INSURANCE: Frustrated patient

I am 62, retired and privately insured by Blue Cross of Idaho. This year I changed plans within Blue Cross (BC) due to the exorbitant increase in premium. My new plan restricts me to the Kootenai Care Network (KCN) panel of providers. My doctor works for Prairie Family Medicine. Last year the clinic was approved as BC providers. This year they need to apply to KCN to become a panel provider.

They applied Nov. 1, and were told they would have an answer by Jan. 1. No answer. Then it was Feb. 1. Again no answer. Now, allegedly, it’s March 7 when the committee meets again.

In the meantime, I need to see my doctor for a shoulder condition and have needed to do so since the first of the year. I don’t want to go through the hassle of changing doctors unless I absolutely have to.

Blue Cross is more than happy to continue to take my monthly premium of more than $800, but doesn’t care to put patient need ahead of KCN’s schedule for empaneling providers.

I’ve asked both Blue Cross and Kootenai Care Network to help me. Neither has shown interest in doing so. Very frustrating.

KIM WANECKE

Hayden