Blue Crossed Wires

When I got married, I didn't realize I would become a dependent in so many different ways. After being independent for many years, it's been something of an adjustment.

Until I start working full time or my sporadic hours working for the physical therapist get regular, I'm dependent on my husband's income. I know I'm damn fortunate to be in this position, but it still makes me uncomfortable to a degree.

And then there's the health insurance. Again, I'm fortunate to have it; but now that I'm trying to actually USE it, I keep hitting road blocks. And I'm peeved that I don't even get my own name on the card.

Like today: the Blue Cross/Blue Shield customer service center is closed due to severe weather conditions. Yesterday when I called, they were closed for the holiday. So I try the web site. It won't let me in.

I call tech support, but since I'm not the subscriber they can't do anything. I would have to call Mike to have him call BX/BS and they would call me back or some wacked out permission-getting scenario like that. Technician says he'd get fired if he let someone other than the subscriber have access--nothing personal.

I've gotten into the web pages before. In fact, I set up online access! I told the tech, I know you can't do anything, but this is asinine! I'm COVERED by these benefits; there should be a way that maintains security for the subscriber but ALSO grants appropriate access to other adults covered by the same policy. Match the call to our home phone number like AM EX does. Something more sophisticated than making every spouse play "Subscriber, May I?"

Sheesh!