Regarding Owens' appeal, Coplin said Aetna had been looking for any extenuating circumstances that would have explained why a customer failed to pay the full amount due. It didn't see any, she said.
That's just harsh, canceling someone's almost $473-a-month coverage over a matter of $64. And to then blow that customer off after she appealed the decision -- is it any wonder people think health insurers are only in it for the bucks?
"I did everything I was supposed to do," Owens said. "I tried to communicate with them. All I got back were form letters."
She said she's glad that Aetna (after some gentle prodding by the media), agreed to reinstate her coverage. And she'll likely pay the almost $1,900 just so her records show no lapses in health insurance -- you can never be too careful.
But Owens said she's already applied for alternative coverage offered by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the people behind the Emmys.
The new policy would cost about half as much as the old one, which Owens likes. There's just one thing:
It's offered by Aetna.
David Lazarus' column runs Wednesdays and Sundays. Send your tips or feedback to david.lazarus@latimes.com.
