I recently saw a story on one of the national morning news shows about a self-employed gentleman who was having problems getting health insurance.
He had suffered a serious heart surgery and was potentially facing another major surgery. His concern was that he was unable to find an individual policy because of his health problems, and he bemoaned the fact that he would have to continue working until he was 65 and then use Medicare. (He lost some of my sympathy as I realized I would be working until the crack of doom.) During the piece, he mentioned that he eventually found some coverage, but it was incredibly expensive.
Of course, people and cars are not the same, but insurance is insurance. I think none of us would be shocked if we were unable to get auto insurance on our car after we’d wrecked it. We wouldn’t be surprised if, following a number of wrecks on a current policy, the rates got higher? I think most of us realize the basis of all insurance is premium payments to protect us against a potentially large future loss. This concept sometimes seems to get lost when discussing health insurance.
This news story seemed to cast health insurance companies as the villains. While I realize I may be more attuned than people who don’t work in the industry, my concern is that picking heroes and villains in these situations glosses over complicated matters and precludes useful discussions.
As an employee of Health Alliance I understand you might expect me to be prejudiced toward insurance companies, and that may be a reasonable judgment. I see insurance from the inside as a very complicated, regulated and multidimensional business. I also see a group of bright, caring coworkers trying to do the right thing, as you do in your business. Our policyholders get comfort and protection. As an employee, my health coverage is a benefit I expect and often take for granted.
Maybe I should just recognize the fellow in the news story as a man, about my age, in a difficult situation and facing a life-threatening illness. I don’t know the solution to his predicament, but I am willing to be part of the discussion.
Patrick.Harness@HealthAlliance.org