"Blue Shield, Blue Cross, Don't Kill My Wife"--A Powerful Case in Support of SB 840 and the Need for Health Insurance Reform in California

wow.
that's a powerful blog.

Do I still need to remind the ignorant amongst those on the left and right that SB840 is a very bad bill? It will not guarantee quality health care. What it will guarantee that it will raise your taxes, regardless of income status you may be in, be it low income, fixed-income or amongst the well-to-do.

The combination of both the governor's plan and State Senator Perata and Assembly Speaker Nunez' plans (after negotiations) is probably the best direction to go at this point.

Also, you have to remember this. SB840 has a companion bill that will call for taxes to pay for it and as you know, it will not pass because it needs Republican-support to pass a bill raising taxes with a 2/3 majority.

Also, one other thing. There have been those who complain that they can't afford health insurance. Now these are the same ones you see going into these indian casinos; buying lottery tickets or buying liquior and/or cigarettes. And they are the one's crying about not being able to afford health insurance. What a bunch of hypocrites.

Do I still need to remind the ignorant amongst those on the left and right that SB840 is a very bad bill? It will not guarantee quality health care. What it will guarantee that it will raise your taxes, regardless of income status you may be in, be it low income, fixed-income or amongst the well-to-do.

The combination of both the governor's plan and State Senator Perata and Assembly Speaker Nunez' plans (after negotiations) is probably the best direction to go at this point.

Also, you have to remember this. SB840 has a companion bill that will call for taxes to pay for it and as you know, it will not pass because it needs Republican-support to pass a bill raising taxes with a 2/3 majority.

Also, one other thing. There have been those who complain that they can't afford health insurance. Now these are the same ones you see going into these indian casinos; buying lottery tickets or buying liquior and/or cigarettes. And they are the one's crying about not being able to afford health insurance. What a bunch of hypocrites.

I read with great dispair the Anderson's story and hope a means can be found or created to assist them quickly.

I do however hope that readers will understand that in California, Blue Cross of CA and Blue Shield of CA are two very seperate companies and have no affiliation. I read through this article and was unable to seethat Blue Shield was involved in this case at all, yet Mr. Anderson states Blue Shield/ Blue Cross and the reporter not only prints that as the headline but takes no effort to clarify the difference.. In a world where change and compassion are sorely lacking, and where people's emotions run high, I would hope that an objective reporter would research and clarify the facts for the public.

I feel VERY sorry for this lady and wish her the best! The problem is she bought a Short term plan, either she was to dumb or to cheap to buy a permanent plan. I'm not a pro on this stuff, but I do know what short term means, it will end shortly. What happed to "personal responsibility " she bought a cheap plan now wants everyone else to pick-up the tab. Next thing you know they will stop selling short term plans and that will just be less options for you and me. I come back to SHORT TERM! I don't see what the big bad company did wrong.

Any chance of Allen getting a job with health insurance? Not, that would be be to easy. Is he on SSI? The smart money says he is on some state of federal payout.

I truly pray this story has a happy ending. I feel for them both very much.
As someone who has am individual health care plan, I find it unaffordable. I make decent money, live comfortably, workout, and live a healthy lifestyle; but because I receive allergy shots now and then, my rates were raised where it became unaffordable. A dear family friend who is retired, pays over $600 a month.
We do not gamble, buy lottery tickets, smoke or drink. Perhaps if we won the lottery, I wouldn't be writing this.

Dear Cynthia
Please visit www.insurance.ca.gov/0100-consumers/0300-public-programs/0600-mrmip/
this is the url for State-guaranteed coverage for people with extreme pre-exting conditions . CMRMIP (California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program) does have eligibility requirements
1. Cal Resident
2.ineligible for COBRA
3. Denied coverage w/i the past 12 months, involuntarily terminated from coverage for reasons other then fraud, or offered coverage with a premium higher then MRMIP
The major risk enrollment unit can be reached at 1-800-289-6574

I am a licensed health insurance producer with several clients, who at one time thought of themselves as uninsurable, but now have insurance because of the state's high risk pool. I don't practice in CA, but know it is one of 40 states that offers an opportunity for you to get medical coverage.

Don't lose hope.

Educate yourself. Tap into the vast resources available on the internet about this. I'm sure you have already, but I read nothing about MRMIP in the article (MediCal is not MRMIP something a competent reporter would look into).

Find a reputable agent who knows the system, but be prepared for a ton of rejection. The vast majority won't help. In Illinois an agent only makes $50.00 for enrolling someone into its high risk pool despite a lengthy application process. Most agents don't want to bother, but they're professionals who not only will, but believe they must. You just have to search for them.

Lastly, it may prove difficult finding a job. In my experience discrimination thrives in the hiring process. Although it's illegal, many companies won't hire someone who represents an almost immediate and major escalation in cost to the companies employer sponsored group plan. Again be prepared for rejection, but don't quit.

Research, research, research...

KEEP READING

KEEP CALLING

KEEP FIGHTING

DON'T QUIT

The high risk pool for those who have been rejected for pre-existing conditions offers insurance for a married couple (no children) over $ 1800 a month!

Many of us have no options when it comes to insurance - other than moving to Canada.

Our pre-existing health conditions mean 100% of health insurers will reject us.

Why has the Americqan people bought into the lie that health insurance is socialistic?

It is not viewed as being socialism when offered to immigrants who just came to our coutnry, pregnant and needing services.

Our prison system fully insures its populace.

And of course COngress offers its members a wonderful health insurance system.

It is only the middle class and over-taxed portion of society that finds itself out of luck!!

just looked up the rates for MRMIP at www.mrmib.ca.gov/MRMIB/MRMIPBRO.pdf. A female, 50-54 yrs of age, will pay approximately 375.00-1000.00 dollars per month depending on geographic location and the plan selected. Even at the high end Mrs. Campbell would certainly reduce her out of pocket exposure with MRMIP then footing the hospital bills on her own. More importantly having the coverage would increase the chances of receiving quality care because most hospitals are reluctant to provide the best services available to the uninsured.

Would 100% of insurers reject you? Has a professional independent health insurance producer exhausted every possibility?

Is health care as messed up as Mr. Moore would have us believe?

Let's consider the number of uninsured. Depending on which source you cite the uninsured numbers approx. 44 million to 46 million. Yet the vast majority are not uninsured because of pre-existing conditions. About 3 out of 10 are 18-24 yr olds. Many are healthy and have affordable access to high quality health insurance (less then 100.00 per month in CA), but fail to take their health care seriously.

Approximately half of the uninsured are without coverage for less then a year. Is it possible that many are changing jobs and instead of taking care of the lapse in coverage they wait for the employer's plan to kick in? I've certainly met people who tell me that although they're uninsured now, benefits will kick in after 90 days.

What does that tell you? Personally, I think many people take little to no responsibility regarding their health care. Make no mistake, health care is a responsibility not a right. Should the alcoholic in need of a new liver be given the right to demand one? Is it the right of a "pack a day" lung cancer patient to receive care? However it is their right to do with their bodies as they see fit.

Yes, our system needs fixing, but is health care really a right?

Regarding the various comments made about both my wife and me:
".... going into these indian casinos; buying lottery tickets or buying liquior and/or cigarettes. ..."
We do not gamble, drink or smoke
For the S.O.B. named Jeff IT WAS THE ONLY THING AVAILABLE-MY WIFE IS NEITHER DUMB OR CHEAP. SHE HAS STAGE 4 CANCER. AS FAR AS ME, YEAH YOU RIGHT. I AM CALLED A DISABLED MARINE VETERAN. If you don't like what I am saying about you S.O.B's my contact is: admin@dakota-air.us STILL BETTER COME VISIT ME in S.F.if you have the nerve, BUT OF COURSE YOU DON'T

No, Mr. Campbell I can't come visit you, I'm to busy WORKING. My taxes help pay your Disiblity check, Healthcare bills and other hand outs you are taking because you can't/won't work.
Got to love this system.
As I said before I hope your wife gets well and I'm no expert. The way I understand it is.
You have home insurance for 30 years, you cancel and a year later your home burns down. You want the insurance company to pay for it, because you paid for insurance 30 years?
It seems like you wife had a big gap (no) insurance and bought a short term policy. What did the insurance company do wrong? Should'nt your wife bought the cobra a long term policy? Personal Responsibility!
If she would have taken the cobra after she quit and the insurance company pays the bills until she gets well (they way it should work) what you you complain about then its not FREE like yours. Someone has to pay.

This is for Marcy who make the comment "many of us have no options when it comes to insurance other than moving to Canada" I am an American who married a Canadian and moved to Canada 22 years ago. I can say that first of all to move to Canada you have be sponsored by someone - mostly a husband. Secondly in order to get immigrant status you have to pass a physical. Canada will not take people with major health problems as it would be a drain on their health care system. So anyone who thinks this is an easy option - think twice.

My goodness, I must confess that I am in a marriage to a man that cares for me enough to keep me enrolled on his health insurance because I could not get a delicate spinal operation performed without it. The bill was over $600,000 (and counting)with physical therapy /meds, nursing care and other related costs. I was in a wheelchair, unable to walk and would have spent the rest of my life in that condition had I remained uninsured. I am the mother of a child with special needs, and can only work part-time to be able to stay at home to care for her~unable to secure insurance. I am 44, college educated and do not drink, smoke or engage in dangerous behaviour. My daughter was born with congenital illnesses, mine happened over a period of several months... neither of us "deserve" to be afflicted. Imagine, Dan asking if health care is a "right"? In a first world country, you bet it is! How can people see others as undeserved, or less of a human being because someone is physically ill? Should I feel guilty for 'gaming the system' and marrying a friend to obtain health care? Apparently so. At least I have a conscience...

My goodness, I must confess that I am in a marriage to a man that cares for me enough to keep me enrolled on his health insurance because I could not get a delicate spinal operation performed without it. The bill was over $600,000 (and counting)with physical therapy /meds, nursing care and other related costs. I was in a wheelchair, unable to walk and would have spent the rest of my life in that condition had I remained uninsured. I am the mother of a child with special needs, and can only work part-time to be able to stay at home to care for her~unable to secure insurance. I am 44, college educated and do not drink, smoke or engage in dangerous behaviour. My daughter was born with a congenital illness, mine happened over a period of several months... neither of us "deserve" to be afflicted. Imagine, Dan asking if health care is a "right"? In a first world country, you bet it is! How can people see others as undeserved, or less of a human being because someone is physically ill? Should I feel guilty for 'gaming the system' and marrying a friend to obtain health care? Apparently so, but I don't...

Good for you Becca, anyone with any brains can figure out the "system". Cynthia could have too, in fact she did by crying poor me, I might have to pay a bill. I think she was to cheap to by the cobra plan from her work and bought a short term plan. The problem was she was the "perfect storm". Married a old dude who would not get a job and could not land a job either. Who ever heard of a nurse who was in the unemployment line. Most peole can figure out the system I guess they must make more laws to help the slow ones. Good Job 600K to the insurance co.

What shockingly callous attitudes from people who are so brazen and ill-informed about the current state of health care. I've never been uninsured, but I have gone in and out of group coverage throughout my career, as is the norm in my industry. During the times I have had to purchase private insurance, my agent has informed me that my application would be rejected if I had been treated for so much as a cold in the preceding year. That same agent has had clients rejected across the board (Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Healthnet, etc.) for having received treatment for depression, colds, and even diaper rash.

What does this mean? If you think you are secure with your health insurance and your company closes or your private policy "product" is terminated, you might well be S.O.L. if you saw a doctor for anything within the previous year.

Clearly, health care costs in the U.S. are out of control. According to the Dept. of Health and Human Services, per capita national health care spending has gone up 25% over the past 3 years. That rate of cost increase is astonishing given the nominal inflation rate over that period, and it is utterly unsustainable.

We spend 50% more per capita for health care than the next highest spending developed country, and we pay $100 billion a year more to a pharmaceutical industry than we would pay if we were charged the same prices as any other country.

By the way, the pharma companies only spend $30 billion annually on research - that's just 15% of the $200 billion they net in the US alone each year. So much for them claiming they need to charge us more to pay for research.

Clearly our health care system is in a state of crisis. Nobody denies this, not the hospitals, the AMA, or even the insurance company trade association.

Dan, Jim, and any other cock-sure fool reading this, I work too, and I pay an enormous amount in taxes each year. But I'm certainly not going to slam a person who has found themselves spit out by our current health care system. It could just as easily be you or me. And if there were any justice in the universe, it would have happened to one of you callous a-holes and not to this poor woman.

What exactly is your disability Mr. Campbell? If you are staging all these protests, why can't you work?

I cannot believe the people on this board who are slamming the Campbells. Give these poor people a break. They seem like hard working decent people. She paid into the system for THIRTY YEARS, she's no bum. She probably didn't realize how difficult it would be to qualify for insurance. Things used to be much easier.

It is unfortunate that her agent didn't fully disclose the downsides to short-term insurance. Agents are supposed to be experts and help keep us from making bad choices. But I have had some agents who've led me down some very bad paths when it comes to insurance. Yes, it's up to me to read the fineprint, but for complex types of insurance you practically need a law degree to figure out all the details. Agents are supposed to guide us -- that's what they get commissions for.

I have always had health insurance my whole life. I am now in a crappy group plan with a high deductible but at least it's something. I can't qualify for individual insurance because I have taken medicine for panic attacks in the last three years. It's a simple medicine I take every few weeks for heart palpitations. I am not dying, I am not sick but insurance companies won't look at me. I've looked at the underwriting guidelines for most major health insurance companies in California and from what I've ready they will practically deny anybody whose ever had some type of problem. Geez, by your 30's or 40's most people have been diagnosed with something.

My sister signed up for the assigned risk pool because she has an autoimmune problem. Her premium is over $800 a month. What normal blue class working person can pay that kind of money for a policy? I recall policies costing $200 a month or even less at one time. No wonder so many people go without insurance-- when the costs are so high-- it's either pay your mortgage or pay your health insurance premium. Some people simply cannot afford it.

I think this country needs to rethink its priorities. It seems that children and immmigrants are on all the politician's minds these days and the working people are being forgotten. Geez, get pregnant and have more babies you can't afford and the state will pick up the tab. How disgusting is that??? I agree that there needs to be some type of reform and the insurance companies need to stop cherry picking.

As for what Mr Campbell's disability is-- who cares. He was a Marine and most likely the Dept. of Veteran's affairs is paying his check. Veteran's Affairs is not in the business of handing out money for people who aren't really injured. Many forms and dr's reports need to be filled out in order to qualify for disability. Good for him- he served our country so let us serve him now. I don't mind my tax dollars going to him -- at least he is LEGAL. As for his "job"-- well, likely his job is taking care of his sick wife. How the heck is he supposed to work with such a sick woman on his hands. I wish them the best of luck.
C

I agree with you, C. You are the one who really thinks. And good luck to Campbell's family. Don't give up. Hope you could find something from other insurance company.
Take care!

Must have got a group plan. If she did that a year ago they would NOT have been a problem.
THIS TIME TAKE THE COBRA! problem solved.

To the former Marine and his wife. If you still need help, I might be able to help. I can't promise anything, but I am an attorney and my understanding is that under the Medically Needy Medical Program, anyone, of any income level can qualify subject to a copay of sorts equal to everything they earn over and above the maintenance need level (ridiculously small amount each month, e.g. $600 a month for an individual, I have to check on the amount for a couple.) Note that sounds really small, but help from outside friends and family is NOT counted as long as you pay SOMETHING toward rent or food. E.g., you mom, dad, friends, help pay rent and food, you still keep $600 in income and get Medi-Cal. Of course, you need to spend everything you own except your home, car, houehold goods and other exempt items. Of course, its Medi-Cal so finding providers is an issue, but its worth looking into.

If you need help, let me know. Are you in California ?

Law@WhatIsTheLaw.com

Please respond to my e-mail address as I won't check this posting area again.

James Swiderski
Semper Fi, USMC 1989-1993 (Motor T, out in three ! Four years actually, but still proud...)

Yes, She took a "part time " job in Senator Kuehl office working on changing healthcare. I hope she learns what "short term" means. Blue Shield just quit selling short term plans. I might need one down the now I don't have that option. Once again a few losers ruin it for the rest of us. Cynthia Campbell is a dumb ass. Did not take the cobra when she quit job, bought a "short term plan" and cried to Blue Cross when the "term was over". Dumb! We all pay the price with less options now, thanks Ms. Campbell.

Jeff: COBRA only covers one for a limited time period--18 months, if I am correct in my memory. The undeniable and essential truth here is that there is a problem that needs to get fixed.

You are correct there is a problem (we all agree). Cobra is 18 months then the state of CA extends it another 18 months. Cal cobra it think its called. When that expires the insurance company must take the person. HIPPA? Someone selling insurance feel free to jump in. I hope this young lady gets well, its just very upsetting to here Blue Shield no longer offers short term insurance plans. We need MORE options not less. The last thing I want to see is the goverment controling my healthcare.

A few comments about the "cute words" used to describe both me and my beloved wife, Cynthia. My wife never cried a moment when she was dropped by Blue Shield, half way through her Chemotherapy. She was roo busy fighting for her life. The cruel heartless things said, simply tell me you simply are trash. As for me not working, I am a 69 year former Marine who has been shot down numerous times and has been badly injured as a result. I am both VA and SSI 100% disabled. Make no mistake, I still work in Africa and I work damned hard, If this "Old Marine" gets his hands on you, you damned better have your insurance in place, as I am truly looking for you.
You sound like little Republicans who hang around men's bathrooms looking for love in all the right places.

This should be a debate about health insurance and the current crisis we are in and not personal insults.

In reading the story, Mrs. Campbell was a contract worker anticipating health insurance from her employer. She purchased a short-term policy to fill the gap. This is a common policy in the insurance industry to sell this type of policy while waiting for their new coverage to begin. Nowhere does it mention she denied accepting COBRA.

Insults being thrown on both sides only diminishes the topic.

No, Mrs. Cambell was a hospital employee who quit. Before she turned into a contract employee she had an option to take the Cobra. She decided on a short term plan, that was fine, many people do. The problem is when her short term plan was ending she blamed everyone else. What part of short term did she not understand?
Short:not extended in time
Term:limited or definite extent of time
She liked to blame others for their problems. Its the goverments falt, Its the insurance companies falt, Its the agents falt. You can see by the Cambell's post everyone is to blame but them. I feel bad for her, and she did get private health insurance, but take SOME responsibility.

Sorry, comments are temporarily disabled. We're doing a bit of server maintenance on the commenting area. We'll be back up and running shortly. Thank you for your patience.