Ongoing relationship with the AFLAC duck.

[John Schmidt]

I've been paying on an AFLAC cancer policy for over 40 years, and in the past year it was brought to my attention that Rita's affliction might be covered. So after a rather lengthy phone call with their headquarters, it was suggested I supply some preliminary info to see if it was, in fact, a covered issue. Turned out it was. The first application covered certain aspects of the original discovery, hospital stay, various other specific items. After much digging for records, they surprised us with a check of just under $7k....very helpful indeed. I submitted a second claim for other issues covered and received a payment of just under $4k.

To make sure they didn't miss anything I went through their Explanation of Benefits in detail, matching it to the supporting documents I had furnished and found they had missed some items. Add to that the current year which I included in this third claim, it will cover a nice portion of the 2015 real estate tax bill just received.

Given a choice, I would gladly forego any money from claims filed just to have her health back, but it's not to be. So, we're thankful for what we get. Just thought I'd pass this along so some of the younger members will realize that you never know when something you do today will pay off decades later. 

[sixlow]

I am glad they have given you some financial relief John. Years ago they turned me down for the work portion but would allow me the cancer policy. A bum knee I have prevented me full coverage. Just last week we sat down with life ins. Agents and opened a plan. We may check back with AFLAC again, my Mom passed from Colon C and my Dad has just beat neck lymph node twice, I figure my odds are pretty good for gettin something someday. The big C sure is the most unjust of all afflictions out there. I pray for a cure everyday.

[IamGCW]

Thanks John, good information.  And better yet good that you have less to worry about.  Have you figured out the cost vs payout ratio's? 

Gil

[John Schmidt]

Thanks John, good information.  And better yet good that you have less to worry about.  Have you figured out the cost vs payout ratio's? 

Gil

Oh yes, I'm way ahead.....thousands. As a full time employee with the State, the group rate was quite low and wasn't exceptionally high when I kept it after retiring. Plus you have to consider the fact it's easier to have it deducted from a regular wage when young than to pay out a larger premium when older. Even then, when I look at the total annual premium and compare to payment for the months she fills her prescription(such as this last claim), I'm well ahead. Actually, they don't like the fact I have this policy because it pays better than comparable items available today. You can't get this one today without an enormous premium....if at all. 

[BF]

My wife has AFLAC from her work. 

With my cancer and the cancer surgeries I've had, it has paid a bunch.  She files claims for anything and everything.  So far, I don't think that anything has been declined. 

[John Schmidt]

After the original claim was sent in, the only thing they'll pay on now is her oral chemo. They denied all of her dr. visits, 8 wks. of iron infusions because the disease causes a major reduction of it in her system, lab work to determine level of her blood chemistry, various other stuff. Wish they'd pay on some of it but don't....or won't. I'm tempted to have the policy looked at by a third party to see if I'm being screwed.