CA – Health insurance runaround

I am insured through my company plan (HMO). Last September, they switched us over to UnitedHealtcare. When we switched I did not pick a preferred primary or group so I was assigned one automatically.

Early January I had to go to the E.R., I had an emergency surgery. I had to actually call my primary doctor (I had not seen prior) after for a referral and was informed they are not even in my group (Allied Pacific). I then called United to get it sorted and was given a new primary Dr effective 02/01/2018.

Now here is where the annoyance begins. The hospital called me and says Allied (group) says the doctor on my card is not in their network. I say yes, they gave me the wrong doctor and told them my new doctor.

I then get another call from the hospital billing, this time they say the group (Allied) claims I do not have any insurance with them until 02/01. I say no, I changed the doctor, not the group… I kept that the same. They inform me that the group does not have me insured till February 1st even though it is the same group as my insurance card. They ask me for the contact information for UnitedHealthcare. I just received notice that United has denied the claim as it is the group responsibility to pay claims.

My questions is – what is the best way to begin addressing this issue? I really don’t know where to begin.