tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20020151498020377162024-03-13T04:14:22.859-07:00The Malformation of Health CareThis blog is intended to Create Positive Effective Change! Erin Havel is a Leukemia and AVM survivor, the author of The Malformation of Health Care book now available on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V37CXU and a Huffington Post Blogger see those postings here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-havel/
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-1007140515505333122013-07-05T17:40:00.002-07:002013-07-05T17:41:11.583-07:00For More Of My Blogs: Please Check out The Huffington PostHi All!<br />
If you've stumbled upon this blog for the first time, or if you've been reading for awhile,<br />
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I wanted to let you know I've begun blogging for the Huffington Post.<br />
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You can check out my HuffPo pieces at the below website:<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-havel/" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-havel/ </a><br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-76767746308269658932013-04-30T17:25:00.001-07:002013-04-30T17:25:54.586-07:00Stupid Cancer Young Adult Summit OMG 2013 Since last year's summit, all I could think about was going to Paris Casino and buying one of those Eiffel Tower strawberry daiquiris. The reason why, is because last year I was in no position to buy one of those daiquiris. It was my first year going to a conference that would connect me with other young adult cancer survivors, actually discuss my feelings as a young adult cancer survivor, and find resources I didn't know existed to help me as a young adult cancer survivor.<br />
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Last year's summit was amazing, but all encompassing for me. I had never been to Las Vegas, so I tried to cram way too many things into the weekend.<br />
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This year, I wasn't going to let that happen. I purposefully didn't schedule tickets for theatre productions or attractions. I didn't even focus on finding the "best buffet on the strip." I went all in for this summit. I decided to be fully present. That was the best decision I could have possibly made.<br />
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This year, I went to break out sessions I didn't think I wanted to go to last year. I went to cancer as chronic, survivors guilt, and the just for girls session. You see last year, I was in the middle of writing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V37CXU" target="_blank">my book</a> and completely focused on health care legislation and insurance issues regarding my journey. I published the book last year, so this year I was free to focus on my emotions surrounding my journey.<br />
And boy did those emotions pop out of nowhere. I actually cried for the first time in a long time. I even caught myself with wobbly voice when I spoke to others.<br />
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This year was cathartic for me-- but it was also incredibly fun. If you're even remotely considering going to this conference next year-- Do It! You'll meet great people, you'll reconnect with yourself, and you'll learn so much that you didn't even realize you might have wanted to know.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0K77Sn5eI3Q/UYBg20lj8_I/AAAAAAAAAFI/xRAvuzSOk_M/s1600/2013-04-27+17.04.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0K77Sn5eI3Q/UYBg20lj8_I/AAAAAAAAAFI/xRAvuzSOk_M/s320/2013-04-27+17.04.44.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-76586121955424247082013-03-12T07:10:00.003-07:002013-03-12T07:10:54.984-07:00Statute of Limitations Medical Bills?Maybe part of the reason Americans have a difficult time healing after a traumatic medical event is because of the potential non-health related aftermath.<br />
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As some of you are aware, I was in active monthly treatment for an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) from 2005-2010. Since that time my doctors are in a holding pattern, watching the condition with annual MRIs. Although those annual tests do remind me of the rough patch I've been through regarding those treatments, I usually try and not think about them. They were a huge financial burden, physically/emotionally draining, and although there are residual issues from the built up scar tissue etc... I really try and focus on my life now rather than living in the past.<br />
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Focusing on the present is difficult, however, when just yesterday I received a statement for one of those treatments done in May of 2008!<br />
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I'm not sure why a single bill from almost 5 years ago, that should have long ago been paid by my primary and secondary insurance (from that time), would just now resurface. Looking at the statement it appears my 2008 insurance companies were only first billed this past November (2012). That doesn't make any kind of sense to me though.<br />
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It's possible I still have an EOB (explanation of benefits) somewhere in the stack of paperwork I tossed into a file cabinet so many years ago--- but to be honest with you, the idea of having to dig through all of that to find one single piece of paper sounds like a punishment I wouldn't wish on anyone. Don't get me wrong, if I have to do it I will do it. However, the fact that this is even a topic for discussion seems inherently incorrect.<br />
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Perhaps I'm wrong, but by this point if there was an unpaid charge wouldn't the hospital have written it off on their books?<br />
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I live at the exact same home address since before this billed treatment and I never received a bill until now for it. I also haven't received a bill for any of the other treatments I had done within that year. So why <i>this </i>bill? Why <i>now</i>?<br />
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I am not the only one who has received medical bills for a surgery/treatment years after the fact, but I do not understand how this occurs. No one can tell me with a straight face that the hospital simply "forgot" I had a treatment and only remembered 5 years later.<br />
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No wonder Americans (particularly-because we are the only ones with an insurance system like ours) often times are unable to pick themselves up after a medical trauma. How can someone completely move on when they are unexpectedly reminded of it again and again years after the fact?<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-87137812344275582422013-01-28T17:15:00.004-08:002013-01-28T17:16:23.010-08:00...Or You Could Pay $4,150.00 Out Of PocketEvery new year I go through the same game of trying to get my leukemia medication.<br />
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<b>The game goes something like this:</b><br />
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It's time for me to pick up my prescription--- <br />
However, I am stalled because the insurance needs to re-approve it for the new year.<br />
The insurance re-approves it (which usually takes a week or two)<br />
However, they only re-approve it for the first month<br />
I pick up my medication<br />
However, I need to have my doctors fill out more forms and fax them in over the month so I can hopefully get my medication the next month without any hassle.<br />
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<b>This year the game was changed up on me.</b><br />
<br />
It's time for me to pick up my prescription---<br />
However, I am stalled because the insurance needs to re-aprove it for the new year.<br />
The insurance re-approves it (which took about a week and a half) <b>BUT ONLY IF I RECEIVE MY MEDICATION FROM THEIR MAIL IN SPECIALTY PHARMACY</b><br />
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"Okay, Fine." I think to myself<br />
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So I call the specialty pharmacy who tells me they do not have my prescription and need my doctor to re-fax in all of the information including my co-pay assistance card.<br />
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My doctor faxes in all the information, insurance/copay cards in on Wednesday of last week and I am assured by the new pharmacy that everything will be ready to go within 24 hours.<br />
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On Friday morning I call, because I haven't heard anything and I figure I better check in.<br />
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I speak to a woman who informs me my copay is $4,150.00.<br />
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I tell her my co-pay assistance card helps with that and she tells me they do not have my co-pay assistance card on file. Frantically I give her all the information over the phone and she tells me she has put an "emergency" note on the file to get this shipped out to me.<br />
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I hear nothing.<br />
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So Monday morning I call to check back and am told they have all the information in the system and to check back at 4pm (Pacific Time) to make sure the medication goes out tonight.<br />
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I call at 3:50pm (Pacific Time) and a new person tells me it will take another 7 Business days for them to "verify" my co-pay assistance---<b> OR I COULD JUST GIVE THEM $4,150.00 AND THEY WILL SHIP IT OUT TONIGHT</b><br />
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I hope each and every one of you has that kind of money laying around for one month's worth of medication--- but I'm guessing I'm not the only one who does not.<br />
<br />
The only way to get any of my Daily Leukemia Drug for the month of January is to have them over-ride the system and allow my regular pharmacy to go ahead and fill the prescription.<br />
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I ask them to do this--- and they tell me they are only open for another half hour so I need to call my local pharmacist, have her try and run the prescription through the system, get a denial number, call them back with that denial number, and THEN they can release it to her so she can order the medication for me to receive before February 1st.<br />
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I hate to make assumptions--- but isn't it convenient that the insurance company doesn't have to pay anything for January if they can't have the drug approved until February?<br />
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My local pharmacy originally tried to re-fill the prescription on January 10th. The December prescription ran out on January 14th. Today is January 28th.<br />
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Anyone else see a problem here?<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-38020993669442224022013-01-09T11:34:00.000-08:002013-01-09T11:34:36.122-08:00Health Insurance and Profits: Capitalism is not to blameToday I read this article in the NY Times:<br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/09/business/health-care-and-pursuit-of-profit-make-a-poor-mix.html?pagewanted=all">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/09/business/health-care-and-pursuit-of-profit-make-a-poor-mix.html?pagewanted=all</a><br />
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For those who read this blog and The Malformation of Health Care book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V37CXU" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><u>http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V37CXU</u></span> </a> you already understand my position on what this article says (the author is preaching to the choir).<br />
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I find it fascinating that no matter how many discussions, articles, programs, books, take on this topic; these companies still have the audacity to continue acting in bad faith.<br />
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What will it take for incredibly high powered, well lobbied, excessively wealthy companies to become accountable for bad practices?<br />
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I'm sickened to say, probably "nothing".<br />
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Despite the claim that corporations are people, corporations (especially on this high of a financial level) do not have an internal moral compass. Most people who work for these companies are at the mercy of this corrupt system just as much as the customers who pay their premiums each month in hopes their policy will cover them should tragedy strike.<br />
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This is not capitalism. This is greed.<br />
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The reason I say this is because I know what the ideals of capitalism are, I grew up on them. My family owned a small hardware store for over 100 years. The reason the company lasted for 100 years was because of the pride taken in our services and products. We didn't force anyone to shop at our store, but we gained loyal customers, based on our integrity.<br />
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We offered competitive prices and guaranteed our products and our work. If a customer came in to the store and said a product was faulty and we didn't either exchange the product or fix the issue, we would have been run out of town. No customer would have shopped with us.<br />
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When a health insurance customer comes to the provider with a problem, many times they are ignored, avoided, or told of a previously undisclosed "loophole" that frees the insurance from all coverage obligation.<br />
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Capitalism only works when those servicing the population understand that first and foremost they are performing a service for the community. Profits come when that service is performed well. If that service is performed poorly, profits should be reflected.<br />
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That is capitalism.<br />
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That is not what is going on currently within our health insurance system.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-66067223174299824222012-12-27T17:19:00.000-08:002012-12-27T17:19:00.787-08:00Stalling Tactics To Avoid Appeal Hi everyone!<br />
I hope you all are enjoying your holiday season. I know I have been doing my best to focus on family and friend gatherings and celebrations rather than typical daily life. However, I'm realizing that I can not simply stop working on important outstanding items so I'm rejoining the world today.<br />
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It has been awhile since I've updated you about my insurance situation. When last I wrote, I spoke about ERISA and how the law is interpreted to give the client only 60 days to appeal a cancelation of benefits from long term disability companies. I also discussed how I sent in my appeal along with a second certified/signature required letter request for my entire case file to be sent to me within the month.<br />
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Yesterday marked day 20 of the insurance company signing for said letter and I have heard nothing. I decided to give them a call to check up on the progress of my request only to find out that although they had the letter in their system, and indeed signed for it 20 days ago, they did not have it marked as requiring any follow up. Therefore, for the last 20 days, the company has simply not been working on the request. According to the worker I spoke with (the one who signed the cancelation of benefits letter-- and sounded shocked to hear from me, but then smugly asked how my holiday was) they will send me all of the documentation I requested within 7-10 business days. I'll believe it when I see it.<br />
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Just a reminder of why we need to follow up with companies even if we've gone to all the trouble to send certified letters requiring signatures.<br />
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This is not the first certified/signature required letter this company has actively avoided responding to, claiming it was mismarked in their computer system. Therefore, I'm 100% certain it's a common stalling tactic that they hope will cause the appeal to be sent in late, and allow the cancelation of benefits to stand uncontested.<br />
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I'm glad I sent the appeal in despite not having all of the information I requested, because at least the process has begun and I'm not panicking over when this box of documentation will arrive and if it will be complete. Let's say I receive the box of information at the 45 day mark-- what if it's not all there? How long would it take me or an attorney to accurately go through it? Probably more than the week I would have left before I would need to send the appeal letter in and make sure it arrived before day 60. <br />
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At least this way, should this case go to court it is not an "easily dismissed on a technicality" situation now.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-67082501263015012672012-12-11T15:11:00.002-08:002012-12-11T15:12:41.645-08:001974 ERISA Law<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been thinking a lot about the 1974 ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Securities Act) law since I received my denial letter from the insurance company last week. (Which by the way, yesterday I received the returned signature cards showing they received the certified letters for both the appeal and documents request).</div>
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The reason I've been thinking about ERISA is because it was noted in my denial letter and according to my research this law has been exploited by many insurance companies in order to no longer honor their obligations to policy holders. </div>
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I found two articles/briefs that got me thinking about my own experience. Both are worth a read if you have some time. Specifically the second one that discusses exactly how this law is used against patients in insurance cases.</div>
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<a href="http://www.patientadvocate.org/index.php?p=443" target="_blank">http://www.patientadvocate.org/index.php?p=443</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.patientadvocate.org/pdf/ERISA.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.patientadvocate.org/pdf/ERISA.pdf</a></div>
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One thing I found surprising is in my own denial letter. The insurance company informed me I had 180 days to appeal the denial. However, with ERISA I really only have 60 days or a judge could throw out any future lawsuit regarding the case. </div>
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I have a solid connection to a law firm willing to represent me, but I wanted to fully explore my options so I contacted a local firm that specializes in ERISA law. When I queried them I received a response back that this specific firm only represents the insurance companies with their knowledge of ERISA, not the patients. Of course large companies with large legal budgets are where the real money is, so from a financial perspective I understand that law firm's decision. I'm saddened though that this firm would use its knowledge to support companies known to abuse this law. </div>
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The loopholes this law offers, I'm sure were unforeseen in 1974. However, over the years companies have discovered new exploitation methods using older laws. It's sad... and we're clearly at a point when these laws need to be changed. </div>
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When I spoke to the insurance person who sent me the denial letter (before the denial was ever sent). He informed me this was "nothing personal"-- it was simply business. </div>
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I would argue, "business" set up on loopholes and a year end bonus structure that encourages vilifying an honest policy holder, is very personal. Making up false claims about another human being in order to receive a year end bonus for saving the company money, is very personal. Trying to use intimidation tactics to harass a client because you know that client is not allowed a jury trial under ERISA, and you will never have to answer for that harassment, is very personal.</div>
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I am not a moral authority. I'm just an average human being whose integrity is being attacked by a company for the sake of money. And I'm wondering when the collective "we", as employees, stopped listening to our conscience and instead put all our trust in company policies meant to harm clients. </div>
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I encourage anyone reading this to fully educate yourself on ERISA so you will have some basic knowledge should it ever be used as a tool against you. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-24196640196127019872012-12-04T17:01:00.001-08:002012-12-04T17:02:37.030-08:00Denial Letters Without Using FactsEarlier this year I posted a blog with a denial letter I received stating I was denied coverage, because.<br />
<a href="http://themalformationofhealthcare.blogspot.com/2012/08/denial-because.html" target="_blank">http://themalformationofhealthcare.blogspot.com/2012/08/denial-because.html</a><br />
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No, I didn't forget to finish the above sentence. The denial letter I received said I was denied coverage "because." No further explanation.<br />
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It turned out the reason I received the denial was because of an inter-insurance-company problem having nothing to do with me. So when the insurance company didn't pay my claim, they had no reason for why it was denied, and therefore left the section blank. Leaving me to panic, call them, and wait until they cleared up their error and pay the invoice prior to me ending up in collections for something that should have been covered through insurance.<br />
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Ready for something to top not giving a reason for a denial.....<br />
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Drum Roll Please.....<br />
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Yesterday, the insurance policy I have held since I had to stop working due to my arteriovenous malformation and chronic myelogenous leukemia sent me a letter listing off several reasons why they have decided to stop honoring their obligation to my claim. They included not hearing back from my doctor (although my doctors name was spelled completely incorrectly and I can only wonder if she even received the documents she was asked to fill out). Partial information from a report done by a doctor who in a video taped interview stated he did not treat either condition I have. Video taped surveillance showing me go into a local business for 3 hours (without mentioning it was a dental office)...And the piece de resistance....<br />
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because my oncologist informed the company that I was in complete remission from AML.<br />
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You can imagine my relief to hear I was in complete remission from a condition I was never diagnosed with.<br />
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Here's the portion of the letter:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4xWDgcWba0/UL6RAavkmsI/AAAAAAAAADg/KrnMiPd4inQ/s1600/AML.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4xWDgcWba0/UL6RAavkmsI/AAAAAAAAADg/KrnMiPd4inQ/s400/AML.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, this denial letter stooped so low as to deny my claim using completely false information.<br />
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AML is Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It is a really terrible blood cancer that is difficult to control. I have known two young adults who have battled this disease. One survived it and one did not. AML is treated with aggressive traditional chemotherapy and often a bone marrow transplant.<br />
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I have Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia-- a completely separate condition that currently has no proven "cure" outside of a bone marrow transplant. Fortunately for me, as long as I take a daily chemotherapy pill my chronic leukemia is kept at bay in the body. It is not a traditional "remission" as suggested by this letter. It is a conditional cytogenetic response to a daily chemotherapy drug.<br />
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I sent in the appeal letter today correcting their misinformation and requesting my policy to be reinstated. Should this company deny the claim a second time my only recourse is to hire an attorney.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-70034420892789248702012-11-26T12:20:00.001-08:002012-11-26T12:21:38.012-08:00Health Care and Religious Freedom<br />
Can we stop all the shrouded discussion on this topic and call it what it is? The reason religious freedom is being brought up with regards to the new health care law is because of the issues of women's fertility and money. With that I mean contraception, abortion, and the cost to care for the sick.<br />
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This is article I read this morning: <a href="http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/26/15456408-supreme-court-opens-door-to-universitys-health-care-challenge?lite">http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/26/15456408-supreme-court-opens-door-to-universitys-health-care-challenge?lite</a><br />
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In the article Liberty University is contesting the individual mandate for health insurance due to their belief that because most health care policies allow for abortion and contraception Liberty University's religious freedom is being trampled on (fertility). They are also contesting the section of the bill that states employers must provide health insurance or pay a penalty (money).<br />
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You might be wondering why this is coming up again since the individual mandate issue was already discussed and decided on earlier this year by the Supreme Court. The answer is there will always be someone, or a group of someones, who look for ways around decisions. I'm not saying this from a liberal or conservative perspective, I'm saying it from a historical perspective. Our country was built on disagreements and loopholes (example- all men are created equal, but slavery is fine).<br />
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The Supreme Court's decision about the individual mandate, earlier this year, was in relation to state's rights. Liberty University is a private institution and often times private institutions do not have to adhere to certain state or federal laws. Loophole.<br />
<br />
I suppose what bothers me about what Liberty University is doing here really comes down to the issue of money being wrapped up in a religious cause. When I think about spiritual principles in health care, I think about caring for the sick, and the poor. I don't think about legal battles to deny coverage for the sick and the poor using convenient loopholes in man made policies.<br />
<br />
I feel like there is a disconnect between what the law is intending to do and some religious reaction to it.<br />
<br />
Here's an example of what that disconnect can do (note: this happened outside of the United States).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/23/ireland-abortion-idUSL5E8MN7YM20121123">http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/23/ireland-abortion-idUSL5E8MN7YM20121123</a><br />
<br />
A woman visiting Ireland died of blood poising after being denied an abortion when she was already miscarrying. There was no saving the fetus at the point when the woman asked for the termination. However, because of Ireland's anti-abortion law, she was denied the medical assistance necessary. The miscarriage lasted for three days, which presumably caused her body to become septic and she passed away. Abortion in this case would have been used not for the ending of a life, but the saving of life. Which is why I become frustrated when some believe abortion is a cut and dried issue.<br />
<br />
We need to reconnect to the human side of health care. If we boycott coverage for medical procedures and people on the premise of religious freedom and an otherwise healthy individual dies because of that boycott--- who is at fault?<br />
<br />
I would argue unexamined principles. When we fight so hard against something often times we become blind to the full picture. We focus so intently on the rabbit, that we miss the lion about to pounce. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ecuj6Q_iFeU/ULPO9v7Q86I/AAAAAAAAADQ/KR9zOHu-Nr8/s1600/lion_rabbit_comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ecuj6Q_iFeU/ULPO9v7Q86I/AAAAAAAAADQ/KR9zOHu-Nr8/s320/lion_rabbit_comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-21817365668346974252012-11-20T15:02:00.002-08:002012-11-20T15:03:18.267-08:00Thanksgiving for Non-Profit Groups!Thanksgiving is this week and I'd like to take a moment to thank all of the advocacy groups out there dedicated to helping those struggling with health care.<br />
<br />
Groups like<br />
<br />
The Patient Advocate Foundation: <a href="http://www.patientadvocate.org/about.php?p=901" target="_blank">http://www.patientadvocate.org/about.php?p=901 </a><br />
that has an online web-chat to answer specific questions a patient may have regarding insurance access, job retention, and medical debt.<br />
<br />
P.S.I/ Patient Services Incorporated:<a href="https://www.patientservicesinc.org/how-we-help/default.aspx" target="_blank"> https://www.patientservicesinc.org/how-we-help/default.aspx</a><br />
that offers co-pay assistance to some patients on extremely expensive medications.<br />
<br />
Sy's Fund: <a href="http://sysfund.org/">http://sysfund.org/</a><br />
that encourages young adults battling cancer to also pursue their artistic/ life goals outside of their health battle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There are so many wonderful organizations out there that I would be remiss to try and name them all. However, I am happy to update this post with additional references if you simply comment below with the name of the organization and what it focuses on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Blessings to you and yours during this holiday season!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-44697482506168854612012-11-12T22:06:00.001-08:002012-11-15T10:52:17.260-08:00Basic Tips on Working With Health InsuranceAs many of you are aware <b>The Malformation of Health Care </b>book just became available on Amazon.com<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V37CXU" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V37CXU</a><br />
<br />
In the book I detail several tips and tricks on how to navigate through our very complex and often times confusing health care system.<br />
<br />
Today I want to take you inside the book and give you some basics of where to begin. Although some of these may seem obvious, they are often things that are overlooked when thrown into a stressful situation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Checklist for Health-Care Rights and Service</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Know your benefits: Get a printout from your insurer and know your deductible and out-of- pocket maximum. This way, you can track what you are responsible for. Be an educated consumer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ask for a case manager. This is a contact person within your insurance company who will know your case and be of real benefit to you if it is a complicated one. If your insurance company says you can't have a case manager, keep asking. Once they see all the claims coming in, most likely the company will change its mind.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Keep all of your insurance claims and bills/booklets, which you can usually do online. Keeping hard copies is probably a good idea, just in case your computer or backup drive dies.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Appoint an organized family member/friend to help you with all of this because it can be overwhelming␣especially if you're sick.</span></div>
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<div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reach out to a hospital social worker or to local nonprofit organizations (such as the Cancer Legal Resource Center, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, etc.) for ongoing help or support. They will know of good resources to help you if you're in trouble and can save you a lot of legwork.</span></div>
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<div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Write down the name of anyone you speak with at your insurance company every time you contact your provider or your provider contacts you. Make sure you record the full name, date, and a detailed synopsis of the conversation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Follow up!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you are denied coverage, do not be afraid to appeal. Jump through all the hoops the insurance company asks of you, and document everything. If, at the end of the appeals process, you need an attorney, you will have something to give him or her.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Learn all you can about your condition. A lot of times, insurance company workers know little about your condition.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Check with your insurance company about its fertility policies. I include this advice because many young adults are diagnosed with serious illnesses that may require heavy medications and treatments. At the point of diagnosis, someone who is in their late teens may not be thinking about future plans for a family.</span></div>
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<div style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Have a relationship of open communication with your doctors, who can help to advocate for you. Know that there is creative coding for blood tests and other procedures you may require to facilitate your health. A test that might not be covered if coded in one particular way may pass muster with your insurance company if coded in another way.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Know your out-of-network benefits! Sometimes you may be referred to specialists who may not be in your insurance company's network␣ What is the percentage and how does your out-of- network benefit work with your deductible? Do any of the company's in -network doctors offer the same care as the out-of-network specialist to whom you have been referred? If not, most policies have provisions to cover out-of-network providers when no in-network doctor has the same capability.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Try to connect all of your doctors, so that each knows about your health in relation to the other physicians providing your care. If you can start a group dialogue among your doctors, your care will be better.</span></div>
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<div>
The Malformation of Health Care (Chapter 25) Copyright Erin Havel 2012<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-53886166656920827622012-11-12T21:40:00.000-08:002012-11-12T21:40:03.451-08:00November is National Caregivers MonthIn case you missed it...<br />
<br />
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/11/01/presidential-proclamation-national-family-caregivers-month-2012<br />
<br />
President Obama issued a proclamation that November is national caregivers month.<br />
<br />
I'm really glad there is beginning to be a larger recognition of the people that so many of us are grateful for every day.<br />
<br />
Caregivers are the unsung heros in illness.<br />
<br />
The patient is called often times called "strong" "survivor" "amazing"<br />
but these words absolutely also describe the caregivers behind the patient. Caregivers are the ones who hold everything together when the patient doesn't have anything left. Caregivers are often the ones who make sure the patient is getting to their appointments, fighting with insurance, managing the household. Caregivers are the ones who put on a brave face and offer encouragement and support.<br />
<br />
Caregivers are simply the greatest advocates patients have during a battle.<br />
<br />
I for one, want to take this moment to say THANK YOU!!! to all the amazing/supportive/unstoppable caregivers in our lives.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-55216447203911485432012-11-08T21:57:00.002-08:002012-11-12T21:40:27.214-08:00"Obamacare is the law of the land""Obamacare is the law of the land"<br />
<br />
That was one heck of a quote this morning from John Boehner, Speaker of the House.<br />
<br />
Did we all know the Affordable Care Act "happened"? Sure.<br />
<br />
Did many people think if Mitt Romney became president that law would be gone? Yup.<br />
<br />
So today hearing the top Republican concede that "Obamacare" is here and will not so easily be done away with, was fascinating.<br />
<br />
Now he also quickly added that Republicans remain committed to repealing the law, but I don't know if the American public will be pleased if the next two years are spent with constant attempts to simply do away with the law rather than working to improve it.<br />
<br />
There is no easy way out on this topic... these two very different parties are going to have to come together and actually work for the common good.<br />
<br />
This will get interesting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-41579888372139708042012-11-05T14:19:00.001-08:002012-11-12T21:40:50.176-08:00Tomorrow Will Preface HistoryIs anyone else excited about the presidential election tomorrow?<br />
<br />
I can't help myself. Election day is very exciting for me. I love that the majority of our country is waiting to hear who will take the reigns of America for the next four years.<br />
<br />
I love the passion shown from both sides during the campaign.<br />
<br />
Watching the trend of some good presidents and some less than good-- the day before the election leaves us with uncertainty of what is to come so it offers cautious optimism about the future.<br />
<br />
We don't know how well or not well the nominees will do once they hold the coveted position... but we have hope whomever it is will do amazingly wonderful things for us and our future.<br />
<br />
Here's to hope!<br />
<br />
Please get out and vote tomorrow! Be a part of this incredible process!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-74441513321641051352012-11-01T17:34:00.000-07:002012-11-12T21:41:20.359-08:00Arteriovenous Malformations--AVMs<br />
Arteriovenous Malformations are incredibly rare. They are among the list of conditions that most doctors don't know anything about. I was born with an AVM so I have been "medically fascinating" to most doctors I've come in contact with for the majority of my life. <br />
<br />
This is good and bad.<br />
<br />
The good is that I am relatively well spoken and I don't mind answering questions because I want more doctors to be aware of AVMs and what they do.<br />
<br />
The bad is that there are still doctors who do not know how to treat these conditions but want to "try."<br />
<br />
AVMs as I discuss in my book<br />
<br />
(The Malformation of Health Care <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e4e54; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V37CXU" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #de3110; font-size: 19px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009V37CXU</a>)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e4e54; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
show up when a fetus is developing. In order for the gestational period to do what it is supposed to do, extra blood vessels show up to help grow the fetus. Usually these extra blood vessels do their job and then reabsorb in the body. However, for one percent of the population, those blood vessels think they still need to work so they become tangled and complex in a body that isn't supposed to house them long term.<br />
<br />
I didn't find a doctor who knew how to treat my AVM until I was in my mid-twenties. Prior to then, I had a doctor who tried to "cut" my AVM out. This caused the AVM to grow more rapidly and out of control. I of course didn't know that at the time.<br />
<br />
We tend to put faith into our doctors. The point of this blog is to encourage those dealing with an AVM or a child with an AVM to seek out a second opinion with a doctor who really understands and actively treats this condition.<br />
<br />
My particular AVM should not have been cut into. Ethanol embolization treatments ended up being the way to go for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's an article on my doctor. He's one of the top docs a person with an AVM can see. I highly recommend Dr. Wayne Yakes as a second opinion if a person is questioning how to treat an AVM.<br />
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<br />
http://www.denverpost.com/popular/ci_19016626<br />
<br />
<br />
I also highly recommend http://www.avmsurvivors.org/ if you want to talk to others dealing with the same condition.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-5547965076829219312012-11-01T10:34:00.001-07:002012-11-12T21:42:02.084-08:00This Drug is More Expensive---Therefore It's BetterI read this article the other day:<br />
<br />
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-25/novartis-cannibalizes-gleevec-to-boost-new-cancer-drug.html<br />
<br />
Basically what it comes down to is that a drug company who makes a very expensive medication to save lives of those living with Chronic Leukemia is about to have their patent run out. Therefore, before the patent runs out and the drug is allowed to be made generic, they are attempting to raise awareness of their second line drug which has a longer patent in place.<br />
<br />
I have no problem with making patients aware of another drug available to treat the same condition. What I struggle with is that the first drug (that is about to go generic) is a powerhouse that has saved hundreds if not thousands of people from an early grave. What this company is doing, in order to make sure their profits continue to soar is they are attempting to sway doctors to the more expensive drug by saying that first drug is less effective.<br />
<br />
Both of these drugs have been around for a decade. I feel like money is driving care in this scenario, and that makes me uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
Truthfully, if a person is unable to take a generic for whatever reason then their options are limited--- but if there is an option to save your life by paying $500 a year for a medication that used to cost $5,000 a month prior to generics. My vote is save yourself from bankruptcy and stress--- stick with what works, and don't play health games over profits.<br />
<br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-85355951777631780492012-10-28T20:29:00.000-07:002012-11-12T21:42:29.140-08:00Who Will Make Insurance Companies Happy?With the 2012 Presidential election just a little over a week away I can't help but wonder the fate of the Affordable Care Act. I also can't help but wonder who some of the heavy hitting health insurance companies are hoping will win.<br />
<br />
I read an interesting article today:<br />
<br />
(<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/28/insurers-nervous-obamacare-repeal-romney_n_2033580.html?utm_hp_ref=business">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/28/insurers-nervous-obamacare-repeal-romney_n_2033580.html?utm_hp_ref=business</a>)<br />
<br />
The article began by saying the health insurance companies are afraid of a Romney win because he has guaranteed to overturn the law--without saying how. The fear is the insurance industry would lose the potential profits to be made from the individual mandate. Along with the fear of not knowing what a Romney administration would do with health care because there has been no plan laid out for when they pursue repeal.<br />
<br />
<br />
However, I can only imagine the uncertainty of an Obama win. Keep in mind the health insurance industry was not happy about this new law, they found ways to work with it, but they weren't fans.<br />
<br />
I think deep down the industry, and most of us understand<br />
<br />
<b>This law is not in its final form. It is a starting point.</b><br />
<br />
There's no putting the genie back in the lamp. Health Care IS a topic that will be addressed and addressed again over these next several years.<br />
<br />
For now we all must vote for who we believe will do the best with our country and then sit and wait to see what will happen. If I were to guess, I don't think the health insurance market is too eager for either candidate to win this election. Their situation is on shaky ground.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-72304708742833105282012-10-24T12:24:00.000-07:002012-11-12T21:42:49.391-08:00The Book is Now Available on Kindle!<b>Big News!</b><br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As of this week, <b>The Malformation of Health Care is now also a book!</b> </div>
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<div>
If you have enjoyed reading this blog so far, I encourage you to learn more by downloading the Kindle version via Amazon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Here's the link:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Malformation-Health-Care-ebook/dp/B009V37CXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351105974&sr=8-1&keywords=the+malformation+of+health+care">http://www.amazon.com/The-Malformation-Health-Care-ebook/dp/B009V37CXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351105974&sr=8-1&keywords=the+malformation+of+health+care</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Feel free to share it with anyone you think may be interested in delving more into a discussion about our current American health care system.</div>
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Thank you for your continued support!</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-61320108544154279832012-10-16T13:39:00.000-07:002012-11-12T21:43:20.288-08:00On A Personal Note<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Many of you know that there are four states (Washington, Maryland, Maine, and Minnesota) that have referendums or initiatives on the election ballot for November regarding equality. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I usually keep this blog relatively specific to the public situations of health care. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This year has been a real journey for me, however. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I think I've been afraid to speak up about my sexuality and spirituality where backlash was potential, for a long time. Speaking about my health care journey at the Seattle Women's Choir Equality rallies and shows was easy because the supporters outnum</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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bered anyone who might disagree. </div>
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Playing my music at GLBT affirming clubs and churches was never a problem, because everyone understood. This year particularly I've had to make some choices. I was conflicted about discussing sexuality and spirituality in my book about health care, even though both are huge parts of my life. I ultimately decided I needed to be honest and tell it all. I'm not ashamed to be a spiritual, faithful, believer in God. It's not a contradiction to love and believe. This year has been filled with baby steps that I didn't even realize I needed to take.<br />
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I thought I was "out" but I was only "safely out." Sometimes we have to speak up even when we're uncomfortable, even if we're scared--- because the only way things can be better for all people is when individuals come forward and tell the truth. Domestic Partnerships are separate and not equal in health care and many other ways. I know this, not from research, but from my own life and the lives of my friends.<br />
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These votes are not about my relationship. They are about all relationships. It's hard to know what life would be like to not have to fight for something like this. It's hard to know what it would feel like to not have groups dedicated to making sure others look at me as an abomination. It's hard to know what it would be like to meet someone, fall in love, and simply start planning a wedding with no legal barriers.<br />
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I'm less thinking about myself and more thinking about the children who come after me. Wouldn't it be nice if they never had to feel like their love was "less than." Wouldn't it be nice if everyone understood that God is love, and therefore real love, can never be "less than".</div>
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<b>Link to my speech about Health Care and Referendum 74</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au-dXE7L6jQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au-dXE7L6jQ</a></span><br />
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Link to something else that touches my heart:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVBg7_08n0&feature=share" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVBg7_08n0&feature=share</a><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-66458915902112928662012-10-15T05:55:00.001-07:002012-11-12T21:43:49.865-08:00The Power of Your Words: PhonebankingWe aren't all lucky enough to find a public platform to share our personal experiences with large audiences.... however...<br />
<br />
This week has been eye opening for me.<br />
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I've been blessed several times this past month to talk a bit about my health care journey in conjunction with the Seattle Women's Chorus during some of their performances. Due to this exposure, I've been freely given the immediate feedback of kind faces, and gentle hands placed on my arm as soft words thanked me for my courage to speak up.<br />
<br />
I like face to face interactions. I like the power they have. I like the energy in the room.<br />
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Then last night a friend told me a story about phonebanking.<br />
<br />
I will 100% admit I'm uncomfortable with phonebanking. Despite the good I've been told it does, I've always looked at it similarly to telemarketing---which actually caused me to disconnect my house phone awhile back.<br />
<br />
I'm bugged when I get political phone calls on my cell phone where someone asks me if I have time to talk and then asks me one question. When I answer the question in a way they weren't hoping for, they don't continue the dialogue they simply say thank you and hang up. What is the point of that?<br />
<br />
A little background before I begin the story:<br />
<br />
My friend now lives in a wonderfully diverse urban setting. Her entire family, however, lives in small town rural America. From the stories she's told me, many of that family just simply hasn't been exposed to as much of the diversity that my friend has, and this has caused frustration, confusion, and even all out angry fights.<br />
<br />
There is nothing wrong with these people. There is nothing evil about these people. There is nothing hateful about these people. It is simply a matter of exposure. When you never meet an actual person that falls into a category others tend to criticize, how would you know anything other than the critical words?<br />
<br />
As my friend was at work on Friday she received a phone call from her mother saying she had made a decision to support a local referendum. A referendum my friend was certain would not be supported by anyone in her family. This, quite frankly, FLOORED my friend.<br />
<br />
She immediately called her mother to find out what had changed.<br />
<br />
Turns out, another small town community member was a part of phone bank that day and happened to be the one who called my friend's mom. He was polite and genuine and simply had a heartfelt discussion with this woman.<br />
<br />
After the call ended, my friend's mom changed her mind on the referendum... because she took the time to really think about her vote. She realized how much power her vote had in the lives of "others" she's never even met. <br />
<br />
While I am glad to be able to share my story with the crowds of people I've spoken to, I've really had more of a "preaching to the choir" effect. The people in the audiences do have reach to others, but mostly those listening already understand my point of view.<br />
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This one phone banking person, on the other hand, was able to reach the unreachable.....<br />
<br />
now that's saying something.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-43509484334785230932012-09-28T15:05:00.000-07:002012-11-12T21:44:19.849-08:00Saying Thank You!!!! This is not your average blog post.<br />
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When you are passionate about a project and you have no idea how to accomplish it, you "get by with a little help from your friends," as the Beatles song says. </div>
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I am so incredibly thankful to everyone who is helping me achieve my goals.</div>
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Today however, I wanted to give a shout out to a very special group who helped me along the road these past couple months.</div>
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Special Thanks to:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Anna Koopman</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Cordae Wright</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Matt and Colleen Fuller</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Laney Williams</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Carol Zaura</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Joshua Caniford</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Sean McLaughlin</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Dayna Sweders</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Brigette Menoni Brankin</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Linda Stanley</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Bobbie C.De Baca</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Mary Jo Braun</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Jon Grigalunas</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Katie Vadnais</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Cathy</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">andrew rasmussen</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Mori Marchany</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Amy Petersen</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Aaron Cassara</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Jill Sunderbruch</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">I-Wei Feng</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Kate Wehr</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Cheryl Jacobs</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Shari Rosner</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Lauri Boren</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Rosemarie Coy</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Nicole Simon-Burton</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Tim Bruhn</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Diana Roger</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Beverly Lippe Terlep</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Peg Pedersen</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Betty DeBace</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Jane Healy Brown</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">RIchard Hein</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Khanh Doan</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Leslie McQuade</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Chad Jessup</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Elaine A. THEUS</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Anthony Elizondo</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Justin Kreitzburg</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Travis Mccauley</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Kathleen Wake</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Stephanie Nguyen</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Joleen Schultz</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Amber McGuire Lemar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Sue Kolasinski</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Jessie Oettinger</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Carrie Walsh Engberg</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Thomas Dunham</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Nicole DeBace-Rech</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Justin Ozuna</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Judith L. Miller</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Ande Harwood</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Martha Plummer</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Jennie Gustafson</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Katrina Lehto</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Betsy Bruce</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">martha Luna</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Anna Bevens</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Tiki Naccarato</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Jody Mayer</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Daniel Rech</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Jacinthe Assaad</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Cassandra Brackmann</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Elizabeth Granger</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Carol Baker</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Caro Horsfall</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Duane Cuthrell</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Darbie Whitman</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Mary Jo Weaver Larson</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Julia Colson</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Matthew Browning</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Claire Mouflard</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Jenni Thibedeau Redman</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Ruthy Lewis</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Kathryn Doane</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Jane Maranhas Kruse</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Emily Sharp</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Nancy Balderas</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Ric Firmino</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Joel Duldulao Agpaoa</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Peggy Gilmer</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Nancy Bent</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Mary Jelinek</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Brian George Kerr</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Selina Emlen</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Kory Riley</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Cheryl Cristello</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Geneva Harwood</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Eric Larson</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Scott Welch</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Bruce and Mary Claire Havel</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-49330505787339398202012-08-29T09:40:00.002-07:002012-11-12T21:44:42.921-08:00Denial Because...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6D0EqBtLHY/UD5GPBAbwYI/AAAAAAAAACU/DsRrbS2U4F4/s1600/Denial%2BBecause.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5782136195372532098" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6D0EqBtLHY/UD5GPBAbwYI/AAAAAAAAACU/DsRrbS2U4F4/s320/Denial%2BBecause.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a>I couldn't make this letter up if I wanted to. Therefore, I decided to post it for you.<br />
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If you read the letter you will see that the insurance company will not pay for the prior authorized visit to a doctor I went to "because"</div>
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Sincerely, </div>
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Claims Department</div>
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That's right, they didn't say why, they just said "because."</div>
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It's okay to laugh. I did after I got over the shock of getting a denial letter for a prior authorized appointment. </div>
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The company is based in Florida and if this was my first rodeo with an insurance company in Florida I might think "oops, someone sent this by mistake." However, attached to this notice of denial is also my EOB (explanation of benefits) reiterating the fact that my insurance company (that I faithfully pay every month) will indeed not cover this appointment they authorized me to go to. </div>
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The truth of the matter is Florida has lax regulations on insurance companies. They're not the only state with these lax regulations, but you have to question why so many of these companies avoiding their obligations are based in certain states and not in others. </div>
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In general American's don't like "regulations"--- there is a fear that "regulations" will lead to a communist system. I think that's a bit of extreme thinking and there is no way our country would move briskly to a non-capitalist society based on regulations for companies who are clearly not working for the best interest of their consumers.</div>
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All regulation means (in this case) is the loopholes, games, and tricks these companies play to gain the most profits based on denying coverage would be accountable to review. I personally think that would only improve our health care system. </div>
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Or maybe we will all begin to accept letters without question that say "We will not cover your care, because."</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-11352816044931261042012-08-22T16:51:00.003-07:002012-11-12T21:45:06.766-08:00Political Platform to Prevent Coverage<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">I don't know if you all saw the story of Jackie Curtiss, the 22 year old Republican who voiced her concern over the new party platform on abortion. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">(http://www.buzzfeed.com/zekejmiller/meet-the-22-year-old-young-republican-who-challeng)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Here's what that article says:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Curtiss made waves in the committee when she objected to an amendment to the platform banning medication "that terminates human life after conception." The amendment was aimed at RU-486 and other so-called “abortion pills," but Curtiss warned that it could potentially include the “morning after pill.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">"Nevertheless, the amendment passed and found its way into the party’s 2012 manifesto."</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">That is one slippery slope folks... </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">The reason I'm raising concern is not because I'm anti-Republican or because I'm voicing judgement on abortion at all-- but rather because I am pro- life for people who have cancer, RA, and other major illness. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Most chemotherapy medications have warnings that state women may experience spontaneous abortion while taking the medication. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">This platform doesn't differentiate between drugs, it just bans all medication that "</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 18px;">terminates human life after conception."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">I understand what the Republican Party is trying to get at, but if we aren't incredibly clear when we document our ideas unintentional</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px;"> problems can and will arise. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-16010062716587518542012-08-20T04:48:00.002-07:002012-11-12T22:07:28.618-08:00Health Care or Political Football?<div>
When you're getting ready to buy a car, it happens. When you're trying to have a baby, it happens. And apparently when a presidential election is about to occur, it happens. </div>
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You see what you want EVERYWHERE.</div>
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Perhaps you decide on a Honda. Guaranteed you will see more Civics on the road than ever before. Want to have a child? Your office will flood with pregnant women. Want health care? Every political discussion will taper back to your topic.</div>
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While I knew health care was going to be one of the political footballs used for punting in this election, I still find myself frustrated. </div>
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For the kick off -the political ad about the man who lost his job and then his wife passed away from cancer. The return- if that patient had lived in Massachusetts she wouldn't have died. The tackle- the person who put the Massachusetts law in place wants to repeal the federal equivalent. New line of scrimmage-- the little girl's father whose company let him go because his daughter needed a transplant. </div>
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These stories are hard to hear, and they seem to fire up both political parties. However, they are not new, they're not even unique. They happen every day, in every state.</div>
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Why is it that we are only interested in hearing about these horror stories when an election is on the horizon? We should be outraged and concerned even when political ads are not invading our favorite evening television program.</div>
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Did you hear the one about the 90 year old in the nursing home? How her coverage ran out? Probably not. It's not as powerful when we're talking about Grandma. </div>
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These political teams pick and choose the most effective stories to "expose" and while it is supposed to serve as an example of what is going on in our country, it seems like we as viewers get tunnel vision. </div>
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"This is the story I heard about, it's a fluke."</div>
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The "fluke" is that we are only hearing about a very small number of people struggling daily and until we decide health care is not a political football and make sure everyone in this country is adequately cared for, we just keep playing a game.</div>
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http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1139799717/the-malformation-of-health-care</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002015149802037716.post-77578411639235805592012-08-10T22:40:00.004-07:002012-11-12T22:07:55.675-08:00November, 2012!!! Vote for--- Medicare?Tonight Mitt Romney chose a running mate. (drum roll please)...Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin. I'm not surprised he chose Mr. Ryan whose plans to phase out Medicare and Medicaid were widely publicized recently. <br />
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In order to distance himself from "Romneycare" it only makes political sense to find a running mate who has put significant time and focus into plotting out ways to rid our country of safety net health care, for the elderly, the sick and the poor. </div>
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Perhaps this decision will boost the health care dialogue for November. In that sense, I'm thrilled with Mr. Romney's choice. My concern is the PR "spin" this new campaign will put on the topic of health care. They will talk about all the money wasted on caring for those who have no other health support. </div>
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It is important we listen to the message behind the words that will be spoken regarding Medicare and Medicaid. We must remember these are not "programs" to be cut, these are "people" to be cut. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="http://badges.wegohealth.com/endorse-me?referrer=udmc" width="170" height="253" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0