The New Road

Health Insurance

I probably won't be going to see Sicko in the theatres. While I liked Farhenheit 9/11 I don't care for Michael Moore himself all that much. He just kinda grates on my nerves. But he does bring up some good points. Particularly this time about health care.

Three things make me disgruntled about the state of our healthcare.

First, why, if we have the best health care in the world, do we only rank 36th among all nations in life expectancy? Seems like we should be number one, right?

Second, Lori and I lived for years in Australia, and we saw doctors while we were there, and we got excellent service. We never waited, and never paid a dime. We could have gotten private insurance, but nobody we knew there did and nobody ever complained about medical care. If you were sick you went to the doctor, they fixed you up, and you went on with your life. Boom, done.

Third, Lori and I have had no end of troubles with our current provider. Every time we see anything for anyone, or get any prescription filled, it's denied. We then call the company, who first says we are denied, then after we prove that we pay them money, they say we are active and that it's some snafu. Then they say it's fixed. Until the next time, when they deny us again. And over. And over. We also get heart-stopping bills in the mail with outrageous numbers we are supposed to pay immediately, only to call to clarify to be told once again that it's just 'some snafu'. And each time we call, it's a fresh new experience. With all new lackies who don't have a clue who we are and seem perplexed by our frustration. I mean, we only pay their salaries, why should we expect them to do anything correctly?

In fact, just today I went a couple of rounds with our insurance company. I tried to pick up a prescription from Target. Only to be denied. Again. The funny part was that the meds were cheaper when I didn't use my insurance! Hah, hah! Bite me.

Best health care in the world. Right here in the ole' U.S. Can't you feel it? I feel the love.