Thread regarding HCSC (Health Care Service Corporation) layoffs

Can someone help me understand the "Member Engagement" call to use your health insurance?

Good morning. I am a Cigna transfer and we have a lot of discussions going on internally trying to understand this member driven approval call before getting diagnostic work. As it has been explained to us anytime your doctor requires any diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI, etc) we have to call this Member Engagement number and I guess get another approval separate from the pre-auth the doctor obtains. Failure to do this results in a $200 fine.

It sounds extremely odd but is this understanding true? What happens if you are incapacitated and brought in on an emergency? Also, what is the point of this call if the doctor has already received an auth?

by Anonymous
| 1341 views | | 9 replies (last April 7, 2025) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1jpt162x6
Comment! It's anonymous!

9 replies (most recent on top)

Does this apply to dental X-rays too?

by Anonymous
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Post ID: @2rc+1jpt162x6

it does not apply for emergency or inpatient procedures.

by Anonymous
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Post ID: @fw+1jpt162x6

it's not an approval, it's a requirement to call for a cost comparison. you don't have to change providers. if you change providers, you may get a rebate when using lower-cost providers (for example an imaging center over a hospital). you will have access to the same cost estimate tool online.

by Anonymous
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Post ID: @fv+1jpt162x6

How do you think hcsc had 3.7 billion to buy your business. Penalizing employees $200 each time for not double pre authorizing needed health services. Lol

$200 * 24000 employees adds up quickly.

by Anonymous
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Post ID: @ej+1jpt162x6

You cannot have both HCSC and Cigna insurance at the same time. Cigna employees were misinformed months ago (by Cigna) that our insurance would be good up until the Sunday after closing. This is not the case. HCSC benefits, including medical and pharmacy, began on 3/19/2025. Call 804-409-9462 to verify your coverage and have your ID cards emailed to you. I have already used my HCSC benes, so I know the benefits are in effect.

by Anonymous
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Post ID: @dp+1jpt162x6

Hi! Your Cigna insurance runs though Sunday 11:59 pm. hCSC benefits began 3/19 per HR and their Customer service department.

by Anonymous
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Post ID: @bs+1jpt162x6

We ask here because we have been given no avenue for answers. All we have gotten is a boilerplate "welcome" email from Maurice. We were told that is our new insurance coverage beginning Sunday, many of us have young children who need medical care and do not have the luxury of waiting for HCSC leadership to finally begin communicating with us especially when that waiting could cost us $200.

by Anonymous
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Post ID: @b8+1jpt162x6

What on earth makes you think this public website is the appropriate forum for this question?

by Anonymous
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Post ID: @az+1jpt162x6

The call is required for specific diagnostic procedures, so this does not apply to an emergency situation. The call is to a Customer Advocate, who may be able to find a less expensive provider for the diagnostic procedure. Seeing the less expensive provider is not required. There may be a reward amount paid to the member after making this call. Customer Advocates are very knowledgeable, they can answer this and many other questions.

by Anonymous
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Post ID: @am+1jpt162x6

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