Originally Posted by Bucking Bar

PM sent.

There are some real problems with UHC that threaten the financial security of our pilots. Since we co-insure ourselves you are exposed to WHATEVER rates UHC negotiates with providers. In most cases those rates are lower than standard self pay rates and closer to Medicaid reimbursement (WellStar for instance is allegedly a "non profit" provider). Most of the time we happily see a 70% discount and go about our ways.

But what if UHC decides to enter into a contract which pays much MORE than you would owe otherwise? You will find that under law you owe it. In our case the procedure was billed at just under six times the Medicare rate, which was more than four times UHC's own "usual and customary" rate for non network providers.

UHC is exempt from the laws which regulate insurers, as well as anti trust and consumer protection regulations. A fight with these guys could easily leave a Delta employee bankrupt and given the depth of their abuses there probably are some examples out there to be found.