Does anyone remember a few years ago when malpractice rates for physicians were rising to such astronomical levels that physicians were either forced out of business or did not carry insurance? We were told then that the rates were our fault, that we demanded too much from malpractice suits and that the insurance companies could not continue to pay out such exorbitant payouts. They said we were being piggy. The insurance companies demanded reforms so that they would not be held responsible for pay outs.
Since then, and possibly before, insurance companies have denied payments to just about anyone for anything. Your home is damaged in a hurricane and they call it water damage and tell you that you did not carry flood insurance. If you go to the doctor they tell you that procedure is not covered or needs preauthorization or is a preexisting condition. (And they called us piggy!)
Now when we are looking at healthcare reform, we are being told that to have a public option is not fair to insurance companies because they cannot compete. Wait a minute, I thought the free-market mantra has always been that competition is good. Apparently it is good only among thieving, money-grabbing insurance companies, whose CEOs are taking millions in compensation. (And they call us piggy!)
It seems that every time the government does something cheaply and well the private sector screams foul. Think of the public-bus system that for years gave us inexpensive rides to and from sporting events. “Not fair,” screamed the private competitors. We, the public, lost that one. Let us not lose on health care.
Carol Barber
Kent
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