Why I’m jealous of my dog’s insurance

[TexasTowelie]

Nelson’s doctors found the bulge in his abdomen on a Monday. An ultrasound and a CT scan showed that a mass was crowding out his stomach and kidneys. It was one of the largest the doctors had ever seen. If they didn’t do something, he’d be dead in a couple of days.

The hospital gave him a blood transfusion because he was anemic. A radiologist noticed that something might be wrong with his adrenal gland. His surgical team removed what turned out to be a 12.5-pound tumor, lifting it out like an overgrown newborn. Nelson’s intensive-care nurse called his family that night, and his internists gave them regular updates until he was discharged.

Nelson’s health insurance covered 90 percent of the costs after a reasonable $500 deductible. I’m happy that he has such good health coverage. He’s my dog.

And I’m jealous of him. Nelson has the kind of health care that I’d hoped the Affordable Care Act would usher in for those who, like my wife and me, have to buy health insurance on the open market. I’d long been frustrated at how health care shackles people to corporate jobs. I believed this legislation, signed four years ago this month, would free people to pursue their dreams, start new companies and not worry about the health insurance penalty.

More at http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/sunday-commentary/20140328-why-im-jealous-of-my-dogs-insurance.ece .

[Miigwech]

1. Great News for Mutts

At least a dog can get Health Insurance here in the USA - maybe we humans will be next. I do believe humans deserve health insurance.

[TexasTowelie]

3. More importantly,

I believe humans deserve health care as a basic human right. To hell with health insurance companies and I used to work in the insurance industry (property & casualty).

[EleanorR]

2. I tried to get insurance

I tried to get health insurance for my dog who has had occasional knee issues. This is the response I got-

Unfortunately, no pet insurance company is able to cover an issue that has been noted pre policy, even if the issue has not yet caused any problems.

[TexasTowelie]

4. Damn pre-existing conditions. Write your congressman!

And welcome to DU!

[madinmaryland]

5. He can afford health insurance for his dog, but not his family? Something about this article

does not meet the "sniff" test. There is no comment about what his previous insurance plan covered that he was "kicked" out of and any other real details. Sounds like the article was written by the Cock brothers.

[TexasTowelie]

6. Depending on the annual limits it generally runs about $20-$30 a month.

Higher plans run about $50 a month and have annual limits above five figures. That isn't an unreasonable amount to pay when one's income is around $60K.

[SheilaT]

8. And how much did that dog's insurance cost?

Why do I get the feeling there is something very much missing from this story?

[TheKentuckian]

9. The problem is you need the 100% up front and seek reimbursement for the 90