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EUTERPE-1641499

I tend to choose the path less traveled...
Articles Posted: 12  Links Seeded: 626
Member Since: 2/2010  Last Seen: 5/19/2012

Cap Lifts, and So Do Spirits

Seeded on Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:05 AM EDT
Read ArticleArticle Source: The New York Times
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Seeded by euterpe-1641499
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"As a healthy couple in their mid-20s, Bill and Victoria Strong's last concern when shopping for health insurance was a cap on lifetime benefits. Then Gwendolyn was born, and six months later was found to have spinal muscular atrophy Type I, a degenerative condition that typically kills its victims before age 2."

"The paradox was that each day of extended life for Gwendolyn brought the Strongs closer to the precipice. 'I want my daughter to survive,' Mr. Strong said. 'But nobody wants to have the threat of complete bankruptcy looming over their head. It's just kind of inhumane the way the world works in these brutal situations.' "

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euterpe-1641499

I found this bit interesting... Personal empathy is alive and well; but corporations like the health care industry, although run by individuals, are exempt from it.

When Mr. Strong joined his 20-person firm this year, he declined its offer of insurance because he knew that Gwendolyn’s costs would send its small group rates soaring. Instead, he maintained his individual family coverage, paying $6,000 a year in premiums for a policy with a steep $10,000 deductible. Gwendolyn’s uncovered medical expenses typically amount to an extra $20,000 to $30,000 a year.

  • 2 votes
Reply#1 - Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:11 AM EDT
joeiraqi

Maybe there is a little problem with the cost of health care also. Notice in the article that they had used up over $2 million in two hospital stays over eight months. I can understand why a company would put a cap on how much they are willing to pay out when they know they will never recover the $2 million from the policy holder's premiums.

  • 1 vote
Reply#2 - Thu Sep 23, 2010 12:57 PM EDT
euterpe-1641499

Yes costs are high to, amongst other things, compensate for the uninsured who use services and fail to pay for them. And of course, fees need to be streamlined. But remember, this little girl's illness is uncommon and would require cutting edge medicine.

I can understand why a company would put a cap on how much they are willing to pay out when they know they will never recover the $2 million from the policy holder's premiums.

So there is a death panel after all?

  • 1 vote
#2.1 - Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:07 PM EDT
joeiraqi

There has always been a death panel. The person who doesn't have money is on the list for termination, and it doesn't only apply to healthcare.

  • 1 vote
#2.2 - Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:12 PM EDT
euterpe-1641499

The person who doesn't have money is on the list for termination, and it doesn't only apply to healthcare.

Maybe. But we shouldn't accept that mentality towards health care, not in the USA. We've grown so accustomed to a third-world mentality towards our medical needs, that we forget that health care is a right, not a privilege.

  • 1 vote
#2.3 - Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:27 PM EDT
joeiraqi

I disagree. Health care is not a right.

  • 1 vote
#2.4 - Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:44 PM EDT
euterpe-1641499

I know, joe. We differ on this. It is what it is - LOL! I still value your friendship on the vine.

  • 1 vote
#2.5 - Thu Sep 23, 2010 2:23 PM EDT
joeiraqi

Thanks. I know we disagree on a fair amount politically, but if I were only a friend with people I agree with 100%, I would miss out on so many opportunities to argue :-)

On a serious note, I value different opinions. They allow me to hear multiple sides of issues and formulate my own opinions for others to disagree with. Freedom of speech is great.

  • 1 vote
#2.6 - Thu Sep 23, 2010 5:02 PM EDT
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