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The Great Health Insurance Scam


"Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people." - Isaiah 10:1-2

What would a prophet like Isaiah say about the scammy health insurance system? I feel like the health insurance (and likely other types of insurance) companies would have heard from God. Well, God has not gone silent and still speaks through prophets. I draw on the ancient text to respond to what is certainly acts of oppression by health insurance companies. 

Prophets still call out injustices and oppressive systems that marginalize and harm the vulnerable. Today, one of the clearest examples of such systemic injustice is the health insurance industry in the United States. The way these companies operate is nothing short of a scam, with far-reaching implications for individual health, economic stability, and societal well-being.


High Cost with Limited Benefits

Health insurance premiums in the United States are extraordinarily high. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average annual premium for family coverage exceeded $21,000 in 2020. Despite these exorbitant costs, many insurance plans come with high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, making it difficult for policyholders to access the care they need. This disparity between the cost of premiums and the actual coverage provided is the first indication of a deeply flawed system. Smdh. 

Impossible Conditions, with still Limited Coverage

Insurance companies often impose stringent conditions on what they will cover, leaving many patients to bear the brunt of medical expenses. A 2019 study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly 20% of adults with employer-sponsored insurance reported having at least one claim denied. Not much has changed. These denials can be due to a myriad of reasons, from pre-existing conditions to arbitrary determinations of what constitutes "medically necessary" care. This gatekeeping not only undermines patient health but also adds stress and financial strain on individuals and families.


This issue hit home for me recently when my doctor ordered a series of tests to diagnose a health issue. One of the tests was an MRI, which my insurance company deemed "unnecessary" and subsequently denied. The denial left me in a difficult position because I couldn't afford to pay for the test out of pocket. The implications for my health are dire as without the MRI, my doctor can't make a definitive diagnosis, potentially delaying critical treatment. My health insurance company Aetna, gets paid their monthly high premium, but none of this matters when they wield power over decisions concerning my health. My doctor was forced to appeal the denial, generating more paperwork. billable hours, and wasting time. 



The Impact on Healthcare Providers

The insurance companies wield significant power over healthcare providers, as they seem to dictate the number of patients doctors must see and how much time they can spend with each patient. This business model prioritizes quantity over quality, and essentially compromises the standard of care that patients receive. Physicians, under pressure to meet quotas, find themselves unable to provide thorough, personalized care. It is like an assembly-line out here. Such an approach to healthcare undermines the doctor-patient relationship and can lead to misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment, and ultimately poorer health outcomes (read death). 

Economic Implications

Of course, there are economic implications! Always, there are economic implications. The economic implications of the current health insurance model are life-sucking! Families facing high medical bills are forced to deplete their savings, (if student loan payments don't get us first), accrue debt, or may even declare bankruptcy. Connect the dots and homes and other forms of basic human rights are lost. A study by the American Journal of Public Health in 2019 found that nearly 66.5% of bankruptcies were tied to medical issues. The broader implications of this financial instability include economic repercussions that reduce consumer spending and present an increasing demand on social safety nets. The so-called safety nets are another topic of skullduggery to be discussed at another time. 

Broader Social Consequences


Then there is the scope of social inequalities to contend with beyond the immediate financial and health impacts of the way insurance companies operate. For instance, those with lower incomes are disproportionately affected by high premiums and limited coverage, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and poor health. The systemic bias against marginalized communities, including racial minorities, trans people, and people with disabilities, further entrenches these disparities. 




Sounding the Alarm!

The current health insurance system stands in stark contrast to the biblical call for justice and care for the oppressed. Since there is so much noise about this being a Christian nation, the healthcare system should be aligned with these values. For this to happen, comprehensive reform is necessary. This includes implementing policies that ensure affordable, universal coverage, regulating insurance practices to prevent exploitative behaviors, and prioritizing patient care over profit margins. I have included Scripture in this conversation because that is what I do. However, I want to state clearly, that a healthcare system that does not enrich power-brokers at the expense of the poor, is simply the decent option. 


The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly highlighted the inadequacies of our healthcare system, prompting a renewed urgency for reform. It is therefore imperative that we advocate for a system that upholds the dignity and health of all individuals, reflecting the justice and compassion that Isaiah and this prophet envision. Access to life is a right, not a privilege. Where the Christians at? 


#scam #healthinsurance #healthcaresystem #injustice #oppression #evil






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