I have CareFirst for health insurance, and I spoke with my surgeons office today. Apparently, my insurance sent over a pre-authorization form, saying yes, I can go ahead with the surgery. Then the lady at the office proceeded to tell me, "but they can still deny you coverage for the surgery, its apart of their disclosure". I am freaking out! I don't want to be stuck with $16,000+ in medical bills.

Am I overreacting?

Is it literally just something every insurance company has to say?

HELLPPPPP!!!

Did the surgeon's office say anything about this?

My authorization did not have any such caveat (that I am aware of). However it probably isn't anything to worry about. Contact your insurance company and make them explain so you can rest easy.

That doesn't make much sense. Why would you need approval from the insurance company if you're just gonna have to pay for it yourself?

Since i work in insurance over 20 years -- you're overreacting.

All authorization approvals contain this caveat, because just because you are authorized today, doesn't mean you will have insurance tomorrow.

You could forget to pay your premium, your employer can terminate and switch coverage, you could get a divorce and no longer be eligible for coverage.

Basically its an eligibility caveat.

You're overreacting.