See, that's the thing. Not only do the uninsured get screwed over, but so do the insured! People who have paid the premiums for years or decades suddenly find themselves on their own when it comes time to pay for treatment. This is usually due to some clever fine print, or an insurance claims adjuster looking for a promotion. That's what insurance companies do, they specialize in finding clever ways not to help people.Nekhrun wrote:I wear orthotics that prevent severe foot and knee pain. I also pay close to $6,000 a year for insurance. The only way I can get these $400-500 shoe inserts paid for is if I somehow get diabetes, otherwise it's out of pocket. A couple of years ago I had a broken bone in my foot that needed to be removed, it was considered an elective surgery. Admittedly, those are not life-saving procedures but they were things that caused intense pain and needed to be addressed. I pay out-of-pocket for a number of doctor visits and medications that I have previously needed.Freakzilla wrote:tell us, man.Nekhrun wrote:Me.Freakzilla wrote:I don't know anyone (with a job) who isn't happy with their health care.
There was even a time when I needed physical therapy for my back that involved sitting in a traction chair. Instead of letting me rent the chair to have at home for a month the insurance company made me go to the clinic to use it 4 times a week which was about 300% more in cost to them.
My wife's issues with her insurance have been far worse. Any treatment regarding infertility are considered elective and are out-of-pocket expenses. Women really get the short end of the insurance stick when it comes to services that are covered or not.
I mean really, why would you prefer a profit-driven insurance company between you and your doctor? As opposed to no one at all? Really. That's how it works up here. There are no bureaucrats deciding whether or not we get care. The government actually shells out the money to the hospitals, so they can deal directly with us. It's pretty sweet. I think there are some misconceptions down there about the government "deciding" whether or not you get care, and I'm not sure about what's really in the bill but somehow I doubt the US gov plans to act like an insurance company in that way.