Jackson Jambalaya

This got published the day before Thanksgiving. MAYBE that's why it went under the radar. Let's see if the MSM pick up on it now.

Does a $300,000 "cash bond" mean she put up $300,000 in cash and not just 10% of it? If so I wonder where a clerk got that much cash.....

Tried to look at file in clerk's office this week. I say tried because there is no file because they were only arrested and the AG is running the case. No indictments yet.

There was a third person arrested also. It is now over $300,000. BCBS hates any kind of publicity so I imagine they are trying to keep this very quiet.

At least now I know why my deductible doubled.

Our deductibles doubled thanks to the increased costs created by Obamacare.

And all the $ BCBSMS spends on fitness centers, cafeterias, walking tracks and renovations of their buildings. Oh and don't forget the "perks" for the big 3 over there.

One of the women involved certainly drew attention from the other employees. She paid cash for a brand new Cadillac and took her kids/kid to expensive out-of-state concerts. One would think if you are going to embezzle, you might want to keep it on the "down low".

Embezzlers just don't think the plan through. Can't wait to spend, spend, spend! Not the brightest swindlers in that class of criminal.

As a former employee of that cesspool for 10+ years, I know that BCBS is keeping this out of print in the Jackson paper. The main people that run that dungeon; Rick Hale, Carol Pigott and John Proctor are less than human! It makes the already horrible image of that place worse because Mrs. Pigott signs off on EVERY SINGLE payout; you would have thought when she signed 3 payouts for over $50,000/each, she would have questioned, huh? No, the brass there is too busy making employees walk/exercise/work out, log their food intake and mark their time in and out of the bathroom!! That place is definitely going to get its due, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT!!!

Carol Pigott is too busy worrying about whether there is too much toliet paper in the bathrooms to worry about checks for over $50,000.00. Or making sure the CEO has his blue Solo cups to drink out of or an ice machine that makes too much noise in their wing.

The corruption and cronyism at the Clarion Ledger upper management is terrible !! It is a complete breach of trust of their subscribers and the public at large. Sadly, this has been ongoing for a long time.

Several years ago I was involved with a terrific journalist at the Clarion-Ledger who was doing amazing and REAL investigative journalism on a large scale corruption scandal here in the Metro Area. This person got SHUT DOWN!

Initially approved by the editor for a minimum of 4 articles from just the initial collection of multiply sourced information it got killed because of executive influence. These Clarion-Ledger executives just happened to belong to the same golf clubs and country clubs etc. as attorneys and executives for the entity being looked into. No exaggeration.

Where is the "Fourth Estate" today? Where is their neutrality and focusing on reporting the issues as they are that is so essential to the sustaining of a free society? What has become of integrity and presenting the truth and facts so that we the people can judge the facts for themselves?

Some outside body needs to thoroughly investigate the elite klowns in charge of the Clarion-Ledger when they are done investigating Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi.

Don't be fooled @11:36 AM but all the media has sacred cows. No matter how much evidence or how well sourced EVERY journo has legally defensible stories they simple will not tell despite doing so being in the public interest because publishing those stories would shoot a sacred cow from the herds they knowingly protect.

11:36 the "fourth estate" has moved to this blog and others like it (well, there's nothing quite like JJ, but you know what I mean).


I just finished my weekly lunch out of the office. I picked up mailing boxes for presents and enough copies of the JFP to wad up paper to keep stuff from sliding around inside the boxes - so don't say it's not good for ANYTHING ;-)

You can't make this shit up.

JFP Tweet: The curious case of Melton lives on. Read about the issues surrounding the use of his former home ...

Next week they are going to run a story that Melton's former car got a flat tire. The JFP has been tipped off that the new owner of the car found one of Melton's old socks when they were digging the spare out of the trunk.

Didn't know Melton was still on trial. Also, I have really stopped reading it. I cannot stand the self aggrandizement and the constant line of holier than thou attitude. It is too much.

Hey, Kudos to Rankin County News. Someone over there had the courage to tell the story.

Sad, it doesn't run so deep elsewhere.

Traditional media is now corporately owned, of course they worry about profits.And, does anyone expect a reporter will get to investigate their owners or the owners' friends?
Internet media should be worried that they do not enjoy the same legal protections given Wikileaks. When a former CIA analyst defends Assange, we start asking a few questions .
An effective Fourth Estate is critical to liberty and we are watching in silence as it disappears.

Took that one down because it went too far. Issuing opinions about certain people is one thing, accusing them of illegal activity is something else.

I don't know the validity of the ex employee's post, but I work in a provider's office and have dealt with this corporation for 17 years. I can readily state that up until 2002 Blue Cross was an absolute DREAM to deal with! It seems that since Mrs. Ayers and Mrs. Pigott have capsized the boat, it has been an unadulterated nightmare of mythic proportions! I am told to e-file our claims a certain way and all goes well for about 6 weeks. Then, apparently our allowables are too much and then we're denied!! A representative comes to our office, berates us and threatens me with legal action after I follow the guidelines THEY DICTATE? It is quite sad and to much dismay that a once grand company just 8 years ago has become one of the most chagrined, maligned and a complete laughing stock STATEWIDE.......Sincerely, Victoria Annuncio, Billing Supervisor

Kudo's Ms. Annuncio!!! You are completely spot-on in your critique of the Ayers/Pigott management in that cesspool. One can only garner from your sage post that if YOU feel that way, imagine how many thousands upon thousands of other providers share your views. I look forward to seeing the false facade of that empire break away daily.
-Brian Nickens

You went back and zapped comments post-moderation? ROFLMAO

Have heard alot about that place in the public. As a single father with a sick child, their practices are beyond sick. My 8 year old son is on a med that he needs daily, after taking that for the past 3 years all of a sudden Blue Cross won't pay for his meds anymore and I can't get them in generic. I can still get them, but it now costs $400 a month. When you call up there you are shuffled around between some idiot who doesn't know how to pour piss out of a boot and knows nothing! I went up there to talk with someone and after waiting about 2 hours some kid talked to me in the waiting room, I wanted answers, not a shoulder to cry on dammit!! Apparently they don't like anyone taking up for themselves because 5 security guards came into the foyer and when I left there were 3 little put-put carts that followed me out; I shoulda ran them over with my F-150!!!
But Trevor and I will be fine, I had to take a graveyard shift on the weekends, but his medicine is paid for and it ain't through BC!!
Lowdown bastards in every way

Why is it that WAPT will report about a MSU employee embezzling $20,000 but not a peep about this? Is it because Rick Hale and Stuart Kellogg lunch together and BCBS is a HUGE sponsor? Makes you wonder.

Kellogg tends a very large herd of sacred cows.

I would be a great time to expose Blue Cross for the slime they are.

I'm hearing Rick Hale resigned today and Carol Pigott elevated to CEO.

Yes to the last comment; Rick Hale is no longer our CEO. That "woman", Carol Pigott, is now in charge. After talking with other employees in the gym today, get ready for MANY, MANY resignations after the new year (I mean AFTER we get our bonuses in March!!)
-A disgruntled CSR

@ Kingfish: I would like to thank you firstly for doing this blog and for my friend, Brian N. and others for putting the link on facebook. Believe me when I tell you that as employees of BCBS, there is literally no outlet to voice disagreement of any sort with out backlash. I am still employed there and I can say with about 90% certainty that people stating they work or worked here are being truthful about what you are hearing on this blog!! I came here a few years ago with great excitement and a degree ready to help people. Forward to 2010 and find this woman depressed, disgusted and just sad at the practices of my employer. I will not give my name right now (allow me to give notice after Christmas first!), but please know that your blog has and is reaching numerous people and is a wonderful outlet for bound and gagged employees, etc. to give a summation without fear of reprisal. After our email today about Mr. Hale resigning and Carol driving the bus, I KNOW I'm gone!!!!!!

As a former BCBSMS employee that was fired with others for made up reasons, way to go BCBSMS.....As for as Rick Hale, if he resigned how is he going to pay for his cologne that he goes to New York to have specially made for him? Wonder how the Christmas party will be this year?

I am a former employee and just heard of the resignation. I like Rick and feel that he is responsible for the tad bit of normalcy left at that company. With Pigott at the reigns......bless you. If you are still employed there, try to find something else. Your raises for the past 2 years have gone to unneeded plants, reconstruction to a cafe that was fine as is and other employees moving up the ranks with engorged salaries. This company makes billions. If the executives gave up their yearly bonus, the could give raises to the majority of the employees. I now work out-of-state and my current employer has heard of the dictatorship that is Blue Cross- long before I even interviewed with them.

Btw, people who have worked there for years are being fired for no degree, but one of the VPs has not graduated from college......is it really who you know?

So proud of this paper for presenting this story.

Since other employees have the courage, so do I!!! Been here at BC for 13 years and have been very, very enraged at the things they make us do which I'm sure are not legal. First of all, I'm a grown ass man and don't feel the need to have to log off my computer when I need to piss! If I need to leave for an emergency or errand and I have PAID PERSONAL TIME, you count that against me and won't let me use MY time?!?! When Carol "PIG"ott takes over this Nazi-like company, may God have mercy on anyone with morals!!! As for me, I'm leaving and going back to landscaping fulltime, at least then I can piss when and where I wanna!!!!
-PW

Wow, so that place is being found out AT LAST!!! I and my family WERE subscribers but cancelled our rotten insurance and are now with United Healthcare. I always utterly fumed when I would drive down Lakeland Drive and EVERY SINGLE TIME the employees were outside doing jumping jacks, playing softball/volleyball or the like. Explains why the phones were never answered, claims weren't paid and you got 4 answers to 1 question. My husband would always say when those poor employees were outside doing anything other than their jobs; "What are they training for? It's like the Hitler Youth!"
Maybe this new boss will be better.....
-Mrs. Pamela Fyke

Unfortunately the new boss is Hitler!

For the poor gentleman with the child on medication, I would look into BCBS of AL or AK. Both are wonderful companies ( not all BC companies are bad). You could still see providers in MS as in- network physicians as long as they are a provider for BCBSMS and they dont have the outrageous prescription co-pays.

As a former employee who they "let go" after I told them I was 8 weeks pregnant, I hope someone finally exposes them. The things I know go on there would make the public sick. Employees are treated like children and get no respect or given any praise. They are too busy worrying about employees working out to care about much else.

LOL!!!! I know Stringer's family in C. Springs.........we don't like him either.
I'm forwardin this to everybody; I love you guys!!!!!

Gotta love the fact that now people have this voice and Pigott, Proctor and Ayers are finally getting the berating they deserve!
I quit a month ago and I feel so liberated......

OK, colorful discussion going on but a couple of reminders. I've gotten some comments I would've posted but did not do so because they were slanderous. Usually it was only one sentence that was the problem and if resubmitted, I will post.

Accusing specific individuals of criminal activity or truly immoral behavior, will not get posted. Sure, some might get past me but if pointed out to me, will get zapped.

OMG.....employee here turned on to this by word of mouth in the cafeteria Thursday. All I can say is OMG!!! So many of us are talking about your blog and trust me kingfish, we applaud you for letting some employees finally be heard!! Known fact for true that that place is a mess, I just didn't know there were that many of us gonna say it!!! Trust, I been searching for a job past 8 months and I'm gone from Service Support!!!!! Later yall

As a former employee...that place is the pit of hell and when you enter the iron gates, they are known as the gates of hell! Piss poor management and they get away with making employees keep a food diary and send them to classes to be humilated in front of others for being overweight! I pray for the lost souls still having to work there.

If you are older or overweight, don't bother applying there. The managers have an interview sheet where they now have to mark whether the applicant is "young and energetic". Employees hired in the last couple of years just stepped out college. It looks like sorority row in the Service Support building. That's an avenue that lawyers need to review.

Blue Cross has threatened legal action to those who identify themselves on here. My suggestion is to pull your act together, treat your employees like humans, realize that you are being mocked by the public, and that eventually little by little you will lose your clients if you don't change things. It's not all about the bottom line $ wise and green is all the executives see.

The classes, the required exercise, etc is not because they are trying to help the employees, it is because it decreases the amount they payout for illness and absenteeism. Nothing is for the good of the people, but for the executives and their fat pockets.

I think with all of these posts it's time for former and current employees to rally together and get down to business. Any empire can crumble when enough disgruntled citizens make noise, so to speak.

Hmmm.....

I see similar posts from a disgruntled employee.

Young folks hired at less than you for a job that you may or may not be exceptionally above standards relative to said job....answering a phone, asking questions and filling out a form....hmmmm.

This looks more like excuse for unhappy employees to take advantage of an internal issue related to the two that were brought up on embezzlement charges; the resulting resignation of the CEO looks like an affirmative "yep, it happened under my watch."

Give the new leadership a break folks. It might get better.

Answering phones does not give you the ability to run a GIANT....I'm going to take liberty of using your similar use of caps...this is a corporation responsible for a great number of folks health insurance needs; complaining while you have a walking track and a gym and a this and a that...is lost on most, unless you are taking advantage of it and it is not serving your backside. Be thankful. Most of us don't have the luxury of mandated physical (paid) activity time at work.

For those who are foolish enough to think that throwing up is cool; get a handle on yourself. These are tough times. Show integrity, show your meddle, and get on with it.

Kaptain, I see your point but the things that are being said here are all the truth. I am a former employee that worked closely with the CEO and COO. The COO (Carol) was the driving force behind most of the decisions. It really is that bad there. I was let go and when they did it, they told me it had nothing to do with my job performance but they were eliminating my job. All they did was move someone into my position that had no experience in my job. Talk to any employee there and 99% of them will tell you the same thing. They worry more about the how much employees exercise. Walking is no longer good enough. You have to go to classes. Or Carol is worried about how much toliet paper is in each bathroom stall. That is a true story. How can they be worried about the bigger things going on? It did hurt when I was let go but now I am at a great place with people who aren't out for themselves. They told me when I was let go it would be for the best and as much as it pains me to admit it they were right.

Yes Kaptain, while they did offer exercise classes on company time, it was only twice weekly. You are required to do many, many more to keep you insurance. It doesn't help that employees are weighed down with ridiculous restrictions on keeping up with the requirements for their time! The way Carol, Amy and Stringer have it set up is so you will fail and then you have to pay for your insurance. It's like the VPs just meet daily and think, what can we do today that will make it impossible? You don't work here, so from the outside it all looks like they are kind and care for the employees which is exactly what they want you to believe!!!!!
They can't stand that employees are now voicing publicly now.....

@ Kaptain-

I appreciate you trying to be a mediator in this discussion and trying to see the glass half full. Unfortunately the things posted are true. I am former management and left on good terms but changed companies for my sanity. Not everyone in leadership positions are tyrants, but they have to kiss the tail of the one that is. Believe me, I morphed into one of these brown nosers to keep my position.

Ultimately I knew I couldn't keep up the charade because I was not the person my children would be proud of. It is sad. With this economy, so many employees stay because there is nothing else available but very few are happy. No one is allowed to voice this because they will be fired with no questions asked.

My hope is that they make changes where needed but since the uppers think nothing is wrong, it won't change.

Thank you 3:01, we who work there know every statement from a employee/former emp are with out a doubt true! Still there myself but believe me I have my resume posted on every available site and am listed with an agency.

The case of Kaptain just shows how BCBS only puts out the image of a caring benevolent corporation when the case is totally opposite. When we have staff meetings or our monthly health meetings you know we can't voice any opposition or question anything from "the West wing" because our boxes would be packed and Grady would be walking us out the door.

This venue as stated has been the only opposition to their Nazi-like propaganda since I came in 2002.

I am praying to God that he sends me a good job with a moral company where I can prosper with a conscience.

Kaptain Kangaroo is trying to sound like a reasonable mediator and frankly comes off like a paid stooge of BCBCMS.. Our dear Kaptain is either an executive of BCBSMS trying to cloak themselves here or else one of their sycophants. I suppose a third possibility exists of an incurable Pollyanna. Where is Mr. Green Jeans? ANYONE who has personal firsthand experience with this company knows that not only are the negative comments real and true they BARELY scratch the surface of the tyranny, cronyism, incompetence, and malfeasance of the majority of the so called "leadership team" at this awful place.

Many of the best employees have fled in recent years and in many cases gladly taken less pay just to escape this corporate gulag for the vastly less stressful environs of other work places in order to once again be treated with a modicum of decency. And as previously inferred in a reasonably decent job market the bulk of its present employees would flee this rat infested ship or already have done so. Please believe us who know.. it's every bit as bad as previous commentary has suggested and frankly much worse. Even a rookie investigative journalist who was truly interested in the truth could seriously make a name for themselves if they would but peek under the rock known as BCBSMS.

Had to get home and see the latest on here. Did hear from friends on the inside that the effort is underway to discover who the employees are posting on here. I'm sure there will be those incognito one on one "talks" with HR in those conference rooms in the lobby!!!

NOT PAID ADVERTISEMENT or AKA Shameless Promotion:

If anyone wants to pay me to be a stooge for BCBS or NOT please do, I take donations. Email me at KaptKangaroo@gmail.com...

FREE SPEECH: I'm a practical person who looks at the consistent "disgruntled employee" comments here (and BTW you have never been here before) and asks, is this the only instance in MS that Corporate employees have experienced reorganization and gotten pissed off?

A lot, strike that, MOST of my friends in Corporate America (Fortune 100) are getting laid off. They are not bitching on a blog. They are calling me to ask can I help and I am offering reality based feedback.

I'm not talking about some po-dunk subsidiary corporation in MS. I understand the realities of a corporation and the stress they experience, especially during a reorg; I also understand some things may be difficult to understand in your personal situation.

Who moved your cheese? Organizational angst is an obvious byproduct of poor re-organization. As I said, been there seen that.

You attack my message after the poster originally comes back and says, "I'm better off not working there, because I got sh--canned. And I'm happier!" MORE power to you and I agree - been there done that.

Don't assume 6:58...remember what you do when you do that.

I read your diatribe and it comes off as just that, a complaint. There is a box for that, write it and then get over your inferiority complex and do something that benefits the corporation. If you have a complaint and cannot do anything about it yourself, I am certain they will honor your complaint and show you the door.

You folks have it great. My spouse has been looking for a job since 2009. That is LAST year. Stop complaining or join the unemployed.

If any BCBS employer is here, my spouse would LOVE to work for a company that provides benefits, pay and an opportunity to advance. Even though reorg attempts have appeared to not be very successful. The future is bright.

Just email me at my email. Or, ask KF.

And for the rest of you complaining, remember, there is always someone else willing to put up with what you complain about for a decent wage.

My apologies for multiple posts. I was working on this for a couple hours and it posted in error earlier.

Oh Mr./Mrs. incurable Pollyanna here is my response....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaFy0x_Uixo

Also, don't think that some of these posts read like quiet seeds of what you accuse me of; I study this site like I read the news.

I can see how KK would observe that BCBS is kind because employees get insurance and "free" exercise, but that's where it ends. Just continues to show that if you don't or haven't worked there, you don't know about what we speak! First of all: there is NO WAY for employee's to speak out (why do you think this blog is so extremely popular?). Second, there are no opportunities there (unless you went to MSU with one of the "Barbies" in HR). Finally, while there may be people willing to put up with what we complain about, the CHILDREN they hire with a piece of paper from a college only stay long enough to move on to a place where they are treated with respect and kindness.
What current and prior hires are saying here is unfortunately very, very true. And we just speak from what we see and go through, imagine what goes on in the "West Wing" that we don't know???
-NAB

As a former BCBSMS employee myself, I have to agree and disagree with some of the comments on here. Yes, it is impossible to have freedom of speech at BCBSMS without reprimand or future disregard for your professional goals. HOWEVER, I myself started as an assistant and within a year was promoted to a position in another department. The only positive thing I can say is that, after leaving, I can say I had two additional years of experience of something other than an assistant. Although I was not happy about leaving (did not get "fired" but was basically told to leave willingly) I can now say that I am aware of the reality of the horrible decline that has taken place in the two years since I left. I am in a much better place (personally and professionally) and can only say that those that are still there need to either speak their mind, regardless of the outcome, or just leave quietly in the hopes that karma will someday prevail.

I can see how KK would observe that BCBS is kind

Show me where I have said this. Do you actually take the time to read what is written?

I haven't seen any specifics here that would alert me to a poor environment...

the CHILDREN they hire with a piece of paper from a college only stay long enough to move on to a place where they are treated with respect and kindness

So...
1. They value and hire college educated individuals.
2. They have areas in the company that treat people with "repsect and kindness"

What are the issues with the above? If you were running a business, would you not strove to incorporate the same?

6:11 PM: KK a paid stooge or sycophant? You are simply too much. I know KK and he is neither. Just shows you don't know how to accept an outside opinion because everything you think is THE TRUTH and thus anyone disagreeing must be evil or on the other side.

I respectfully submit KK needs to go on the INSIDE and THEN tell us what he thinks.. never before have I witnessed the sort of employer tyranny as has become the norm at BCBSMS.. I encourage KK to please interview a few dozen current and former employees (confidentially with current employees of course because the axe would come ruthlessly down otherwise) and THEN give us his well formed opinion.. Additionally, to conclude that "everything you think is THE TRUTH and thus anyone disagreeing must be evil or on the other side." is wrong and frankly smacks of the very thing you claim is being opposed and in your very own sentence being quoted.

Perhaps you will try and forgive a little justifiable anger and frustration from folks who have no real outlet for expressing their concerns and who have to walk into this dungeon every day while checking their individuality at the door before entry or face a now well practiced witch hunt and subsequent firing with manufactured “cause”. Then, adding insult to injury, the so called “executives” use their position and influence to insure you are disqualified from collecting even the meager unemployment benefits so many take for granted today.

BCBSMS needs to be impartially investigated.. 'nuff said...

As a former employee, I can only pray for the poor people that still have to work there. It is a truly, horrible place to work. I used to cry everyday on my way to work. I had to go on antidepressants. It was the most horrible time of my life. Since leaving, no more antidepressants, and I love going to work everyday. I now work for a company that truly cares for the employees. If you know anyone who works at BCBSMS, please cut them some slack; as they are living through pure hell 8 hours everyday.

My question is, when you deny benefits, do you cry harder?

Absolutely, you cry harder. It is a terrible position to be in. The people who suffer the most are the subscribers. They pay premiums thinking that they have insurance. Only to be told "this is investigational, excluded under your policy, etc.." I had to have a job and had to abide by their rules. As soon as I could get out of there, I left. I feel so sorry for the people that have to work there, and I feel more sorry for the people that have their pitiful, sorry, excuse for health insurance.

Look, anyone that has had the misfortune to be employed or are still employed by the Pigott, Ayers, Proctor trifecta know that when we read a post from an employee that it is without a doubt 100% true!!!! While someone such as Kingfish can wax poetic about a gym, exercise and benefits it doesn't compare to being behind that metal fence at "the campus".

I remember he/she said that he would be proud for his spouse to work there.....well, tell him/her to apply and enter that environment and then in about 3 months, let us all know how it's working for ya...I'm sure that if he/she is grown, they won't feel the need to log the food they eat in a journal, go to "fat" classes (because we ALL go skinny or not!) or log in/out of your PC to go to the toilet.

It always looks good to a VP, or someone who doesn't know a thing about their deviant practices.

And be sure to let your spouse know that ALL new hires social networking profiles are pulled up by Ayers and PIGott so they can see if they are skinny or not!!!!!

In reference to 8:10PM's comment, it certainly upsets me to have to deny people coverage that they pay for simply because a certain CPT or HCFA code's allowable on BCHI is too much (that's why the allowables are changed sometimes 4 times per year!!). So, yes, I too have felt utterly sick to my stomach hurting people paying hard earned money and being treated like nothing!

I have an interview with Fox-Everett in the middle of Jan and if they offer me any position, I'm gone from BCBS.

Please, Please someone with a journalistic fiber in your body reasearch this company, you'll be famous!!

My two cents.
The persons responsible for the act of embezzlement of MS State tax dollars, the act of ruining the trust of employees that handle their claim management should be dealt a harsh punishment if indeed are and found guilty of their crimes.

I would love love love to speak my mind regarding so much else but knowing my luck - hmm... well I'd rather not rock my boat.


My prayer is that the subscribers can once again have faith in, can have better claims management and better health care through BCBSMS. That the employees can once again be proud to work for BCBSMS. Years ago (6-8) they were the best company to work for, the best company to have health insurance with, may it once again become that company.

Let me state that yes, management at BCBS most definitely is trying to find out who is posting on here (Directors and HR are talking to us in rooms downstairs and in the other building). I asked under what idea they could ask people about a anonymous blog. Was told that sensitive company info was leaked to the public and it could alter future pay or raises! My take is that upper management is finally being found out and they can't stand it.
I may just hang around this sinking ship just to see what happens next!!
-service support emp.

i have blue cross insurance and in my opinion, it is the worst. but that is who my company is with. i have a friend who works there and sometimes he would help me with questions, but he moved to a different area. he told me about this and said i should read the comments on here to prove what he was trying to tell me and he was certainly true. i have chosen to go with my husbands insurance with united healthcare on his job and i feel sorry for people and the way blue cross shafts holders and employees. i sent an email with this link to fox40 and wlbt, maybe they will be exposed!

It is really refreshing to see past and present employees stating the facts about BCBS of MS. It was the worst job that I ever had. Glad to be out of there. For those of you that posted how lucky the people are who get to work there; go on out there and get a job and see how much you like it. First of all, unless you are young, slim, and "energetic", you won't even get a call back. But if you do get hired, have fun with your food journal, fat classes, exercise classes. Don't put pictures on your desk, or a stapler. Make sure you log out of your computer to go to the bathroom. God forbid you get sick and have to miss work. That is an automatic write up. So get hired and have a great time.

OK, I'll try this again. Apparently BCBS is so afraid of what people are saying here and on facebook, etc. that they are getting a law firm to send out a form letter. A friend of mine who is an ex-employee recently got a letter telling them to quit saying negative comments on the internet about Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I will say that they have absolutely no right to do so unless someone is making a specific threat to an individual or threatening to do harm to property. It seems to me that the people who post here most definitely know of what you speak or the VP's and Human Resources wouldn't be so scared of their horrid treatment of employees being brought to light.
Just wondering if anyone else has received a letter? Another thing I find amusing is that a multi-billion dollar corporation with a legal department headed by a so-called "attorney" would pay roughly $2,000 for a one paragraph letter threatening legal action? I am estimating the cost of the letter as per the lawyers for whom I work, and yes, they laughed heartily at said letter!

You just can't make this stuff up!!!
-Andrew Engolio

I opened my mail today and learned the state insurance plan will be administered as of january 1, 2011,J by ActiveHealth Management instead of BC/BS. I don't know any details as to why this changed.

And sorry to disappoint another poster but United Health is another notorious outfit, infamous for denying claims and delaying care. The CEO has made hundreds of millions, though :-(

Whats this about a letter? How can BlueCross tell someone to not say things about them. If there was no threat they cant do a thing!! I guess they cant handle the truth about how low down that place is. My stepsister worked there for 8 years and left in August, you cant imagine the things she told us! Her husband told her to get out of there before she had a stroke. I love to hear about people fighting back over a giant!

These people complaining need to shut up! You should be glad you have a job today and Bluecross hires 10,000 people in this country. I wish I could work there and have exercise and work out for free. So what if you have to answer a phone. If you don't like it there you can always quit. I have insurance there with my work and its good I only pay 100 dollars a month!!! Workers today are spoiled and they probably don't deserve it there. Walmart has jobs too people.

Soo. To the last comment. You should really choose your words wisely. Unless you have been past the gates of BCBSMS you have no business telling anyone to "shut up." have you ever wondered why their coverage is so "cheap?" I'll tell you: it's because they have everyone in their pocket & entirely too much bargaining power! They are definitely a monopoly of sorts for healthcare in MS. Again, as a former employee, I kindly ask that you allow people to unveil the shameful acts that are taking place there.

Hey 7:57 speak your peace or kindly blow harder, because all I hear from your type is "my job sucks." Put up or shut up.

8:24--> I am a former employee who knows how to appreciate a job, as well as being able to recognize when it's time to call it quits. I had a respectable position @ BCBSMS but refused to brown nose my way to the top of a place that does nothing but manipulate employees to think that it's ethical to bold face lie to the wheels that make the bus go around! Again, unless you have swiped your badge to enter the fortress I don't see where you can hold people back from finally being able to speak their mind. Many employees (former & current) have been waiting years to feel like they can voice their thoughts w/o being reprimanded. As someone with a career in HR Management I think it's great that one voice gas given strength to so many & to realize that the treatment they are receiving is not ethical, or even justifiable.

That should say *has given.....

People on the other side are so quick to condemn what people who worked there say. I guess if you've never swiped into the gates of hell on Lakeland Drive, then all else seems alright. We have a totally different viewpoint from those cheery, familial commercials and sponsorships that WAPT shows and the actual fact of life behind the gates.
The Nazi's in WWII put out eerily similar propaganda about concentration camps as well.......remember how well that turned out?

Is the board of directors at BC aware of how unhappy employees are? The way to handle it would be to put in writing your valid concerns and get something done that way. When I was employed at Allstate, a group of employees submitted our grievances to the board of directors and our matters were addressed for the better.

In the everday world however, I have heard many times about BCBS routines. If the employees posting on here feel they have no other way to voice their opinions, the board of directors in a corporation usually always addresses employee concerns; just a thought.
Anne Hanson

I seriously doubt that a board of directors that approves demoltion of buildings, rebuilding of 14 bathrooms less than a year old, an over $1.2 million dollar redo of a cafeteria that was just renovated in 2007, a box at the Jackson Braves, leases on 3 cars (Range Rover for Hale, BMW for Pigott, F150 King Ranch for Proctor) for the top brass and the upkeep of 3 HUGE buildings for 590 employees could care less about what their peons think.
I'm sure Mrs. Hanson is thinking that Blue Cross has morals and a concern for family, etc. With the money that has been needlessly tossed away there, every employee could have received probably about 2 to 3 thousand dollars in addition to the incentive that they don't want employees talking about every March.
Oh, and don't forget the over $220,000 dollars that was spent on concrete driveways to go around the entire compound that you can't even drive on!!!!

Could some journalist NOT in Hale's pocket pick this story up, please?? There's a myriad of behind the doors nefariousness just waiting to be exposed..........

Hey anonymous 11:45pm.

This story is about two women who embezzled a good deal of money. If you have another story you want told, here is some advice.....

Go get a pen and a pad. OK. Do your own research. Interview people close to the story. Follow-up on leads that you find. Expose what you want. Take a look at the 10k and other Edgar filings. Search state databases, search current cases in the court system (it is electronic now). Expose yourself to criticism. If you are so gung-ho to expose something...just do it.

Otherwise, your comment that journalists are in someone's or another's pocket is pure hubris because you wouldn't believe anything if it didn't come from a disgruntled employee, like yourself.

Once again this "Kaptain Kangaroo" has posted something totally unrelated to posts before his.

The more you say something, it seems that you surely must have something to do with Blue Cross!! Anyone working there now or prior knows that what was posted by 11:45is exact and true.

Which executive do you know, Kaptain?

I am with the previous comment. I did work there so I know that people have no way to speak up. Is KK mad because people here are saying their opinion & things going on there? It was nice of Anne to think the directors on the board will listen to complaints; the whole time I was there you couldn't even know the names.
Maybe Kangaroo should just be quiet since he didnt work there.

OR DOES HE

Losers. Get a clue.

I don't know anyone who works for BCBS. I only observe you disgruntled workers who have nothing to contribute but complaints. Have yet to hear what you have done to correct the situation. Have not seen any of you do any original research.

And if you read my post, without the animosity you harbor, you would have noticed that the original post is about "employees" stealing.

Your continued lobbing of hubris is comical and starting to sound like sour grapes as you come back once a week and try to keep this as an ongoing issue instead of doing what I recommended earlier.

Mr. Kaptain: I worked there for 14years and left in 2008. I will tell you that as employees there was certainly no way to voice any opposition without fear of some sort of retaliation. And yes, I do believe this blog is about the employee theft, but as many employed there found out about it, it is like there is finally a outlet to be heard. You sounded like an intelligent person until you hurl names at people who are voicing an opinion and episodes about a place that --WE-- have worked and you have not. With BCBS, you are only a number and less than a person to anyone higher than a supervisor. Thankfully I am out of that toxic environment and I feel for my friends still there

what does kangaroo mean come back once a week? i see posts on this thing daily man. i work at a rival health insurance in madison me and my coworkers look at this all the time.

I get it. Believe me I do, 2:11PM.

What I have found through much larger corporations that cycle through difficult management is that those who yell the loudest probably shouldn't be there in the first place.

Jack Welch was an excellent arbiteur of this principle. Every year, fire the bottom 10% of folks who were toxic or unable to complete the assigned tasks.

I have not hurled names. I have used proper decorum with respect to my choice of words. Your perception is the judge here within this reference.

And, 2:14PM, you just made my case of a disgruntled former employee doing nothing more than muck raking AND WORSE you are a competitor.

Have to admit that all this has been VERY interesting reading to me.
Beginning this month, I'll be paying more for my BCBS coverage and I certainly do not want my money wasted on management's luxery cars, special order cologne, non-needed remodeling, nor any of the other wasteful expenditures mentioned. Hopefully someone on the BCBS Board of Directors is being made aware of these allegations and will have the balls to seriously investigate.

That being said, I would like to know how 2 or 3 employees could so easily embezzle $200,000 to $300,000 if it's true that ".....Mrs. Pigott signs off on EVERY SINGLE payout..." (Dec 9, 11:16).

Admittedly, I don't know the prodocol of how insurance claims are handled and where the top brass come into play in the scheme of things. John Grisham books/movies and my family's EOBs are my main references:)

Whistle blower laws allow you to DO THE RIGHT THING.

You are not doing that here.

I wonder if 952PM may be onto something? As many employees; former and current; have commented on here couldn't some get together and go to the insurance commission, the wage/hour board, or something?

It seems that no local news station or paper will go near this, which REALLY makes me think you people are onto something. Another thought: there are always national news and papers that love a good case of evil corporate greed. And if it's in Mississippi, just may go national!

Don't know if the blogmaster would let me say the name, but there is a board member in the Columbus area.....

Bruce Pepper, Starkville

The Marsupial .. that is Kangaroo.. continues to show evidence she/he is a shill if not for BCBSMS .. or acting as a surrogate for them..

As another said: "Maybe Kangaroo should just be quiet since he didn't work there.

OR DOES HE "

I am acting on behalf of sane rational people everywhere, if they happen to work as BCBS as you accuse me of, then so be it.

To the blogmaster: So, is it not OK to give the board member's name for the employees?

Bruce Pepper

For any employees at Blue Cross MS who may want to initiate something with the board, since it appears management will not listen, a member of the board is,

Mr. James Finley

I had said he was from the Golden Triangle area of MS, but he is actually in the Brandon area of Jackson.

I hope this name will help in your efforts to be heard,

Bruce Pepper

For the record...

I am a regular on this blog and have no affiliation with BCBS other than I am a policy holder.

And, frankly, I'm done with you bozos.

@ Kaptain K: And we most ardently THANK YOU!

My name is Paul Mitchner. I had some friends that worked there, the last one I knew walked away in April. We've been reading these comments and she's not surprised, but I was. Then I think about it and the only reason I can come up with is that BC would rather throw their money away on needless reconstruction and luxury autos for their CEO's when they should be giving cost of living raises to the employees who actually perform the work! For a huge company whose profits are indeed astronomical (just drive down Flynt Drive and see the construction), advertisement budget and sponsorship of countless civic programs to improve their horrid image, I would think that my friend and her co-workers deserved a raise. Also heard that the VP's and higher ups get a separate, private Christmas party at the Jackson Country Club every year?

What sort of people devalue their workers so much? My friend told me that she had to actually show her SUPERVISOR how to apply benefits to a pharmacy claim!!!

It makes me glad to know that karma is indeed a ruthless bitch!

PMitchner

if there are so many employees with negative experiences and things to say here, why hasn't this been in the news?

As a former employee, I am beyond glad to be out of that place. While most companies are moving to more flexible work environments to retain employees, BCBSMS seems to think that moving backwards is the way to go! Lots of companies are moving TOWARDS flexible work schedules, telecommuting, casual Fridays, and benefits such a company sponsored day care center in order to retain good employees but BCBSMS took all of those things AWAY while I was there!
The company’s mentality is that you are lucky to work there and should willingly take everything new that they throw at you without complaint. More work and less time to do it? “Thanks, I’ll get right on it, boss, I love an impossible challenge!” New exercise requirements? “I’m so lucky to work in a place that cares so much about my well-being!”
The company’s attitude is that if you don’t like it, and then leave. It’s a sad way to run a company and retain good employees. Of course, if that’s the way they want it then they will have a high overturn rate of employees straight out of college just trying to get a little experience on their resume.
Sure, the health and wellness benefits offered by the company sound great on paper but not so much in reality. I’m not bitter -- I am over-the-moon elated to now be working in a new place with a much more flexible, family friendly, work environment… and my health insurance benefits are actually BETTER!!! I don’t have to bow down to cliquish upper management – I now work in a place with an actual teamwork environment which values hard work instead of brown-nosing. My advice to anyone is MOVE ON out of those prison-like gates on Lakeland Drive!!! Unfortunately, you’ll never get to go back if you decide for some odd reason that you miss that place – since great employees that leave on good standing are never rehired.

Wow...just wow. I am a former employee and can vouch for these comments. Its all true! For those of you who are still working in "Blue Hell", the grass is greener on the other side. I am making more money and have far better benefits. Most importantly, I am treated with respect.

Why not go over to the Fondren Bugle and ask them to help you? They are surely more prepared to help you in your amazing plight of mistreatment. And if you are a minority, they will LOVE you. Tell them Tom sent you.

help is on the way..

Also want to add to the discussion BCBSMS is building a new Data Center that will cost Millions and still will not give employees a payraise!

I'm neither here nor there on this. I've known people who worked there that loved it and I've known people who worked there that hated it. I do know, I've never worked anywhere with a Day Care built in, that allowed everybody to telecommute, etc. My office has not had a raise in 3 years. I am always free to leave if I chose. Jobs are harder to find these days and if I decide to move it will be a step up not a lateral move so for the time being... I will say I would not get up in the am and go to work each day somewhere I hated. I've done that before but I was much younger and dumber.... I'd either work towards making it a better place, leave, or shut up. Just me.

To Anon. 1/21 11:43-

As with any company, there will be pros and cons. Only at this place, the cons are far outnumbered. Also since you didn't know this, our daycare was closed over 2 years ago with a 3 week notice!! Ever tried to get a child in a daycare in 3 weeks? And yes, they are taking the old medicare building and turning into a 4.8 million dollar IT center. And for us who work there, there are like 20 people in the IT department! Why the hell they need a totally separate building is beyond us, they would have been adequately staffed in the space in 2 HUGE three story buildings now housing only 622 employees (there used to be 1,014!) With this huge cutback in employees, we should have had a raise in the past 3 years, instead it goes to needless building campaigns, gates, concrete guardhouses with interior crown molding and outside brass trim and not to mention the totally USELESS landscaping!! Hey Scott Stringer: try fixing the failing company instead of worrying how far apart the pansies are on the covered crosswalk to the West Wing!!!!!

The people running this are a FAR, FAR, FAR more scary version of the Jim Carrey movie "The Truman Show".....only these are people doing this to their employees.....I earnestly wait for the proverbial shoe to drop and everyone in Mississippi sees just what this company does and IS doing.

These are the facts:

The CHIP program is not being administered by BCBS of Mississippi any longer.

The State Health plan is dangling by a thread and will not be renewed.

The only base this company has is from companies with large payrolls. They see the sham that is Blue Cross Mississippi of grossly high premiums for pathetic services and no prescription drug choices and they are leaving QUICKLY for other health insurance providers. When the big three over there don't have the federal and state money to cushion those building campaigns and another volleyball court, then as has always been expected, Blue Cross of Alabama will then absorb the Mississippi plan.

This is why they have been trimming the fat at BCBSMS for the past 3 years. When a corporation with less than 600 employees is absorbed by another, there is some sort of tax break or some sort of penalty they don't pay. When the State plan dissolves before 2012, then Alabama will then get permission from the Blue Cross Association to merge with Mississippi. The BCBS plans in North/South Dakota have done this. The BCBS is trimming ANY and ALL excess fat before Obama-care goes into full effect.

Trust and rely on this information.

This thread continues to sound like a bunch of entitled individuals making money off the fat of health care insurance. I'm not talking about the executives. I'm talking about when the IT eventually is able to process without human input, you, yes you are fearful of change. The fact of the matter is, change yourself instead of fearing change and wondering if the future is bright. I finally get "Who Moved My Cheese" after hearing the many complaints here.

If you are from BCBS, take the time to give us your name. You have such venomous comments and yet, you are unwilling to own up or share internally. WHY? Because, you are complaining about your bad review? Because you don't understand why your guaranteed raise is not coming this year? Because you worked in a large Corporation for years and NOW you have to face the reality of the economy like the rest of us? Give US a break. Get over it. You really do sound like a bunch of entitled brats.

To Trust & Rely
Do you remember when BCBSMS took over the BC of Baton Rouge, the State of La, made them give it back; what they actually got was a Life company(Blue Bonnett. Before then they were in business with standard life and Standard went out of business they had to partner with a Fla insurance company.
Yes I worked for them during those years.
Things will cycle, CEO's and Presidents will come and go.
But BCBSMS will stay, change management maybe become a leaner company.

So an anonymous commenter is berating another anonymous commenter for NOT giving their name? ROFLMAO!!!!!

Hey, irony much?

this is replying to jan 23 12:50

People posting here probably wont give a name for fear of being fired or a write up. From friends who worked there and what Ive heard people cant voice any ideas or be a person. Since so many people have posted here I would surely say that many cant be wrong and they arent. Your comment was anonymous too right?
LOL

So, you post anonymously and expect respect? Get over your anger issues. Posting anonymously has consistently, unless you have no stake in the game and according to the bugle, shown that stakeholders will not comment b/c the editor loves to take folks to task with an agenda.

What is your agenda? It has been a wide open page here.

@ 8:23:

Say what?

Look,

Citizens of the United States of America have the right to voice their opinions, feelings, and personal experiences. However, in Mississippi, people fear being retaliated against and this is what will happen to them if they post their concerns using their name. This company seems to have a history of treating employees wrong. It's sad, but I'm afraid if you didn't go to the same school as the "higher ups" or play golf with them or go to church with them, you are treated like you are nothing. Please, don't belittle the current or former employees for voicing their concerns. They have families and other responsibilities that depend on their job. It's sad, but Mississippi has a long way to go with respect to equality and fairness in the workplace. I feel sorry for the employees and pray that they will be able to endure long enough to find somewhere else to work. A word of encouragement to current employees: The job market is picking up slightly. Start positioning yourself NOW. Sharpen up your resume. Get your name out there. Don't give up.

Still Bozos.

Wonder how many people know that Blue Cross Blue Shield wants to buy Flynt Drive from the city of Flowood, close off access to the businesses who are off the side streets and make the apartment complex only be enterable from Flowood Drive? The city immediately told them "NO!". Who do these people think they are?

With the Kaptain's recurring attitude, he would fit right in with Blue Cross management and make a good boot-licker for Proctor or even Stringer!

this Kaptain sounds to me like either an entitled elitist who belittles people for speaking their minds and their own opinions or just a bozo him/herself. I can only garner from his previous posts that he dislikes the fact that this particular blog (which is VERY popular on the BCBS campus) has become the outlet for people who have never had a voice to finally speak the truth.
It was said earlier that he was done with us "bozos", obviously it is interesting enough to pull up again......

after reading about buying Flint drive, asked our neighbors- the husband works for city of Flowood- he said yes that was true but the city flat out said no. Wow, just when you think you heard it all!

I am a former employee who has commented here before. I am not bitter but want to share something. I am still on COBRA through them. I had a 7 week premature baby who was born with respiratory distress. She spent 3 weeks in NICU. Every doctor that has seen her has recommended that she get shots to prevent her getting RSV this winter. The shots are $1500-$1800 each. And she needs them once a month during the winter. BCBS only allowed her one. RSV could potentially put her in the hospital again. And all they talk about is prevention but they denied an infant shots that could potentially save her life. And they won't give me a reason why. So tell me what a great company they are and I will tell you that they are heartless human beings that only care about their bonuses and making sure they don't come into contact with ANY of the people they serve. I understand they are there to make money but isn't there some sort of social responsibility they should have?

By the way, she did get RSV and we are praying she doesn't have to go to the hospital. Because who knows if they will cover her stay. Wouldn't have been less expensive in the long run to pay for the 5 shots and not a hospital stay?

You are right. This company doens't care about anyone but themselves. The only social responsibility they have is to themselves, their bank accounts, their children and their families. Oh and the skinny anglo-saxtons. Think about this. Most of them are uneducated except for a couple of doctors and lawyers that any insurance company has on staff. UNEDUCATED! Meaning NO DEGREES! NO DEGREES! Can you imagine a person running a company or holding a key position NOT HAVING A DEGREE! So, of course they are not going to care about anyone but themselves. They are going to be closed minded and only care about themselves and their children and their families and to YOU NO WHAT! with everyone else. No need to brown nose here. If you're not dumb, skinny, anglo saxton, or their cousin, neice or nephew, or a quota number,your career is NOT going anywhwere. Will there ever be any help for the employees? NO!

Thank God the City of Flowood said no. What in the world would happen to the employees if the company took over the entire block? Oh my goodness, who do they think they are? It's already like a compound.

Q: What does an incumbent have to do in order to survive and flourish at this company?

A: skinny, dumb, have a couple of morals charges like one employee is already facing (innocent until proven guilty though), blonde hair, blue eyes, remember not to do any work, continue to pass the buck, and stuff like that.

I know everyone has been voicing their opinion about this company and what a horrible place this is to work. But, to be perfectly and transparently honest, this place has some of the most ignorant people working there. I mean the most ignorant people you ever would want to see. They've been there for at least ten years or more. WHO hired these people? It's no wonder why this company is having the problems they are now. Team reflects Leadership.

Great idea, let's not encourage growth! Brilliant, now a lot of these comments by former employees make sense.

Growth?! The only thing that's growing is the bank accounts of the "powers that be".

They get paid all that money just to have customers' claims denied and to have a whole campus of miserable employees. You go and grow that.

Does this company really look at how much a person weighs? Are you serious? Everyone has a story behind their weight. Just because a person is bigger doesn't mean they are incompetent. I wonder how many decision making people there aren't anorexic looking. This blog has really been a "trip" to read. I just can't believe it. It makes me embarassed to even be from the South.I know things happen all over the country, but dang. This is ridiculus.

You are right, the only growth is folks sitting around growing their arses. And what a fine job they seem to be doing relative to the comments here. Vegetables, WITHOUT butter; or better yet, FRESH vegetables are a good idea to start with in your diet. Then I recommend walking. I see that BCBS does a fine job offering a walking trail ON THEIR CAMPUS! And they encourage employees to take adavantage of it! Funny, most of the folks I see walking when I drive down Lakeland are not overweight, they appear healthy. Hmmm.

Growth of any company within this state, is the best thing for the state, it's citizenry, the local economy; the complaints here are just that - complaints. Grievances from employees during tough economic times are common. This too shall pass.

Anyone from BCBS commenting, do you use the walking trail? Just curious.

Well there it is. You don't like people with big arses. If you don't like people with big arses, what else don't you like? People of different races and faiths? People that don't look like you? Commenters, don't be fooled by this rhetoric. These complaints have been brewing long before this tough economy. The employee morale has been deteriorating for years. Why don't you and KK think about that the next time you are on the walking trail.

No! BCBS doesn't encourage their employees to take advantage of their facilities. They MAKE them utilize their facilities. Just because a person is thin doesn't necessarily make them healthy. "This too shall pass"? How dare you incorporate scripture and make a mochary of it in this setting! If you really knew scripture, it would be shown evident. You would rather worship the people that sign your checks and give you perks than to represent the ONE who's opinion is the only one that matters. You people are a joke.

Well Kaptain, they have to use the walking trails so many hours a month or BCBS of MS will not pay for their health insurance. And, by the way, the baby mentioned above with RSV is my grandaughter and she is now in Batson Hospital with RSV. BCBS of MS would not pay for her to get the shots to prevent her from getting RSV. Three doctors recommended she get the shots since she was high risk, but they decided not high risk enough. She is a very sick baby. One more reason I detest the "big 3" at BC.

Wow. Three responses from the same person.

Really?

And you actually look at exercise that is encouraged as a punishment?

You are finally making sense.

Wow. Three responses from the same person.

Really?

And you actually look at exercise that is encouraged as a punishment?

You are finally making sense.

To anyone at BCBS:

Can I get a card to use the workout facilities? If yes, send to my email. I would be happy to take advantage of such wonderful facilities.

I will wear a t-shirt with my name proudly displayed while i work out.

Finally,

Your granddaughters condition; I pray and pray as I write this, I pray her condition improves. Amen.

I wonder the conditions that brought this on though. Please give us all the facts. You claimed earlier to be a mother, now you are a grandmother? Which are you?

Facts speak loudly her, gripes are just that, grapes...sour sometimes.

I am her mother. Her grandmother wrote the second comment.

The conditions that brought her here? She was a preemie and goes to daycare. She is the 7th case in her room. I took her to the Dr. 3 times in one week and the first 2 times she was clear of RSV. So if you are implying there was some sort of other reason she is now in Batson you are WRONG. If BCBS would have paid for her shots she may still have gotten the virus but I will guarantee you it would not have cost them what this hospital stay will. We are still praying she won't go to the PICU. It is still a very real possibility.
When they deny you, your wife or kids a treatment that they need, why don't you come back and tell us what a great place they are then. I hope it never happens to you. When you know they could have saved your child the pain and discomfort they endure in the hospital.
You seem to think that everyone who says something negative about them has an ax to grind, I didn't until now. Now my 6 month old is lying in a hospital bed because she didn't meet their guidelines for preventative medicine.
I read this blog long before this story and always enjoyed your comments but you are unwilling to even think that maybe you are wrong. They are in business to make money and I know no place is perfect but shouldn't they treat people (employees and customers) like human beings? They are nothing but a number to them.
Like I said before I hope you will never be on my side of the fence.

As someone who is in the BlueCross compound, Ill say it is totally different when you swipe a badge. Im sure that KK wants to think the best of a corporation, but with all respect, you don't know.
Yes, Im sure most people would love to have a fitness place to work out but you have NO idea the things that go along with it. Scott Stringer, Carol and AMy Ayers say they are so very employee oriented, BS!!!! The criteria put on employees to meet the goals just to keep our shi*&y insurance are a laugh. I have been eagerly looking for a job, but after seeing what is NOT available, will just stay at BCBS and continue their corrupt guidelines of denying benefits to paying subscribers and denying claims that about 75% of the time are actually valid. Im not a longtime employee, but the way that those people over in that main office do business, it wont be long before it catches up with them. Ive been looking at the before comments and you can tell who the employees are and who they arent......we know!!
Dreading tomorrow morning to enter the Nazi regime on Lakeland.

Working in a doctors office, I could tell many ways that Blue Cross is devious. Dr. Langley and Finch that I work for detest them. I will say that in our office we have vouchers from 2006 that have yet to be paid on legitimate valid claims. And don't try to call the main number because you won't get an actual person. You get a recording and if you don't put in the claim and/or subscriber number fast enough, it disconnects you. You can't leave a message and as in my case when our office has about 120 claims that haven't been paid and you actually have to go to the fortress on Lakeland drive, you are harrassed by security and get the run around from this little Barbie doll with 5 inch heels and an attitude. BCBS in Mississippi is on the SH*T list of just about every provider in the state. Will say that since the CHIP program is not beind administered by them anymore, it is a new day.
Just wondering, how can BCBS of Louisiana be in the same association and be so totally on their game?

You are hijacking this thread with a completely different issue about non-payment of a claim. I have consistently defended my take on the disgruntled employees. Your application of my criticism to your situation is incorrect.

I haven't been a long time employee with Blue Cross let me say that first. Coworkers told me about this & I was stunned- because what is posted is true. I'll give you an example of the elitism at BC Miss.

In my orientation, we were told the following regauding VPs, officers & directors; when we pass them in hallways or on covered walkways outside employees are to give way and acknowledge them with an appropriate greeting (good morning/afternoon, etc), if when walking through the employee entrance and a VP/Off/Dir near it is suggested you offer the door for them first & enter behind them. We are not to sit with or converse with VP/Off/Dir during meals in the Blues cafe. Yes, I'm serious.

An effect of this was a meeting with my manager &supervisor because on coming back from a required exercise class and having about 2 minutes to change, get back to my desk & clock in, I didn't see Scott Stringer behind me & failed to acknowledge and hold the door open for him! The mentality & sense of entitlement of this group is why I feel BCBS Mississippi is going to bust, and soon. I thought serfdom & slavery was a relic of the past, at Blue Cross on Lakeland it is alive & well.

And I don't feel that being told what muted colors of ties & a flat neatly combed hairstyle you should wear have anything to do with meeting the absurd quotas and payments we have to make. I shouldnt say PAYMENTS, I should say DENIALS- since BCBS Miss find any & all excuses to not pay!!

Blue Cross of Mississippi has lost the C.H.I.P program already. The State plan will not be administered by them after this year. That will leave only a scant number of individuals and big employers to fund their building campaigns, new cars for Pigott, Ayers and Proctor, new plantings every 3 weeks and new blue rubber walking tracks.
Employers with large payrolls are not signing with Blue Cross of MS and individuals are not either because they pay nothing and the reimbursements they do pay are a laugh. So, when the state plan finds another provider, the MS plan will not have any money coming in and will go belly up. I eagerly look forward to this day...

KK,

I was not attempting to highjack the thread. I am a frustrated mother trying to find a way to let people know who they are dealing with when they choose BCBS. I have no other outlet at this point. I would love to find another outlet for my frustration but at this point no one seems to care. BCBS has so many "tentacles" everywhere that giving a voice to my frustrations is almost impossible.

We will have to agree to disagree about the company. I
would love to sit down with someone from there and let them explain to me why they denied her but unfortunately they won't do that.

I won't post anymore comments about my little girl as I need to focus all my attention on getting her well and bringing her home.
If you don't like what people post here I suggest you quit reading the thread.

i along with everyone else would like to know why in the hell everytime you drive on lakeland drive the employees are outside playing volleyball, running or doing jumping jacks? maybe you need to concentrate on doing what our premiums require you to do which is provide health insurance! it makes my blood boil and pisses me off bad when i see you idiots outside playing and i cant even get someone on the damn phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To employees and interested people: Sit back and just watch/listen. This blog has gathered LOTS of momentum and many, many people are delving into the practices of this tyrant Blue Cross. You ever wonder why the only news you hear about Blue Cross of Mississippi is good?? The answer: M O N E Y,
You all think Rick Hale just woke up one morning and decided to retire??
NO, HE SAW WHAT IS COMING.......stay tuned!!!!

There is no momentum. Just you. Yes you. Alone, disgruntled and alone. Good luck. This blog is not the avenue.

Hey to 8:24, I didn't know that over 100 comments was no momentum and alone. I hope more employees and other concered people read these.

Rather than use this blog to vent, why don't you take it to another level? Skip the local media, because obviously they are not going to piss off an advertiser. Put it on YouTube...you can go the "ShadowMan" and voice altering route. That is where you will get traction if you want this out there.

I hear that some folks in Los A actually follow the Jackson City Council stream for pure entertainment. They would have a field day with this one.

Good luck.

Thanks! I'm also going to check into some other ways of getting this story more exposure. I'll post what I find out soon!

6:14AM - I don't think that 7:08 AM got your satire. Nice. Can't wait to see the video!

OK, why is it that when we are forced to go outside and play volleyball in order to keep our insurance and not get written up for not playing and you get injured, as I did, they make you feel as if you did something wrong. I have a knee injury from college and I told them I cannot run or stop fast it will worsen the injury. I was told that the volleyball is a mandate for keeping your insurance. I had a doctors excuse and was told I had to just stand out there. OK, that's fine but when I did that, the stupid HR Allison wrote my name down for not participating. The final result was I had to pay for my insurance last month. My aunt works for Butler-Snow-0Mara, they think otherwise!
Can someone tell me how Allison Tyler and Amy Ayers can get away with this corruption?

They seem to think that employees are stupid and have no thought process, that they are above reproach, I guess that's why they've settled so many suits out of court and paid ex employees hundreds of thousands of dollars!

Hey 8:19 a.m., I wasn't thinking a video. You'll see what I'm talking about and sooner than you think you smart a#$!@!. Anyway, I don't know why all of the executives think they're royalty. Most of them are from really small, poor, hick towns in mississippi. That's also where their frame of mind is; small, poor and redneck. I hope none of the employees allow themselves to be brainwashed into thinking the executives are important because they're not. NOT AT ALL! Who the hell ever heard of giving an executive redneck the right of way when walking into a building. It's just like JIM CROW all over again. Yessu Yessu...I move on out da way fa ya suh...yes suh yes suh. What the %^%$#@%&&^?

I guess the board is trying to make a point. Perhaps they want to show that the poorest and most economically distressed parts of Mississippi are under represented in Corporate America..oops Corporate Mississippi. Well news flash board. The executive staff doesn't give a d#@$@ about you as long as you don't replace them and give their salaries to someone else that's educated and has more experience. WAKE UP BOARD! You need to get SMART people to run this company. THEY make YOU look BAD! $^%$#()*&%@@@$%^**(*

Beware commenters if you are current employees and commenting here. BC execs are posting mock comments on this blog to try to push you to say something that they can tie to you. MS is a work at will state meaning BC doesn't have to have a reason to fire you and they will. Just be careful.

Thanks for the advice.

I'm a current employee and management can kiss my ample ass. AND I KNOW you want to HUMP me piss ant.

Now PLEASE piss ant, and the piss ant KNOWS exactly who I am talking about, please try to tie me to this blog post.

PISS ANT.

Currently work at the Lakeland outpost myself. Since being turned on to this blog, I have read and commented before. Yeah,Im told the bigwigs are reading this and directors/supervisors have been pulling people into meetings asking questions. This is still America and me and anyone else can comment freely on this or any other site. Its fun to go into the Blues cafe and see Proctor,Stringer with Pigott or Ayers with their heads together. We know they know about the comments on here and they discuss it.
The chickens are gathering in preparations to roost!

LOVE IT!

who the hell do these people think they are? give right of way to passing execs? what's next, slave bells around employees necks so they can hear whos a comin?

just another nail in the coffin of the plantation of Blue Cross.

It's so true about everything people are saying on here. I work at Blue Cross and it's boot camp here. It's Da- if you do or don't...ha ha...These VP's are dumb ass dirt. They are all about theirself and no one else. They hold raises because it takes away from their pocket books, thier Cars, and etc. They are dumb Rednecks running a company. I do hope and pray someone comes in here and takes over and make this place a happy place again. I still work here only to get a paycheck, I could give a shit about them or the job. I am a single mother and have to have my job for my family. So Im in the hell whole for my family. Amy Ayers is a white trash cocktail waitress that made her way to the by laying down in her apt that Bluecross pays for. so people these people are awful to us..

Heaven forbid if you're a parent and your child gets sick. Let's say you get a call from the daycare your child attends and you have to leave to go get her. You are penalized for leaving with an occurence. You better hope she doesn't become sick 2 more times within 30 days and have to leave again, that is 2 more occurences which makes 3 and you are written up. Three write-ups and you're terminated. Don't forget the fact that every single person has to be on campus, parked and clocked in by 8AM. Ever tried to get 620 people on a campus at the same time with only one entrance? It's chaos. I understand that companies have rules and procedures in place. However at this Nazi corporation, there is no individuality or expression of ideas.

Those bastards better be glad they have 10 foot gates and fences around there!!
Evil SOB's all of em

Blue Cross is a complete joke. I love the 10 foot gate comment. That was excellent. We had a person transfer from our building to the other. He was fooling around with another employee and everyone knew it. When management found out, he was asked to transfer. Now two of the girls he was messing with have conveniently found other employment. I'm sure it was forced on them with this persons position within the company. It wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't now insisting he and I go out. What a sicko! Talking about taking advantage of your position!

It's so clear to me KK has no life. If he/she doesn't work for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Correctional facility then he/she should mind their own business. How can you comment and have a opinion of the prison if you haven't done the time. It's true they offer different kinds of amenities and demand us to work out on our time. They also line us up and tell us how healthy/unhealthy we are. And KK, yes we have a walking trail. We are a business with a freaking walking trail. If you got so excited about that, maybe you should leave your couch every once in awhile. As far as the comment above and Blue Cross, I hope they go under. And now that they have traded one fool to run this place over a even bigger PIG-headed idiot, it will happen. They will probably start water-boarding employee's to find out who we are. Oops, didn't mean to give them any ideas.

I actually do know what is going on and you are disgruntled about your particular situation. I am amazed at the level of unhappiness. I, personally, left a job paying me twice as much. I'm doing much better now, time with the family and I'm going to live longer. Your angst will get the best of you. Use the "Wellness" benefits you have available to you. "Mental Health" is not a bad word.

Oh and BTW. I'm 175 lbs. 5'-11". And just quit smoking. You? And I actually get jazzed by the opportunity to work out while getting paid. You? You pshaw and hemhaw and go get another chicken wing.

It's true they offer different kinds of amenities and demand us to work out on our time.

Waaaaaaaaaaa.

At first when the health incentive started at Blue Cross, it was great! You could choose different levels of achievement and get a nice check at the end of the year; ($500). That really came in handy. Now, Amy Ayers and PIGott make it all but impossible to achieve any sort of benefit other than taking Xanax or valium with their ridiculous goals. To KK; while we do get to work out on company time, that is only twice a week. There are hundreds of classes you have to maintain just to keep your insurance. Twice a week on the clock is bullshit. Helpful but bullshit none the less. In addition to maintaining your QA goals, quotas and a certain number of keystrokes daily the restrictions placed on an employee are strenuous to say the least. The only people the health incentive benefits are managers and directors, THEY don't punch a clock and can take 30 minutes to change, shower and walk the 1/2 mile to the other building. The lowly slaves (US), have to race to change, log off no more than 3 minutes before appointed time and race to the other building. All the time pausing to acknowledge sissy Proctor or beanpole Stringer in the hall AND hold the door open for them!!

Just how much pressure can you put on something/someone before it S...N...A...P...S

We need to get a video together and show this KK and his BC cronies!

Male employee here of roughly a decade. I was called into the windowless room this week with Proctor and my VP (not gonna give VP's name; too easy to trace) regarding this blog. Proctor had it printed off with quotes hilighted. Asked me if I knew anything about the JJ or posts therein. After grilling me for about 20 minutes and him throwing in my face about being the head of legal which quite frankly means nothing to me, I refused to answer anything. I asked what this had to do with my job and when I got the answer, "Nothing". I then said I was leaving.

Proctor, Ayers, Pigott and Lieber are definitely following this. They can't stand the fact that this is one outlet they cannot exert control over the way they have others......

To all my co-workers past and present who are letting the mangy cats out of the BCBS bag, keep it up!!

Ha. My point is made. Thank you 7:56PM.

Given your enlightenment; I believe you should be paid $500K a year, you should have exemption from working out, you will never be required to travel, you should get a 20 hour work week, and spend all your time with your family.

All that is asked of you is your very 100% attention to the matters at hand without any distraction. When a 12 hour day will not do, you must work 16 hours. When a crisis emerges, you must go live in the line of fire for 6-8 weeks and get grilled live in front of a panel of pissed off folks. Then, when the corporation decides to lay people off, you have to deal with the crushing reality that families are going to struggle. You have to sleep at night. You also have to believe you can save every job b/c of your dedication to employees; go read the other stories on this blog about MississippiCAN't.

Oh, but then again you are getting paid $500k a year to do this right?

hey 8:06 p.m., it doesn't take
500K a year to do that shit! You fuckers are not dedicated to the employees. You're dedicated to the almighty dollar and what it can do for you and your family.

I'm going to end this thread.

We have your IP address every time you post.

Go to the bottom of the front page and click on the globe.

February 3, 2011 8:16 PM

You are clearly too smart to understand.

we have your addresses too

I'm done. I feel like I am being bullied. Stop please. You are hurting me with your words and the bullying must stop. BCBS is a good company. Sorry, there are two situations that were shared here out of millions of other stories.

Stop bullying me.

You do. It's COMCAST.

February 3, 2011 8:21 PM

As I said, I feel like you are bullying. Was that a threat?

Yes please stop hurting me too. This is a good company. Even with all of the bad bad things that people are probably making up. KK would you like one of tissues?

Hey anon. Stop drinking and shut the computer off. Your use of profanity clearly demonstrates an inability to carry on a normal conversation, at least on this site. Profanity used here is usually reserved for outright lies, not disagreement.

No one here wants to bully anyone. People are just voicing their experiences. The employees of Blue Cross are good people and nice to be around. These are just hard working people that are tired of being mistreated by upper management. No one wants to bully anyone! Chill out!

February 3, 2011 8:26 PM

Yes please stop hurting me too.

"Yes" you are threatening me? or what are you saying?

You like to throw around a lot of words, experience, and yet deny any semblance of retort. Perhaps you should read a little closer to the criticism of the comments made on this entire thread. Perhaps the very issue at hand is the issue you face in the reality of your experience with BCBS.

Man, some people keep their thesaurus right next to them. Ha!

I'm sorry to have used such profanity. You are right. I may have had one too many drinks this evening. Please excuse me.

Stop bullying me-by Kangaroo


So kk. That sums it up. Your 5'11" and 175 pounds. If your a man thats so unfortunate. No wonder your upset. The world is taller than you. And besides that no one ever lets you on the big rides at the fair. Pull up your high chair and pay attention. No one on this site other than you wants to talk good about BCBS prison. So if you want to talk about how great they are, go to the main building in the morning and get in the kiss ass conga line. You'll fit right in. Consider yourself bullied. Oh, I have a question. When your on the commode, do your feet touch the ground? Hop along tiny

Now that I have you ID'd as a large male, with anger issues, an inability to communicate rationally; lets see what else I can get out of you.

I'm a kangaroo. I have a pouch. And I like to wear train hats when appropriate.

Please share your incredible insights.

Good night strange one. You deserve the award for the longest thread kept up by "one with issues". Dances with Wolves would have been proud.