Member Voice: Cecilia — individual health insurance…“It Was Like Winning the Lottery!”

In 2008, Cecilia lost her health insurance when her company laid her off. “It was an awful feeling,” Cecilia said. “After my company was downsized, I tried to purchase insurance on my own, but it was too expensive.” Cecilia had to go without the doctor visits and medicine she needed.

One of Cecilia’s biggest concerns was how to buy individual health insurance without a job. Recently, she had the opportunity to purchase individual health insurance without a job. “When I received my Blue Cross and Blue Shield card, it was like winning the lottery!” she said.

While shopping for individual health insurance, she compared her individual health insurance options on healthcare.gov. She chose Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) because she found a prescription drug plan and deductible that met her needs.  She also heard from other people that BCBSTX customer service was very good.

“Now that I have BCBS as my insurer, I manage my health a lot better,” Cecilia said. “I feel better about myself. I take my medications as prescribed. I go to the doctors.”

Watch Cecilia’s story to see how she was able to overcome her obstacle of finding affordable individual health insurance.

The BCBSTX member ID is more than just a 2”x3” card. That little card comes with big expectations — expectations that have been built over the years by earning our members’ trust. Whenever you have a question or concern, you can just flip it over and call the number on the back to contact us. Whether you have serious health issues or just need routine doctor visits, knowing you have health care coverage from the most recognizable name in the industry is a big advantage. Read more about the Advantages of Membership.

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*Disclaimer

The video above is the non-paid testimonial of a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas member. Not all products and services mentioned are available for all Plans. For more complete details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to your certificate of coverage. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Show Transcript

Prior to 2008, I had insurance. And then the recession hit in 2008, of which my company downsized, and I had no job, had no insurance.

My name is Cecilia Fontenot. I'm 64 years old. I've been a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield for six months. After my company was downsized, I tried to purchase insurance on my own, but it was too expensive. It was an awful feeling. Had no medication to take. Was unable to go to the physicians, which left me at a loss. So I was very happy when ACA came and became law. I was able to afford getting insurance. I went to healthcare.gov, and I compared the different options that were out there for me. The factor to me, that led me to choose Blue Cross and Blue Shield was the medication part of it and the deductible. Another thing that led me to choose Blue Cross Blue Shield was that I had heard from other people that the customer service was very good. When I received my Blue Cross and Blue Shield card, I felt very good. It was like winning the lottery.

Then I knew upon receiving this package that I was able to go to the doctors. Since becoming a member in January, I have used my card several times. I've found that the network of doctors and hospitals have increased significantly since I had insurance through my employers. Now that I have Blue Cross and Blue Shield as my insurer, I manage my health a lot better. I feel better about myself. I take my medication as prescribed. I go to the doctors. I feel so much better now.

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