Whew! That's a relief.

A letter I got in the mail today. We switched health care insurers at work last year, so I am still not wise to the ways of BCBS and found this both ridiculous and amusing (and maybe a little nerve-wracking):

Dear Member:

After careful review by the Clinical Coordination Department of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, I am pleased to inform you that the request for hospital services made on your behalf has been approved.

Place of Service: Inpatient Acute Care Hospital
Type of Service: Medical Care

I'd like to remind you that your hospital admission must be medically necessary and may vary depending on your specific condition. We will work with your physician while you are receiving hospital services.

Also, in order to receive benefits during your hospital stay, you must remain eligible for coverage and the coverage must stay in force. The nature and level of benefits available to your are specified in your Subscriber Certificate. Should you have questions about your deductible or copayment, if applicable, please contact your customer service toll-free number shown on your Blue Cross Blue Shield identification card.

Sincerely,
Some Doctor
Physician Review Unit
Clinical Coordination
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Was there some DOUBT that the big-ass MASSES in my CHEST weren't going to be covered? Isn't this EXACTLY what medical insurance is for? Holy crap. I didn't have any questions or worries BEFORE I got this letter, but now I dunno! I love the tone, like you'd get when you get accepted to college: "I'm pleased to inform you that you have been chosen to have your neck sliced open and stuff pulled out!"

Also, love the specificity. "Inpatient Acute Care Hospital" and "Medical Care" — like I'm going in for something other than medical care. Maybe hair care! And "I'd like to remind you that your hospital admission must be medically necessary" — as if anyone would have thyroid surgery on a whim. Hey! Can you remove an important part of my body for no good reason?! Thanks!!

I guess there will be more of this to come. Sigh. I suppose I should be relieved. It's covered!