Dollar Bills, The Band-Aid of America’s Health Care System
The image depicts the $10,000 reward regarding the suspect that shot the CEO of Brian Thompson.
By Neila Arragan, December 6th 2024
In this world it feels as if though nothing is done with the intent to help people everything has the intention of producing some sort of income for those in higher power.
Medical care is a fundamental piece of our livelihood. Millions who otherwise wouldn’t be able to receive care due to economic barriers. Given the tranquility to focus on their health and not the bill. medical expenses covered with the cost of a monthly policy. As of recently there are now rules that allow more opportunities for insurance companies to latch onto. According to CBS news Anthem Blue Cross a health insurance company made a policy statement regarding anesthesia. Stating that if your procedure takes longer than the expected time then the insurance company can refuse to pay for extra time.
What is most alarming is that this time limit isn’t set by anesthesiologist themselves if not by the insurance company. Shamelessly finding ways in which they can benefit off the 305.2 million that rely on health care.
“It’s a cynical money grab by anthem” States anesthesiologist Dr. Donald E. Arnold
Many others joined to the conversation adding to even more outrage online according to. As of late Anthem has now withdrawn the policy claiming that it was due to the backflash caused by miss.
Clarifying that the intent of the policy was twisted due to misinformation clarifying that it was designed to make sure anesthesia was being used properly. Adding that there would be an option available
to submit a medical application if you exceed the time limit making sure they can proceed with accurate payment. If millions of claims are denied what ensures that these applications will be respected.
Many insurance companies deny claims, including the largest insurance company United Health care. Which also faces many controversies, according to ap news, “deny, defend, and depose” is said to vocalize the way insurance carriers avoid paying claims.
These words referenced on the bullets that brought CEO, Brian Thompson to the ground. “Deny, defend, oppose.” Read the bullets that the unidentified suspect shot. When the news outlets reported this, many didn’t show compassion. Brian Thompson didn’t have a clean image as he had already been in a lawsuit, for the dependence of artificial intelligence to deny insurance claims. According to the Mirror U.S the usage of AI resulted in 90% of claims to be unjustifiably denied.
What does this say about the priorities of health care providers?
It appears, misinformation, shifts the narrative of companies such as Anthem Health, as well as United Health Care. Misinformation that isn’t coming from the ones that rely on health care if not the ones that provide the financial help. According to AP news CEO Brain Thompson “shifted to value-based care” Focusing on, “paying doctors and other caregivers to keep patients healthy.” A statement contradicted, why ignore the inaccuracy of denied claims? Why impose a time limit in a surgical setting? Money proves to be the true drive.
