Only about half of consumers who purchased a new health plan have paid the first month’s premium, and those who have not yet paid will have to pay upfront and be reimbursed later for any medical services they receive before coverage starts. Most insurers extended the payment deadline to Jan. 10 after the Obama administration extended the enrollment deadline for Jan. 1 coverage to Dec. 24; some insurers have even pushed the payment deadline to Jan. 31 and are sending membership cards before receiving payment. Some pharmacies have said they will fill prescriptions for patients who can show they have signed up for coverage. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (12/30)
New health plan enrollees are in limbo until premiums are paid
January 5, 2014 By
