Health Insurance..chipping away at our wellbeing, little by little.

[Raven]

This is a stupid little story...not earth shaking but I think it illustrates the slow, subtle, erosion of our security and wellbeing.

At the beginning of February I got sick. A cold that quickly went to something more serious. I was having trouble breathing. My primary Doc is in Boston. I live in NH and have a Doc up here for more immediate problems. I went to see him and he said I had a touch of pneumonia. He wanted to put me in the Hospital which I objected to so he gave me antibiotics and,after a second visit and a stronger prescription, I'm fine now.

Got a notice from Harvard Pilgrim today denying coverage because I had not gotten a referral to the NH Doc. I've seen the NH Doc before without a referral in the past and it has been covered. At the time I could not breathe. I think that might just constitute an emergency. So...we're talking about $400 for these 2 visits...I can afford that but many people can't. I have to file an appeal. I'll do that and I'm sure it will be a nightmare.

So, I'm a lawyer, I have resources. I am going to be fine. What about the folks who don't have the resources? Who can't find the $400? They will think twice before they go to the Doc next time they get sick and they will be sicker.

This system is fucked in many small ways which chip at peoples' wellbeing, resources and ultimately their health. It is a sick, sick, greedy system. The roadblocks to getting care are diabolical. It is makig a small group rick and killing the rest of us...by inches.

[voteearlyvoteoften]

1. You actually tried to use your health insurance....??

Well they can't have that can they?

[Raven]

2. Yeah, I know, silly me!

[TwilightGardener]

3. Remember Sen. Barrasso from the health care summit, wishing that

people could only have catastrophic coverage, to force them to think twice about going to the doctor out of fear of the cost? This is what they want--they want you to sit at home, having trouble breathing, but being afraid to go see someone unless and until it's via ambulance, unconscious and intubated. Otherwise, you might get used to routine non-emergent care--might even expect it. The horrors!

[Raven]

5. Now, I wonder if the good Senator has a Doc in his home state and

also a Doc in DC in case he just happens to get sick on the Senate floor. I'll bet he gets care and it is covered. You have given me an idea...I think I'll ask Sen. Gregg and Rep. Hodes about how it works for them and why it doesn't work for me.

[TwilightGardener]

6. The fact that Barrasso is himself a doctor makes it all the more stunning--

he clearly doesn't believe in preventive care, or of taking care of health problems before they worsen (and become more expensive), or of early diagnosis. Unless, of course, you can pay for those out of pocket. Then he's all for health care consumerism. Involve insurance companies, expect actual COVERAGE for your premiums, and you're a leech sucking the system dry.

[Raven]

8. I didn't realize he was a Doctor. God help us! What has become of

the oath he took: "do no harm".

[cutlassmama]

11. It's amazing how many doctors don't believe in that

[RKP5637]

4. I never cease to be amazed at those in this country that think their current

health care is just fine. WTF is wrong with these people. I would think this country would be screaming for health care. So many are absolutely so brainwashed. They will walk right into the path of an oncoming truck, because someone fed them a good line of BS. We must look like absolute fools to the rest of the world. I am sick of it all. The thinking of some in the country flies in the face of all reality, frankly delusional IMO.

[Raven]

7. People with insurance don't realize how bad things are until they

get sick. We are going to be nickeled and dimed to death, literally. This morning I thought..."fuck it, too much trouble and angst to file an appeal" tonight I'm ready to give these bastards a run for their money.

[RKP5637]

9. Good!!! n/t

[HBravo]

10. Deny decline keep collecting premiums. nt

:puke: