A stupid cloud passed over Savannah and the entire state of Georgia today, touching all and sparing none, including myself. Murphy ruled and we all drooled, so to speak.
It actually began 3 weeks ago. Like many people at the forefront of the cyber revolution, I pay some of my bills electronically. When I got back from Alaska, I was past due on a number of them, so I began with the electricity (as I had promised them I would do when I left). I paid it immediately as soon as I returned to Georgia. $562 and change, paid electronically on September 23d.
On the 14th of October, I decided I would get ahead of the game and pay again. $562 and change, paid electronically on October 14th. Wait a minute, I thought. That figure sure sounds familiar. It was exactly familiar. I had doubled up on my payments. I called Savannah Electric immediately, and was informed that, until the payment and new bill were posted, they could not refund me. So far, that hasn't happened.
I went to the pharmacy with a prescription today. It was $102. My insurance company refused to pay, citing termination of coverage and lack of prior authorization. I have been trying for 2 1/2 months to get squared away with my medical insurance, ever since my wife died. They keep billing me for coverage for her, then telling me to wait until it is straightened out before I pay. I sent them copies of her death certificate and faxed them a request for change of coverage. They tell me a month later they want a faxed and signed copy of the letter. I sign it and resend it. I called a week ago and their operator tells me I should have been told to pay the bill. I ask how much—$322/month, exactly half of what we had been paying.
Well, duh! I had expected some actuarial holdup; after all, my wife's expenses were pretty heavy the last few years, with frequent hospitalization, prescription medicine, etc. I never even met the deductible for my end—ever. It seems, however, according to insurance company policy, we were both 62 and that is what 62 year-olds should pay.
It turns out my insurance coverage was not terminated. The insurance company cashed my check, it cleared my bank, and I had coverage. BUT—they had issued me a new policy number and had neglected to tell me about it. Naturally, the request for prescription coverage was under my old policy number. Nonetheless, they refused the request again. It seems I still needed prior authorization from the doctor. I left this with the doctor. I hope he provided the authorization.
I went uptown to pay my water bill this afternoon. Downtown Savannah is ruled by the meter maids from Hell, and the law of supply and demand for parking spaces. 50,000 cars and 25,000 spaces. I did find a space about 2 blocks from the City payment center. I looked for the meter, but there was none. The parking bay had a number and a sign was posted that said the meter was on the corner for all spaces. OK. I go to the meter and punch the bay number in and attempt to insert a quarter. No go. The meter says it is busy, please wait. I wait. Nothing happens. I punch 6 again. Nothing. I wait. Lights come on and the meter says my time on bay 6 has expired. I try putting in my quarter anyway and, miracle of miracles, it works!
I hustle around to City Hall, since I only have 20 minutes on the meter. The door is locked. A sign says that I should go around to the Broughton Street entrance, that the nearer entrance is for city employees only. I go, rapidly. I join the line of payers. I ask the clerk why they decided to lock the side door. She says it is to keep the undesirable elements out. I ask her what happens if they decide to come in the front door? The guard was at the back door (in case someone tried to break down the locked door is my guess). Besides, he appeared to be in his 80's and looked like he would have a heart attack just standing up, let alone wrestling with undesirable elements. The clerk shrugged. I asked did she realize they now had only one fire exit? She shrugged again. I paid my bill and left.
I drove to see a friend instead of going home. The friend appeared to be just as bright and funny as ever. The clouds vanished and the sun shone brightly. Thank God!
©Phil Hodgkins 2002
Guest Book
