embraceable™ collection of PJs. The softest, most luxurious in the world.
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- Approximate length 26.5" from shoulder.
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Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 12:20 AMFrom our family in pink and black to yours, have a very Twisted New Year! Peace, love and happiness to all of the S.M.F.s all over the world.
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