I had an experience a number of years ago with Blue Cross Blue Shield where they refused to cover a claim because I had another insurance policy that should cover it first. Baffled, I called and asked what this other insurance was.  The woman on the phone said she couldn't reveal that information.  After going back and forth for some time, I finally was able to glean that the other policy was my individual dental policy through Prudential that BCBS somehow believed should cover a non-dental ailment for one of my stepchildren.  

When I explained the situation, the woman didn't even apologize for their mistake.  Imagine an industry whose goal is to avoid providing the very service its customers have paid for.  This "never-pay policy" reminds me of an old Monty Python sketch about automobile insurance.  Except in America, we don't even get the nude lady. 

My family still carries a private family policy through Anthem Blue Cross with a monthly premium that exceeds our mortgage payment.  We're at least able to write off some of its cost as a self-employment expense.  When my husband first started his business partnership, our health insurance costs exceeded his income.

A year or so ago, I received a card from Anthem that listed several peri-menopause symptoms and suggested I might want to get a check up to discuss these symptoms with my health care provider.  But I'm fortunate not to suffer from typical peri-menopause symptoms.  I don't have hot flashes and, thanks to regular health club workouts, usually sleep well at night.  

Besides, I pay so much for health insurance, I can't afford to go to the doctor.