But depending on what type of health insurance company you use you could be stuck with the bills. That's what's happening to patients all over Oklahoma. An estimated four million dollars in medical claims are falling back on consumers because their insurance provider is going under. Tonight newsnine's Marlo Brawer investigates why some insurance providers leave consumers vulnerable.
Small businesses pay premiums to one provider for insurance coverage.
Sounds great until a MEWA goes out of business. That means employees like Jean Daniel who recently made two trips to the hospital will have to pay most of those bills herself. The state insurance commission says while MEWAs can provide a good service, they leave consumers vulnerable. Blue Cross Blue Shield picked up the Provider Medical policies after the company went under. Once Provider Medical's assets are determined, they will be divided up to pay some of the medical bills, but ultimately, most of the bills will be the responsibility of the consumer.