When an employer health plan denies a claim, it can feel like the end of the road because many people do not realize there may be another place to turn for help.
A TikTok creator is drawing attention to a little-known federal resource that could make a difference for workers dealing with denied claims, COBRA problems, and mental-health coverage disputes.
Here's what to know
A creator going by the handle Moms Orders (@momsorders) posted a video in which she explains that a federal government program offers free health insurance advice over the phone.
@momsorders If you have health insurance through a private employer and you're dealing with a denied claim, COBRA issue, mental-health coverage problem, or you simply can't figure out what your plan is required to do, the U.S. Department of Labor has Benefits Advisors who can help—for FREE. They can help you understand your rights and, in appropriate cases, may even contact your plan and try to help resolve a benefits dispute. 📞 1-866-444-3272 🏛️ U.S. Department of Labor — EBSA 💰 No cost to get help Save this number before you need it—and send it to the person who is currently fighting with their employer health plan. Because sometimes "call your insurance company" is not the end of the story. EBSA primarily assists with private-sector employer benefit plans subject to federal employee-benefits law; coverage and protections vary by plan. #HealthInsurance #InsuranceDenied #InsuranceAppeal #EmployeeBenefits #MentalHealthParity ♬ original sound - Moms Orders | Healthcare Help
In the post, the creator said people with coverage through a private employer who are running into insurance roadblocks "can literally call the Department of Labor and talk to a benefits advisor for free."
That help comes through the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration, known as EBSA. The creator stressed that "This isn't just somebody reading your insurance phone number either."
According to the agency, EBSA Benefits Advisors explain workers' and families' rights under federal employee benefits law and, "in appropriate cases, may even contact your plan and try to help resolve a benefits dispute."
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The video says you can reach the agency at 1-866-444-3272.
More background
While the creator's advice could help many people, not all health coverage falls under this umbrella. EBSA's work centers on private-sector employer benefit plans governed by federal employee-benefits law, and the protections people receive depend on their specific health-insurance plan.
The video also focused on behavioral-health coverage.
"This is really interesting because mental health parity law can actually apply in these situations," the creator said, pointing to rules that may require employer plans to cover mental health care on terms comparable to medical and surgical care.
For someone unsure what a plan is supposed to cover or whether something has gone wrong with their coverage, the service may clarify the plan's obligations and available options.
People insured through a private employer can call EBSA's Benefits Advisors at 1-866-444-3272 if they have questions about mental health coverage, COBRA, or a denied claim.
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