Favorite Daughter in Law (FDIL) refers to
me as GOB (Grouchy Old Bastard), an improvement over the previous EFIL (Evil
Father in Law). Today’s rant is about Nanny State thinking.
Per Social Security regulations, a health
insurance premium amount will be deducted regardless if any health insurance is
bought. This per my insurance agent (and I’m too lazy to find out if he is
wrong). The company he recommended is United Health Care. For the most part,
they have been ok. Paid the bulk of my pacemaker episode and cover a large
portion of my prescriptions. Why the rant, GOB?
Starting last year, they have taken to
nagging me about flu shots, colonoscopies, annual health checks and the like.
This comes as phone calls and a blizzard of emails. Damn nanny thinking on
their part.
I pay them for insurance, only. I have my
own primary health care provider who I see twice a year, a community health clinic, and my own
cardiologist which they can easily determine by looking at my claims. Why do
they deem it necessary to try and monitor my health without my requesting they
undertake that responsibility?
I get the argument they are trying to
contain costs by keeping people healthy. Best method? Send out information as
to how they propose to do this. Offer the insured the option to opt out.
Simple, no?
They mail me stuff all the time that
reads like a Shillary campaign mailing. I’ve unsubscribed from their emails and
expressed my displeasure to the telephone callers (with their chirpy little
voices and supercilious tone of voice). Still, it continues.
Well then, GOB, why don’t you change
insurance companies? Answer. It is laziness, inertia, and not wanting to spend
thirty minutes listening to my insurance agent. The man is even more boring
than me.
GOB/WSF, what is the point of your rant?
Just this, I’ve a glimpse of what the future will bring should the socialist
dream of a one pay server come to fruition and I don’t want any part of it.
8 comments:
Been going in circles with my new doctor, who works for one of the big conglomerates. Apparently I *need* to have a hepatitis screening (even though I have ZERO of the risk factors) and this test and that test and that other one and then while we're doing that we can do this.... NO. Mostly I want to be left alone. I get emails and phone calls, too. Spend a little time almost every day dumping messages.
My doctor of 16 years was working for the conglomerate because a solo practice wasn't making a living for her. She had to spend too much time arguing with insurance companies and trying to get people who could work there without trying to steal prescription blanks.
She left because she said that the conglomerate isn't there to take care of people at all. They only exist to take care of their bottom line.
Sort of like our US Government 'representatives'.
Sound like Group Health in Seattle.
The Health Maintenance Organization philosophy is to help you take proactive measures toward the end that your health is better. I received a call last week asking, "when can we schedule your colonoscopy?" I scheduled it - still upcoming. Better to take precautionary measures IMHO. It also saves them money by keeping you healthier - which is not a bad thing either way.
The concept is ok. I resent any effort to exercise dominion over me. My decisions, not theirs. Hence, GOB.
Agree with LL, at least mine is through the VA, so I don't get all the BS mailings and phone calls...
All I've gotten from the VA is delays. Yet to get an appointment.
Damn! Really? Sorry to hear that. I've not had to wait more than a couple of weeks, including surgery. But we do have a clinic locally, which may help.
Partially my fault for not pushing the issue. Glad you are getting served.
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