Michael Moore's Latest Target: Your HMO

[jsarno]

I wanted to post this last night, but the site went down as I was typing:

This concerned me, speaking about France and Canada’s healthcare:

While patients may not pay for services at the doctor's office, they do pay high taxes to fund such a system, something Gupta said he was concerned that "Sicko" audiences might not realize.



Moore responded by saying Americans pay more in copays, deductibles and insurance premiums. "We [America] have a system built on profit," the moviemaker said.





No "WE" don't. I have a friend that lives in Saskatoon, and she said that they pay over 50% of their salary to taxes for that health care, and if it's life threatening (ie: need surgery NOW), they get put on at least a 6 month waiting list and try to come to America for the surgery instead cause they will die with the healthcare they have up there.

Fact is, there is no perfect health care system anywhere in the world.



I don't know how feasible this is, but if the government does take over, why not circumvent the insurance companies. Really, it's not greedy doctors, or frivolous lawsuits (although that does exist), it's the insurance companies raping the consumers. They are, in affect, a middle man that isn't needed.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by jsarno

I wanted to post this last night, but the site went down as I was typing:

This concerned me, speaking about France and Canada’s healthcare:

While patients may not pay for services at the doctor's office, they do pay high taxes to fund such a system, something Gupta said he was concerned that "Sicko" audiences might not realize.



Moore responded by saying Americans pay more in copays, deductibles and insurance premiums. "We [America] have a system built on profit," the moviemaker said.





No "WE" don't. I have a friend that lives in Saskatoon, and she said that they pay over 50% of their salary to taxes for that health care, and if it's life threatening (ie: need surgery NOW), they get put on at least a 6 month waiting list and try to come to America for the surgery instead cause they will die with the healthcare they have up there.

Fact is, there is no perfect health care system anywhere in the world.



I don't know how feasible this is, but if the government does take over, why not circumvent the insurance companies. Really, it's not greedy doctors, or frivolous lawsuits (although that does exist), it's the insurance companies raping the consumers. They are, in affect, a middle man that isn't needed.

Please give use the numbers that you have to show that the insurance companies are raping the consumers. Facts, I don't think you have them but if you do please lets us know.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Please give use the numbers that you have to show that the insurance companies are raping the consumers. Facts, I don't think you have them but if you do please lets us know.

Are you serious? You think the insurance companies are completely honest? You must either work for an insurance company, or are nieve. There have been plenty of documentations over the years of this. While I do not have numbers, I won't even search for them cause my comment is common knowledge.

I am sorry that sounds rude. After proof reading it, I thought it sounded rude. That is not my intent. I am just trying to point out that it's common knowledge.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Are you serious? You think the insurance companies are completely honest? You must either work for an insurance company, or are nieve. There have been plenty of documentations over the years of this. While I do not have numbers, I won't even search for them cause my comment is common knowledge.

I am sorry that sounds rude. After proof reading it, I thought it sounded rude. That is not my intent. I am just trying to point out that it's common knowledge.

Insurance companies get far more bad press than they deserve in my esitimation.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Are you serious? You think the insurance companies are completely honest? You must either work for an insurance company, or are nieve. There have been plenty of documentations over the years of this. While I do not have numbers, I won't even search for them cause my comment is common knowledge.

I am sorry that sounds rude. After proof reading it, I thought it sounded rude. That is not my intent. I am just trying to point out that it's common knowledge.

I've worked for several insurance companies and I haven't seen any instances of the company outright improperly denying claims. Are there guilty insurance companies out there? Sure, but the same goes for everyone that's a part of the system. Doctors, lawyers, and claimants themselves are part of the problem at times as well. I don't think one part of the system can be pinpointed as being the sole problem.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I've worked for several insurance companies and I haven't seen any instances of the company outright improperly denying claims. Are there guilty insurance companies out there? Sure, but the same goes for everyone that's a part of the system. Doctors, lawyers, and claimants themselves are part of the problem at times as well. I don't think one part of the system can be pinpointed as being the sole problem.

had you been paying attention, I did say those others are to blame as well. I just believe the insurance companies to be the bigger problem. Now of course, you could always argue that it's the insurance predators that excentuate the issues, that would be a valid one.

I'm glad you have not seen any insurance companies outright improperly denying claims. I have seen it. In fact I believe they made a movie out of it too. I've been trying to remember the name, but can't recall right now. I'm glad you guys experiences of insurance companies are positive.

[Lady Brave]

Originally Posted by jsarno

I'm glad you have not seen any insurance companies outright improperly denying claims. I have seen it. In fact I believe they made a movie out of it too. I've been trying to remember the name, but can't recall right now. I'm glad you guys experiences of insurance companies are positive.

The Rainmaker?

[MTK]

Originally Posted by jsarno

had you been paying attention, I did say those others are to blame as well. I just believe the insurance companies to be the bigger problem. Now of course, you could always argue that it's the insurance predators that excentuate the issues, that would be a valid one.

I'm glad you have not seen any insurance companies outright improperly denying claims. I have seen it. In fact I believe they made a movie out of it too. I've been trying to remember the name, but can't recall right now. I'm glad you guys experiences of insurance companies are positive.

I hope you've got some better sources than just a movie.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I hope you've got some better sources than just a movie.

Matty - I work in insurance regulation. My agency (who shall remain nameless but is a state agency that regulates insurance in a state on the eastern sea coast probably in close proximity - or surrounding - the city in which I reside) has issued many orders against insurers who have improperly and intentionally denied claims. I will say it is not the common practice and does not occur with great regularity. It does, however, occur on both the large scale and small scale and either as an anomaly or through a systematic business plan.

What is common is for insurers to look for ways to deny coverage and interpret any gray area against the claimant. Most times it is simply not feasable for consumers to fight the denial of a $500 claim that falls into those gray coverage areas.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by jsarno

Are you serious? You think the insurance companies are completely honest? You must either work for an insurance company, or are nieve. There have been plenty of documentations over the years of this. While I do not have numbers, I won't even search for them cause my comment is common knowledge.

I am sorry that sounds rude. After proof reading it, I thought it sounded rude. That is not my intent. I am just trying to point out that it's common knowledge.

Yes, I am in the ins business and no I do not sell health ins. But the statement you made was just completly wrong so it has to be challenged. It should be easy for you to find the numbers if the ins co are raping us. Yes, I'm sure you could find a story here and a story there about something wrong an ins co. did but you said raping us. No it is not common knowledge.