Comments on: When Health Coverage Doesn't Hold Up

CBS News Investigates How Individual Health Insurance Providers Can Deny Big Claims

[trixie8476]

People forget one critical thing...insurance companies are BUSINESSES. Why in the world would they want to insure anyone with an expensive health problem, or an older person who is likely to develop one?

This is exactly why government needs to be in charge of health insurance...insurance companies are not a charity...they are not there to HELP you...they are there to make $$$$!

[enriquecaliente]

Insurance Company = License to steal.

[gumballl]

What about selling Medicaid coverage to everyone?Even if it is not a panacea, it would at least make sure that people would not do without overage.Make it an option. Do not use the bureaucratic sliding scales that have hog tied most governmental programs. Why do we live in a world that is deciding who gets help and who gets neglected? I would never take away Medicaid from someone who was disabled or require them to pay.But why can't others be allowed to Opt in to a program that would make our nation a healthier place to live? It is not socialized medicine if it is not required. This type of program might serve to make our country again competeitve on an international scale because we are competing with other countries that have lower health care cost and do not rely on employers. Why do you think so many manufacturing jobs have left and gone overseas? They can not even afford the high cost of health care here.

[pmcalifornia]

After nearly 20 years with a California HMO, I applied for individual coverage. They had overcharged my "government employer for this coverage for years". At times my spouse & I was paying dual coverage premiums to them. Now that I am an independant contractor the "cherry-picking" begins.

I never smoked or drank, I am a 49 yr old "white woman" that has been a 5 ft, 100 lbs., size 0 for years.

I was just declined coverage because I gained to 130 lbs., size 6!!! height/weight variance. I have had controlled seizures for 25 yrs. since I was 24 yrs. old. They forced me the whole time,to take the drugs as just an protective medication to drive. This time it is mutated into a pre-existing condition since they can't jack-up the premium.

[pvb44]

Insurance companies get their ratings based on financial strength and financial outlook. It has nothing to do with paying claims. Just thought you should know.

[xxjayajxx]

I'm not as knowledgeable about health insurance or any other insurance but I do understand insurance is bought in case something happens, not for something that has already happened. Now, if you want insurance companies to pay for your fees, go complain to the health industries. My god, they are the ones who are charging extreme prices for a minor checkup or procedure that may take a mere 10 minutes. Hospitals are charging for any bogus item they can claim. I heard they're even charging up to a dollar for a band-aid so don't take it out on the insurance companies, at least some of the better ones. Think about it. Medicare and Medicaid should be able to cover your medical expenses. Due to increasing prices and the increased number of clients, they're not able to fulfill all the demands.

[reader321]

You buy insurance to cover the unseen health conditions/events not the ones that have been diagnosed! It is pretty obvious that the Angina had to do with this mans heart being that he had a HEART ATTACK! Assurant is an A rated company and they have that rating because they pay their claims!
I guess this this what happens in an election year!!!

[southmsdixon]

Hospitals and medical providers have to charge much more than is really nesseccary in order to offset their loses for providing for those who do not have insurance. This in turn makes insurance premiums continue to rise. I think that insurance companies do the best they can with what they have to work with.
And smokers are NOT the downfall of humanity, regardless of what Uncle Sam wants you to believe.

[cathaleen]

Yeah, no one smokes or drinks. Sure. Everyone is a health nut. Give me a break.

[tlkwitherick]

As a health agent, I always find that the health market is constantly changing. For instance Assurant has already changed their name twice in the past to avoid this publicity, and even the BlueCross in this state has been under investigation, and recently changed their name to BlueCross Anthem. I am a broker and have every company under the sun to sell, and I can tell you that Assurant is not a bad company. Every company has horror stories. It's an insurance companies job to look for reasons to not pay claims, and therefore, increase profits. You just have to be dilligent and have an agent that will fight with you and not against you.

If anyone is interested in getting a quote on insurance, I am licensed in all 50 states and would be more than glad to help any of you guys out. Check out my website at www.besthealthquote.net/talkwitherick

I recommend taking a look at Best Insurance. They have an A rating and currently don't have a single complaint in my homestate. Feel free to check out the other companies I carry, but Best Insurance is probably the lesser of the evils when it comes to Health Insurance.