Health exchange customers without coverage cards may need to call insurance companies

By Cy Ryan

Monday, Dec. 30, 2013 | 5:30 p.m.

Consumers who signed up through the state's health insurance system are being advised to contact their company if they have not received their coverage card and need to see a doctor or go to a hospital.

The Silver State Health Insurance Exchange issued a press release Monday saying that those who enrolled close to the deadline will not receive their insurance card but they will be covered by the policy they chose effective Jan. 1.

"Individuals who need to seek medical attention prior to receiving their insurance card are urged to call their insurance company after Jan. 1 and before they visit a doctor, clinic or hospital," said C.J. Bawden, a spokesman for the exchange.

He said the insurance company will be able to verify enrollment and confirm that the doctor or medical facility they wish to visit is in the company's network.

Consumers had the option to choose four companies. The companies and their telephone numbers are Anthem, 866-317-9021; Health Plan of Nevada, 877-752-8026 for English and 877-512-9339 for Spanish; Nevada Health CO OP, 855-606-2667 and Saint Mary's Health Plans, 800-863-7515.

Bawden said those "who seek medical attention from an out-of-network doctor or hospital may incur higher out-of-pocket costs or the service is not covered."

Those who missed the December enrollment and payment deadlines will have coverage on Feb. 1 if they enroll and pay the premium by Jan. 15.

Nearly 13,000 Nevadans enrolled before the deadline on Dec. 23. But some did not pay their premium.