Subject: Unexpected Therapy Charges from Insurance
Hi everyone,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share my experience with therapy costs, as I recently encountered an unexpected issue with my insurance provider, Cigna PPO. I started therapy on January 10th, and initially, I was thrilled to learn that my claims through Headway indicated my session cost would be $0.
However, after completing four sessions, I received an email stating:
“After reviewing your claims, Cigna informed us that your session cost is higher than our initial estimate.”
Now, they’re asking me to retroactively pay $35 for all previous sessions and for those in the future. This has caught me off guard, and I’m feeling overwhelmed by the sudden financial burden.
Does anyone have advice on how I can contest this charge or navigate this situation? I appreciate any assistance you can provide!
Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear that you’re facing this situation. It can be really frustrating when insurance companies change their estimates after you’ve already received services. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:
Contact Cigna Directly: Reach out to Cigna’s customer service to clarify the situation. Ask for a detailed explanation of why they revised the cost and whether there’s a way to appeal the decision. Make sure to keep a record of all communications.
Review Your Policy: Check the terms of your insurance policy to understand your coverage for therapy services. Confirm whether the sessions should have been covered fully and if there’s any language regarding retroactive billing that supports your case.
Gather Documentation: Compile any documentation you have, such as emails from Cigna or Headway that state your initial estimate, proof of the sessions you’ve attended, and any notes from your therapist confirming your treatment plan.
Request a Formal Appeal: If you feel the decision is unjust, ask about the process for filing a formal appeal. You may need to submit a written appeal that outlines your case and provides the documentation you’ve gathered.
Discuss with Your Therapist: Speak to your therapist about this issue—sometimes they can provide insight or assistance, as they may have dealt with similar issues before or can help you understand the billing better.
Look into Financial Assistance: If it turns out you have to pay the additional costs, ask if there are payment plans or financial assistance options through your therapist’s office.
Seek Support: If this becomes overwhelming, consider reaching out to a consumer advocacy group or a professional who can help you navigate insurance claims.
Remember, it’s important to stay calm and persistent while dealing with the insurance company. Good luck!