Norman__James on Spoutible

(Thread/Rant)
We need to switch to true universal healthcare in the US. And we have to kill the myth that we can't because so many people like or even "love" their current health insurance plans. It's bullshit. /1 of who knows how many

12:38 PM - Apr 17, 2023

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

I have what most people would regard as excellent insurance. Certainly, on paper, it is. It covers almost everything and there are almost no out of pocket costs.

But I hate UHC with a passion. /2 (Rant continues.)

01:12 PM - Apr 17, 2023

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

It's great insurance coverage. Until you actually need to use it. Try finding a provider that's in-network. Try to get verification that the provider is indeed in-network for your specific plan. /3 (UHC sucks; so do the rest of them.)

01:15 PM - Apr 17, 2023

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

When I started this thread, I was literally on hold with UHC. I almost always communicate with friends and family via text. I am certain that I spend far more time on the phone with UHC than anyone else. /4 (Universal Healthcare Now!!)

01:18 PM - Apr 17, 2023

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

Here's my situation. I needed a new dentist. A friend referred me to her dentist. I called them and provided all my insurance information. They followed up with UHC. UHC confirmed that they are in-network. Everyone was happy (low-bar version of happiness.) /5 (You see where this going, don't you?)

01:23 PM - Apr 17, 2023 (Edited)

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

On my third visit, the receptionist told me that based on the claims that had been processed by UHC, I'm not in-network. This was alarming and upsetting, to say the least. I'd be on the hook for hundreds of dollars and have to find a new dentist. /6 (no attempt at a pithy comment; I'm too angry.)

01:30 PM - Apr 17, 2023

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

Then, a surprise twist. The receptionist followed up again with UHC. She was told that it was a mistake, they really are in-network, and the claims would be reprocessed. Just a typical instance of incompetence at a large health insurer. /7 (There's more. But you knew that, didn't you?)

01:39 PM - Apr 17, 2023 (Edited)

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

Today, I received an EOB for my most recent dental appointment. Processed out of network. I called the number on the EOB. Spent the vast majority of my time on hold. Turned out the number on the EOB is only for medical claims, not dental. Waited a long time to get to the right rep. /8

01:50 PM - Apr 17, 2023

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

Her answer? My dentist is in-network for UHC, they're just not in-network for my specific UHC plan.

America is riddled with incompetence in its large corporations. Coincidentally, the mistakes that incompetence generates almost invariably benefit the corporation making the mistake. /9

01:54 PM - Apr 17, 2023

Norman__James

@Norman__James

All the people who "love" their insurance plan? Odds are over 90% of them have never used it in a significant way. Plus, most people get their insurance through their job. So even if they truly do love their plan, odds are they'll have a different one when their employer finds something cheaper. /10

In response to Norman__James.

01:59 PM - Apr 17, 2023

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

That's it. Really a much smaller problem than so many people go through with insurance. It's an obscene atrocity. Dealing with health insurance companies is akin to a part-time job - one where rather than earning money, you try avoid having money stolen from you. /10

02:03 PM - Apr 17, 2023

Norman__James

@Norman__James

In response to Norman__James.

Our healthcare system as currently configured is run by sociopathic CEOs motivated purely by greed. They contribute nothing They actively damage patients' health and endanger their lives for profit. We need universal healthcare and we need it now. /11 End

#MedicareForAll
#UniversalHealthCareNow

02:07 PM - Apr 17, 2023

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