The Crucial Role of Accurate Medical and Prescription History Reports
Health insurance is a vital safety net, but navigating it can be tricky, especially when it comes to the accuracy of your medical and prescription history. This crucial bit of information can determine your insurance premiums and eligibility. So what happens when this history is misreported or incomplete? The consequences can be severe, ranging from unexpectedly high premiums to outright denials of coverage.
Sadly, inaccuracies in medical histories are not rare. Insurance companies have access to extensive data, including medical records and prescription histories. This information usually comes from medical consumer reporting agencies. Any mistakes or missing information on your report can quickly come to light.
How Medical and Prescription History Inaccuracies Affect You
- Higher Premiums: If your insurer finds undisclosed medical conditions or outdated information, they might view you as a higher risk. This can lead to increased premiums. For instance, if outdated data suggests you have high blood pressure, your insurer may charge you more, unaware of your recent health improvements.
- Denials of Coverage: Insurers might deny coverage in more severe cases, especially with undisclosed pre-existing conditions. This can be particularly distressing if you need medical care and cannot pay out of pocket.
Cause of Errors in Medical and Prescription History Reports
A mixed file is one of the most common types of reporting errors. This error occurs when someone else’s information is on your prescription and medical history reports. Often, it is a relative’s information. For example, your father takes prescriptions for a heart condition. You have a similar name, and his prescription history shows up on your report even though you don’t have any heart condition or take any prescription medication. Many people don’t know that these prescription history reports and medical history reports are considered consumer reports. The Fair Credit Reporting Act laws protect consumers from medical reporting agencies providing inaccurate information. You can dispute false information on your reports.
How to Prevent Errors on Medical and Prescription History Reports
So, how can you safeguard yourself? Firstly, be thorough and honest when applying for insurance. Disclose all relevant medical conditions, treatments, and medications, even minor ones. If you need help deciding what to include, consulting with your doctor or an insurance expert is wise.
Additionally, keep your medical history up to date. Regularly review your records and promptly correct any errors or discrepancies. This proactive approach helps get fair coverage and avoid unnecessary financial burdens.
Getting Legal Help for Misreported Medical History
Misreported medical histories can lead to higher insurance premiums or denial of coverage. Review your medical history reports thoroughly when applying for insurance. Quickly dispute any errors or mixed files. If you have trouble getting your medical information corrected and your disputes are ignored, you can get legal help. Know that you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
The consumer law firm Francis, Mailman, Soumilas, P.C., has extensive experience dealing with medical reporting agencies. You may have a case if you have been denied insurance or are paying higher premiums because of medical and prescription history report errors. Call us at 1-877-735-8600 or complete our online form for a free case review.