Anonymous
map-marker Fremont, California

My pharmacy copay suddenly goes up

I have been taking Levothyroxine sodium 112 Mcg Tab for about a year, each month I would refill at Costco pharmacy #00778 4**** Pacific commons blvd Fremont CA , the copay has been $3, but when I refill today ( 10/9/2021), the copay raise up to $15, I didn't take the drug, and want to know the reason. appreciate your early reply
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Anonymous
map-marker Hawthorne, California

Prescription problem

i have copd and high blood pressure every month is a hastle i need my inhaler cvs says one thing doctors office another wait wait wait twice i needed a puff on the weekend had to call paramedics they ivd me and all i needed was a puff of albuterol my doctor refuses to refill i dont want to see him now as i might catch virus somebody please help me thank you
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Anonymous

REQUESTING HELP

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HAVE A MEDICINE ISSUE AND UNABLE TO TALK TO SOMEONE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM
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Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered

Bobbie M Xtl

Can't find a person who I can understand, English pleaseI

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Updated by user Apr 20, 2020

This is the time during the virus. I need 90 days supply not 30 days.

I was told my insurance wont' allow it. why????I called even asked for someone I could understand and nothing.

I am still waiting, have been since 9am over 1.5 hours ago.I do insurance verification and have the same issue during the week. No wonder patients don't call and complain, they don't understand and cant.I explain it to them and I dont' even work for you.

Updated by user Apr 20, 2020

Every time I call Blue Shield, the accents are so thick I apologized for not understanding them.They shld be apologizing to me. Then Blue shield was to call me bk, 2x then they hung up on me.if you have customer service get someone who speaks proper English. I have over 40 years experience, hire me, instead of turning me down.

Original review Apr 20, 2020
I have 3 medications, water pill, hormone, cholesterol. I can get only a 30 day supply. I want 90 days. I'm 65 and I can't go in month after month with this virus. I call and can't understand the person on the phone, Still on hold, and no one picks up. I call insurances all day and can understand hardly any of the people on the other side. If you can speak proper English why do you have all these high paying jobs and I can't get one. Right now I want 90 days and still on hole after being there for 30 min
View full review
Loss:
$20
Pros:
  • Its insurance
Cons:
  • Not 1 person speaks proper english
  • Customer support

Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered

User's recommendation: Complain

Anonymous

AVOID BLUE SHIELD!!!! Worst customer service!

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Customer service is HORRIBLE! Sent to Philippines and people can barely speak English so they repeat every statement you make (very annoying). It takes 20-30 minutes to get someone; if you aren't disconnected when they pick up, which happens often and then you start all over. Once you get through it is always the wrong department so they transfer you for another 20 minute wait. I've often been disconnected again or sent to the SAME department for another 20 minute wait. Right now I'm on my second call and a total of just over two hours to talk to a claim representative to correct a mistake THEY made. A supervisor? None available. Every representative just wants to pass you onto someone else. Oh, and the entire time you listen to an endless loop REALLY horrible quality (in this digital age?) of the song California Dreaming for TWO HOURS now. ONE song? Seriously? Can't shut it off. The representative couldn't even shut it off and we were yelling at each other over the music. So lame. I used to like that song, now I hate it. So I'm mad at Blue Shield for that too. Btw, occasionally you are transferred to the US station and no matter who you reach they take care of you immediately without delay.
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

pd

Stay away!!!! Billed for more members than we have in our family

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Run from this company! No support, takes 3 years to fix problems and you will never get back what you were overbilled. waste your time, technical support incompetent. disconnect you instead of fix problem, must be paid by how quickly they fix things or something
View full review
Loss:
$500
Cons:
  • Worse customer service in history
Reason of review:
Problems with payment

Preferred solution: fix the damn problem

J B Ovo

This is a complaint, do not waste my precious money on sending garbage calendars etc.

I am so shocked do not send me any rubbish calendars. Its hard enough to pay your bill and you send this calendar and stickers. Cross me off your mailing list IMMEDIATELY.... DO NOT WANT, never asked for. PLUS ITS SO UGLY WHO Would EVEN WANT TO USE IT!
View full review
Cons:
  • Send spam mail
Reason of review:
SPAM MAIL

Preferred solution: Stop sending rubbish advertising mail, SPAM.

Sherri N Dlw

The bills just keep coming

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I actually got a bill for $10 for a technician to look at my x-ray I have no idea why that would be charged extra My dr is the one who looks at it and tells me what’s on it any way Blue Shield of ca has a tricky billing system I have been on it for almost a year and I’m getting off of it ASAP before they ruin my credit because the bills for that one x-ray just keep coming 3 so far plus the cost at the radiologist Plus you can only get generic meds and only 30 day scripts I don’t think there is (good health ins) not any more but at least at Kaiser they only rob you of what they say they’re going to rob you of
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Taylor L Fcn

Worst experience of my entire life

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Updated by user Feb 20, 2019

* don't know why monetary loss at bottom says 2 dollars. 2 thousand maybe.. not 2.

Original review Feb 20, 2019
I don't normally write reviews, let alone negative ones, but I have tried everything in my power to talk to this company directly about my issues and they don't seem to care. I have written grievances, talked (even cried) on the phone countless times, written letters. I am honestly shocked this company treats people because I feel like they treat their customers more like animals. I unfortunately had blue shield for over a year with two separate plans. The first plan they started to *** me off when they made me pay a preposterous amount out of pocket for my ambulance AND ER visit because I never actually went to the ER. At the scene of the accident they drove me to the ER and I payed 1000 out of pocket (after going through state farm and blue shield) for the ambulance but then they tried to charge me the same for the ER I informed them that I never left the waiting room and shouldn't be charged for "use of room" (only thing on the bill) They disagreed. Then, oh here is when it gets good. I gave up that fight and I moved so I had to get coverage through a new plan. I told them my city and I figured they would assign me a doctor near me right? noooo nothing is that easy with BS (by the way I believe BS stands for bull *** not blue shield). They assign me to a doctor in flipping chino, not near me at all but no big deal you can just call and have them change it right? hahaha if it was only that easy. I did call to have it changed, 8 times to be exact. 8 times I would call, tell them my doctor, they would eventually assure me no problem they would change it in the system and the new card would be in the mail. Sometimes I would have to wait many weeks and call to make sure they actually sent it (twice they didn't) But, each time I would receive the card and see that it still is a bloody doctor in chino. Sometime the doctor's name changed but it was never to my doctor. Each time I would complain to the representative that the former representative assured me they solved the problem but it clearly wasn't and maybe there was an issue with the system. Each time the representative would be "shocked" this kept happening and assuring me they know how to fix it. I was honestly ready to march in there and input it myself. Thing is, I couldn't see my doctor until the name was fixed on the card. I had a lot of issues I really needed to see a doctor for and for 8 months I couldn't! The entire time I had BS I paid every single month and could not use the benefits. One time I called and asked to speak to supervisor. After them hanging up on me twice and me having to repeat my story over and over I finally did. She seemed decent and actually did send me a card in the mail. Didn't have the doctor I wanted but she said that doctor won't work anymore. Something to do with them changing what health insurances they accept. 8 months ago I would've been able to. I gave up on that battle and accepted a new doctor. At least she wasn't an hour away. She apologized for the inconvenience and literally promised to call me tomorrow. That was 3 months ago and tomorrow has never come. But I had a doctor finally! I called so thrilled to make an appointment. It was November. The doctor told me next available appointment was end of January and my heart dropped. She advised me I picked a new doctor and how do I do that? Simply she said. Just call and have your insurance change it. I literally started to cry on the phone when she said that, I mean I lost it. I explained to the lady making the appointments what has been happening and she felt so bad for me that she found a way to book me an appointment for December, bless her heart. December rolls around and I can't go to my appointment because BS drops me (with zero notice) when MediCal picks me up because at this point I'm so poor I now qualify for it. I have explained all of this to BS stating that I deserve my money back as I have been paying nearly 80 dollars a month for nothing. Their response letter back to my grievance had this odd way of not owning anything and making it my fault. Pretty sure it was never read or they just didn't want to admit they are a fraud. Now, I have the option of having blue shield at a decent price but I instead am paying nearly 300 out of pocket a month (only for myself) so that I can receive actual care. I was extremely disappointed with my experience with BS and how inhumane I felt treated. I will never recommend it to anyone and I will always tell people they have the worst values and service of any company unless they prove me otherwise.
View full review
Loss:
$2
Cons:
  • Customer support
  • Fraudulent behavior
  • Not upholding what they say
Reason of review:
Poor customer service

Preferred solution: Full refund

Theresa l Akk

Cannot get my medication. Remicade

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I’m 18. Just got out of the hospital I need my medication. Please help me before I go to the media
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Wanwan Y Gig

They don't cover what they said in the benefit

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I have Platinum 90 PPO individual plan, and it says in the contract it cover 90% Durable Medical Equipment when it is in network. When I order my diabetes pump supply, my provider told me that the insurance can only cover 80%. I don't know what is going on. When I called the customer service of the insurance, they told me that I need an authorization for that. I just don't get it. Those people are not willing to or able to help. What they only care about is if they get money from the customers or not. When you really need help. They deny EVERYTHING. The way they do business is so unethical.
View full review
Loss:
$200
Cons:
  • Difficulty contacting a knowledgeable rep
  • Errors and mistakes they made that the made me pay for
Reason of review:
Pricing issue
1 comment
Guest

I think what they are telling you is that you need your doctor to prescribe the equipment. I have a cpap machine that required that the MD prescribe it, which is what I think BS is telling you.

Anderson Qhw

Claims processing for out of network provider is INCOMPETENT!

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I have sent claims to Blue Shield of CA via fax and also snail mail and the department that handles out of network provider claims is highly incompetent. They either claim to lose the superbill/claim or if received, they process the claim incorrectly. For instance, they'll state it is missing a diagnosis or procedure code but when I sent the claim with the bill, it states the info they are seeking right on the superbill. On average, for every family member's claim, I will have to follow up with them on multiple occassions to have it paid according to my PPO plan. One time, they hugely overpaid by $2,000! As an honest person, I called them to thank them for finally paying out the claim but it was incorrect. They tried once again. It takes on average 9 months from the time you submit a claim, multiple half hour to one hour conversations with the claims department intermittently throughout a few seasons before claims are paid accordingly. Most of the representatives I've spoken to are out of this country- possibly the Phillipines. When you ask for a supervisor, they will place you on a 20 minute hold, just to come back to the line and advise that no supervisors are available. I would avoid doing business with this inept company at all costs!!
View full review
Loss:
$1
Reason of review:
Poor customer service
Martinez Ljm

Rip off

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I have to assume because I am a cynic that my issue is not unique to BS of CA. Health insurance is already practically unaffordable for most people and these insurance companies, like BS are doubling down ripping off consumers with their high deductible, convoluted, overly complicated plans.

I know BS doesn't care about me writing this review...they haven't seemed to make any changes after 570 1-star Yelp reviews either. I'm sure I'll get that same auto-response everyone else got:

"We apologize for your experience and would like to have a Specialist reach out to address your concerns. Please email your info to help@***.com and a member of our team will be in touch.

Sincerely,

The Blue Shield Web Inquiry Team"

Thanks but no thanks for the pretend follow through and concern... But me telling you that BS is *** makes me feel better.

Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do at this point in time to fix my situation, but I hope this helps guide others away from BS. And, if you're stuck with them, please be advised they do not and will not offer a prorated deductible no matter when you start your plan, even if its less than 60 days away from the new calendar year. And they most definitely will not inform you that you don't have a full 12 months to hit your deductible...you have a single calendar year. Oh, and on top of that, you can't enroll at the beginning of the calendar year...you have to wait a month and a half. Just to ensure BS can screw you a little more on your way in/out.

You have been warned.

View full review
Loss:
$1350
Cons:
  • Difficulty contacting a knowledgeable rep
  • Fraudulent behavior
Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised

Preferred solution: 1. A prorated deductibles or 2. Allow a full year to hit the deductible (not a calendar year) or 3. Open enrollment December thru January so people have a full year to hit the deductible

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Tandra Era
map-marker Lansing, Illinois

Authorizations are a joke

In the last 2 months every single authorization I have submitted there has been one issue or another. I submit every form that Blue Shield requires and then I get faxed back saying that they need additional information even though they have received everything. Then when you call and talk to someone they are rude they never get my name right and then talk down to me as if Im an idiot that didn't follow their *** expectations. Blue shied is supposed to be the high end of insurance and they are total *** I have better luck with Medical than I do with Blue shield
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service
jeff h Pnx

Just horrible

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just horrible service and care
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Albert S Ptu

Blue Shield, Blows

They're back. They're slimy. And they want your money. They are health care hucksters Blue Shield Of California. In recent months, insurance regulators have been wrestling with what looks like a new wave in health-care scams, perpetrated mainly against the weakest of the flock: ill individuals and small-business owners. Many of these frauds are similar to those that siphoned millions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers in the early 2000s. A few new nettlesome flavors have popped up, too--such as discount cards promising savings on doctors' visits and hospital stays (often marketed as real insurance) and human-resource service providers who also peddle sham health insurance. The only expense covered 100% from Blue Shield is embalming. Doctors pour drugs of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, into human beings of whom they know nothing. My story begins when our company changed from United Health Care to Blue Shield Of California. The Bold print giveth and the fine print taketh away! I had to fight to get one of my medications covered. The medicine literally saves my life. Finally, Blue Shield agreed and sent the authorization for coverage to the Healthcare Provider. Medicine the only profession that labors incessantly to destroy the reason for it's own existence. My drug has to be administrated via IV twice a month. One month ago I received a bill in the mail for $347,850.52 from my Healthcare Provider administrator. It would seem Blue Shield has never paid the bill. When I say never, I mean not at all in 9 months. Side effect of having Blue shield is --Bankruptcy. Contacting Blue Shield the problem is the Healthcare Provider administrator buys the drug at one price and Blue Shield buys the drug at a much cheaper cost per volume. Blue shield dropped the ball and never set a price protocol with the Healthcare Provider administrator. Blue shield received the bill each month from the Healthcare Provider administrator but never addressed the error nor commented or even attempted to adjust or correct the error so Blue Shield simply didn't pay it. I was never notified. It is hard to engage in mental combat with the unarmed. One of my many letters since my formal complaint to Blue Shield thier written replay back to me said although the invoice was approved and issued correctly Blue Shield were not paying the current bill. The number to call and complain was also a disconnected number. In reserching how to resolve this issue I found 4 out of 5 people suffer from having Blue Shield as their healthcare provider but does that mean that one actually enjoys it? Blue Shield now has been forced to deal with my billing situation and demands (I mean blackmails) the Healthcare Provider administrator to adjust the price of the drug they have billed now for 9 months and 16 treatments. Can you say scam? Blue Shield will only pay a significant price reduction they set in hindsight even though the Healthcare Provider has already purchased the drug and administrated it as well as correctly invoicing Blue Shield. The Healthcare Provider paid their distributor in full but now must take a loss in order to recieve any form of payment from Blue Shield Of California even though the amount Blue Shield wants to pay does not cover the Healthcare Provider administrator's cost. This is a form of extortion and Blue Shield thinks they can get away with it because in fact they have gotten away with it time and time again. This is illegal according to Dave Jones the California state Insurance Commissioner. Today I received another letter stating my appeal does not warrant a speedy resolution. I have hired a lawyer and I will see Blue Shield in court.
View full review
Loss:
$300000
Reason of review:
Poor customer service

Preferred solution: pay your bill Blue Shield

1 comment
Carol J Cpm

Former Providers with BCBS CA were screwed when BCBS cut their payments in half and doubled insured premiums.

About

Related Companies

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Summary

Blue Shield of California is a company providing health care. Currently the company is the third largest health plan provider in the state of California. It has more than 3 million members. Blue Shield of California offers various health plans: individual and family health plans, employer-sponsored plans, dental health plans and so on. Besides the company provides individual term life insurance. The website of the company has several health care sections such as condition management, women’s health, men’s health, children’s health, etc. They are intended to help customers choose plans which satisfy thier needs. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

Blue Shield Of California reviews and complaints

Blue Shield Of California is ranked 443 out of 1822 in Insurance category

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