Recently, during open season, I changed my insurance plan (with the same insurer. In the old plan, I had a deductible of $1000. The new plan became effective on 11/1/07. The insurer is requiring that I meet the a new deductible for the year ($2300) before receiving any benefits. The deductible will start over on 1/1/08, so I have to spend $2300 in Nov and Dec before receiving any benefits. Since the plan year does not match a calendar year, I thought the deductible was by plan year. Is it legal for an insurance company to increase your annual deductible in this manner? Just as additional information, I do have email correspondence from the insurance company stating that the deductible of $2300 applies for 11/01/07 through 10/31/08. It appears that there is a difference of opinion at the insurance company. In the mean time, I am being charge for every medical expense. Does anyone have an experience with this sort of situation? Is it standard with the insurance companies, or am I being abused?

