Federal law and regulations require insurers to hand over exactly this sort of information in response to a written request. And they have to do it fast: Most people who get insurance through an employer should get the records, called claim files, within 30 days.

There’s just one catch: Some insurers aren’t turning files over like they’re supposed to. We followed ProPublica readers through the process with five different insurers. Several companies only shared documents with patients after we reached out.

  • @[email protected]
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    11 months ago

    I don’t even understand why there is a burden on the part of the insured to have to make a written request for this.

    If you have a claim that is denied, the insurer should be required to provide the full details and reasons for the denial automatically at the time of the denial.

    • @PunnyName
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      3411 months ago

      They shouldn’t even be able to deny you as easily as they can. They can basically do it for no damned reason.

        • @PunnyName
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          11 months ago

          Agreed. But at the moment, they exist, so we have to work with the hand we’re dealt, while also trying to build a better system.

          • PorkRollWobbly
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            311 months ago

            How about we make them not exist? No concessions with those who profit off of the sick as we distantle and restructure the healthcare system.

            • @PunnyName
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              311 months ago

              That’s a process. It doesn’t happen overnight.

              Unless you have ideas for immediately deleting them within the next 24 hours without repercussions.

                • @PunnyName
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                  111 months ago

                  So what are your solutions? Because if you get rid of what we have with the delete button, lots more people then have no method of getting help.

          • @shalafi
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            111 months ago

            Next to climate change, this seems our most intractable American problem.

    • AnonTwo
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      1011 months ago

      My guess is the company wants a lawyer present because they assume that anyone who is requesting this is probably going to bring one as well.

      Basically they don’t hire people they would authorize to tell you the reason.