I just received a letter from Blue Shield of California, my health insurance carrier. I am informed that, effective January 1, 2010, if I miss a single monthly premium payment, my policy will be cancelled for nonpayment.
"This means that if your premiums are not paid in full and received by the due date, your policy will be cancelled and you will need to re-apply for coverage."
Being a day late in payment means Blue Shield of California, a NON-PROFIT carrier, will force you to re-apply for coverage. That is, Blue Shield gets another bite at the apple -- another opportunity to cast aside anyone who got sick between the time when they first enrolled and when they missed a single payment.
The sooner we can stop this evil practice, the sooner we can join the world of civilized nations.
As an American it pains me to type these words. I thought we were better than that.