Insurers know it’s profitable to discourage patient claims
As Republicans work to repeal Obamacare, they say they want to safeguard coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. But they have yet to explain how they’ll accomplish this without also keeping the mandate that everyone buy insurance.
What isn’t being discussed is the obstacle course insurance companies and middlemen create for policyholders trying to get claims approved, often for chronic conditions. Industry bean counters have the power to reject drugs or treatments recommended by doctors.
“It’s a moneymaking tactic,” said Carmen Balber, director of Consumer Watchdog. “The companies know that when they deny claims, most people will just give up.”
Not Bill Waxman.
The 66-year-old has had repeated encounters with Anthem Blue Cross and Navitus Health Solutions, which handles his f