Is reform to benefit underwriters, or patients?
A very recent Quote of the Day message included the comments of Janet Trautwein who represents the National Association of Health Underwriters. She stated that we need to consider “free-market reform, and just say no to single payer.” It was followed by my criticism of underwriters whose role is to deny coverage of individuals with health care needs in order to protect insurers from the costs of that care.
Jeffrey Aaron provided us with his response to that message:
This is not a personal attack on Ms. Trautwein. However, let me speak plainly: she personally benefits from having private insurers in charge of American health care, and her letter plays on fears of “government-run” healthcare that she must know are false.
As a Type 1 diabetic I have had first-hand experience with health care in America, Canada and most recently, Japan.
In America when I became diabetic I lost my job (it was a medical disqualification) which meant that I also lost my employer -provided health care. With what was now a pre-existing condition and no income I was unable to afford health insurance. I paid cash for my medical care and I paid full price, not the reduced rate that insurance companies negotiate with doctors and hospitals. Major diabetic complications (which I have so far been spared) could mean bankruptcy.
By contrast, in Canada I went to any doctor I chose, received excellent care paid for through the single-payer system there, and never had to worry about filing claims or denial of a claim by an insurer. I met no Canadians who were interested in converting to an American-style system. Ms. Trautwein would have us believe that Canada has “substandard care, long waiting lists, loss of physicians, forced outsourcing and healthcare rationing.” Surely there would be hordes of Canadians clamoring to do away with the “inferior” single-payer system.
In Japan I get prompt, competent care without worry about bankruptcy. The citizens seem satisfied with the system.
Ms. Trautwein tells us that black is white and night is day while she benefits from a system that causes pain and misery to those around her. Why should she have any credibility?
Thanks for telling the truth, Don.
Best regards,
Jeff Aaron
Comment:
By Don McCanne, MD
And thanks, Jeff, for showing us that health policy is not just nebulous theory discussed by biased academics; it’s about real people and their actual health care.