SHARGEL & CO INSURANCE

A score of one star is too high. I have known Susan for more than twenty five years when our daughters met in nursery school. Almost all of that time we have been friends. When my cobra expired, I chose Susan to be my broker. From April, 2001 until January, 2010, my premiums to Blue Shield totaled $81,4043. Since brokers receive 10% of your insurance premium (a dirty little secret), her company received $7,531 over that time--less than 10%, since I fired her January 20, 2010. I had the same experience as Jenny K, another Yelp reviewer. In January I called repeatedly for two weeks before I was finally able to speak with her. There were always excuses. Recently, I probably tried calling for at least ten days. Her staff always covered for her. I understand, from the letter she sent me this past October, that she had no intention of speaking to me. Since we had been friends, I had her home phone and called there in an effort to connect. I've spoken with her husband twice and left a couple of voice mails at her home. No response. In December, 2009, I needed to make a decision about 2010 coverage; my "Balance 2000 Plan" was going to increase to more than $1000. One day, no one was available in her office to speak with me. I called Blue Shield directly and learned that my plan included maternity coverage--hardly necessary for a woman of my age. I got a plan with similar coverage, a lower premium, a $30 instead of $45 copay and a deductible of $1700 instead that of $2000. By January, 2010, the difference between the "PPO plan 2000" and the plan I switched to, the "Balance Plan 1700." was $170 per month. From April, 2001 until my discovery, in 2009 or 2010, my plan included maternity coverage. The more my premium, the more Blue Shield and Shargel and Company receive. Each month, Shargel and Co received $17 of the overcharge and Blue Shield CA received $153 of the overcharge. Almost everyone would agree that she totally ripped me off. After many attempts to reach her, I spoke with her about the matter and requested some reimbursement, an amount that I thought fair. She refused. Immediately after that conversation,on Jan. 20, 2010, I faxed Blue Shield to fire her. This week, I called the office to say that I was disgusted and upset by her behavior and asked that she call. True to form, she did not. Because of what I perceive as her arrogance, lack of accountability and lack of professional behavior, I've decided to write this review. It is one way I know to come to some degree of fairness and balance in this relationship. I am also pursuing other avenues for remediation. SUSAN RESPONDED; The first and only time I have responded to a Yelp review was in defense of my dentist of 20 + years. She received an outrageously unfair review and I wrote to applaud her attentive and expert care. Now I find myself writing on behalf of my company and my staff. At the same time, I have to be careful not to violate client confidentiality. Here's my best effort. Our clients rely on us to review the many plans available on the market today and recommend those that provide comprehensive coverage at the most reasonable price. We scrutinize the plans and carefully search for the holes--the coverage gaps that could cost you dearly at time of claim. We reject more plans than we approve. During one meeting with an insurance company representative, I tore up the new plan brochure. I told him, "We don't sell junk and call it insurance." When a client wants to purchase or change to a plan we don't recommend, we explain what the coverage gaps are. Carol chose to change her plan to one we don't recommend. It is less expensive because the insured has a greater liability at time of claim. Health reform prohibits insurers from selling new plans with annual coverage limits. However, insurers can sell plans which exclude coverage for certain services entirely. This is a Buyer Beware world! We take great care to make sure our clients are well protected. I RESPONDED TO SUSAN: A few of my thoughts about your comments. Good thing you didn't deny your failure to return phone calls, since in your letter of 10/27, you acknowledge that failure. Please tell me what the coverage gaps were. I don't recall your telling me about coverage gaps. Exactly what was the greater liability at the time of claim? Also, where are the specifics in your comments? Sounds like you are hiding behind "patient confidentiality." Dealing with Blue Shield was a total nightmare; I have had way too many miserable experiences with them. Thankfully, I now have Medicare with supplemental. Medicare is a total walk in the park. I am posting the above to Yelp, but hope that you respond directly to me. Carol SUSAN NEVER RESPONDED TO ME OR TO THIS POST.