| 7/19/2008 8:07:21 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | | 
knightnyte2
Spring, TX
age: 55
| Last night, I watched the movie Sicko, by Michael Moore. We've all heard the stories of claims with insurance companies denied, and watched the Rainmaker by John Grisham. If you've never seen this movie, I suggest you watch it. It was an eye opener for me.
One lady had ovarian cancer. she applied to her insurance company for surgery. It was approved. She had the surgery and the cost was somewhere just over $7,000 covered by the insurance company. She was going about her happy life and opened a letter from her insurance company saying the claim was denied. The insurance company filed with the hospital and got their money back telling them the client lied, and they needed to collect from them. Guess what the client lied about? She didnt tell the insurance company she had a vaginal yeast infection one time.
This movie covers a man, who's job it was to simply do investigations on patients who filed claims and find a way to get them denied. In some cases, the fact that you had a sore knee and complained one time, and didnt feel it necessary to seek medical help, actually was a preexisting condition for the insurance company to deny the claim.
Some of you might remember a thread I did on pharmaceutical companies a while back. I said those companies charge us in the US sometimes 100 times more than they charge people in other countries. The only reason they do, is they can. They've paid off our officials in Washington that started with Richard Nixon. This goes on through today, including counting all the campaign contributions to the Bush administration. Oh, do not let that mislead you. THEY ALL ARE GUILTY up there. Obama has opened his hands and received these contributions legally as well as all the rest of the 'slime balls' up there.
Watch the trailer, its 2:24 min. You'll see a lady in there whose bonus was based on how many claims she denied.
| | 7/19/2008 8:14:09 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | | 
chinaonlyabc
Lancaster, CA
age: 53
| This is why.. before I became self employed.. I made sure that my husband worked in civil service.. In civil service.. the health insurance had no pre existing insurance.. therefore.. the whole family was covered.. and I felt secure. But getting self employed insurance.. was a bummer.. In fact.. when I got pregnant for the first time.. and I was self employed.. I had to pay for the baby out of pocket.. and I had a C-section because of the time limit!! Yup, I got pregnant too early!! So therefore, bad timing.. and I paid for the surgery and everything by myself.. Expensive little baby!! All because of the timing of the conception!! Geesh.
| | 7/19/2008 8:45:56 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | | 
bigbadklondyke
Eaton, OH
age: 45
| TRY 2 GET INS. WITH 2 MANY PRE EXISTING CONDITIONS SO I'M F**K'D WITH BOTH LEGS GONE 4BYPASES & A STROKE  
| | 7/19/2008 8:48:18 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | |
knightnyte2
Spring, TX
age: 55
| i went through the problems with NASE self employed insurance. my youngest had some tough problems as a baby, and almost with each new month, my health insurance premium doubled. It was up to almost $4000/month before I dropped it. It started at $371/mth.
my problem was taken care of, and new insurance was acquired. it was expensive, and certain items were not covered on my youngest.
in texas, an insurance company cannot raise the premiums on one, without raising them on everyone else in the group. Oh well, the insurance company just made each insured, a group all their own.
peace... don't be hatin'
| | 7/19/2008 8:48:59 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | | 
dakwa
Tulsa, OK
age: 47
| The only problem with this, is that you cannot trust anything that Moore says in his films. I do not doubt this happened, I do have questions about why it happened. Moore has been caught in his other films modifying the information to make his points, even being sued by one vet for falsely representing him, and misleading questions, and altering his answers. What was worse, the Vet in question was in the VA after loosing one arm and both legs to an IED.
Moore has no scruples, and no honesty.
| | 7/19/2008 9:10:15 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | |
knightnyte2
Spring, TX
age: 55
| oh, i agree about michael moore. i have to laugh at him on larry king interviews as a extreme liberal.
the pharmaceutical thread I posted last month i believe, went pretty much away pretty fast as being bogus and crying wolf. i know he's a hillary supporter as well. hehe, maybe that's why she is $10 mil in debt,, she paid him for the movie. but where there is smoke, there's usually fire.
peace... don't be hatin'
| | 7/19/2008 9:13:52 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | |
dakwa
Tulsa, OK
age: 47
| I know there are many issues with the Health system. I would rather listen to someone that would at least try to be honest about them, and not pay a con for his review.
| | 7/19/2008 9:21:36 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | | 
virilevirtuoso
Glendale, AZ
age: 36
| i havent seen this movie but i have seen a couple of his other ones. Moore is not a liberal because of the things he exposes as being corrupt. nor is he a liberal by the way he goes about making his points, with deception or not. what makes him a liberal are his ideas on how to "fix" the problems. it always comes down to government as the savior. personally i couldn't disagree more.
| | 7/19/2008 9:22:14 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | |
knightnyte2
Spring, TX
age: 55
| Posted 12/15/2004 9:04 PM Updated 12/16/2004 12:14 AM
Tauzin switches sides from drug industry overseer to lobbyist
By William M. Welch, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Retiring Rep. Billy Tauzin, R-La., who stepped down earlier this year as chairman of the House committee that regulates the pharmaceutical industry, will become the new president and CEO of the drug industry's top lobbying group.
U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin, R-La., at a 2000 committee meeting.
By Susan Walsh, AP file
Tauzin will begin work Jan. 3 heading the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a powerful trade group that marshaled an army of lobbyists last year to successfully support a bill overhauling Medicare and establishing the first prescription drug benefit for seniors. Tauzin was a co-sponsor, and President Bush signed the bill into law a year ago.
Tauzin, in an interview Wednesday following the group's announcement, acknowledged that the U.S. drug manufacturers have suffered a "black eye" in public perceptions because of high prices and profits, safety concerns focusing on the recall of big-selling drugs, and other issues. He said his first job is to deal with those problems.
"Not only do I agree with that, the industry agrees with that," he said. "I think the industry finally gets it. They've lost the connection with the American public, and they've got to rebuild the trust with the American public."
Tauzin, 61, was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in March. He attributes his recovery to cancer-fighting drugs and said the experience led him to accept the job with PhRMA, as the group is commonly known, over other offers.
"I was treated with a miracle drug, just like Lance Armstrong," he said. "The question is what I wanted to do with the new life God has given me. This is the mission I want to take on."
Tauzin came under criticism from congressional Democrats earlier this year when reports surfaced he was in talks with the drug industry about a job. He resigned as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has authority over the drug industry, and did not run for re-election to the House. Tauzin said he never negotiated with PhRMA while he was chairman.
Democratic critics of the legislation condemned it during congressional debate as a give-away to the drugmakers because it prohibits the federal government from negotiating lower prices for medicines and continues a ban on importation of identical but lower-cost drugs from Canada and elsewhere. Tauzin warned importing drugs would expose Americans to the risk of tainted or bogus drugs.
Public Citizen, a non-profit consumer advocacy group, called Tauzin's hiring "yet another example of how public service is leading to private riches." Tauzin gets a pay package reportedly worth at least $2 million a year, making him one of the highest-paid lobbyists in Washington.
"It's a sad commentary on politics in Washington that a member of Congress who pushed through a major piece of legislation benefiting the drug industry gets the job leading that industry," said Public Citizen President Joan Claybrook.
Tauzin said his salary and other terms would not be disclosed: "No, it's a confidential agreement. It is comparable to other trade associations of this size. I can tell you I've gotten larger offers."
Tauzin received more than $218,000 in campaign contributions from pharmaceutical manufacturers over the past 15 years, said the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign-finance watchdog group.
Based on its study of public disclosures, the group said Tauzin's total included $91,500 from drugmakers during his last re-election campaign in 2002. That was the first election in which he was chairman of the committee with jurisdiction over the drug industry.
Tauzin said the group would work to improve access and affordability of prescription drugs for low-income Americans. He said PhRMA remained opposed to importing drugs from Canada or other countries.
our tax dollars launching yet another $2 million/year career
peace... don't be hatin'
| | 7/19/2008 9:40:02 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | |
dakwa
Tulsa, OK
age: 47
| Now if he can do and tries to do as he says, I am all for that. But this will be one of those, "Only time will tell" Situations.
If you notice there have been a lot of positive changesd lately in the drug industry. Maybe we'll see some more?
| | 7/20/2008 2:33:20 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | |
chinaonlyabc
Lancaster, CA
age: 53
| I have not seen the movie so I can not comment. Frankly, I did not want to patronize Michael Moore's movie and assist in his success. I realize that he edits his movies for his content and does not document the reality. He favors his "truth". There truly is a problem with the health care system and furthermore as I have stated in previous threads; I just do not believe that Michael Moore is helpful in achieving this with integrity. Michael Moore might harm this process by his editing methods.
As I have stated previously, there is an insecurity with medical costs here in this country. And people can go bankrupt due to medical costs for a chronic illness. This is inhumane and undignified that us Americans can not care for each other during the times when we are needed the most. If one thinks that the insurance that one purchses will protect oneself.. THINK again!! There are so many loopholes that benefit the insurance company that when a person is needing help, the insurance company is oftentimes NOT there to assist an ill person for a needed procedure. One can obtain all the insurace that one can get.. disability insurance, medical health insurance, supplemental health insurance, umbrella insurance, life insurance, long term health care insurance.. BUT there are loopholes!! And believe me.. once one NEEDS care.. the insurance companies say.. Did you READ the fine print?? And did you realize that you have to pay this??? So, the games start to play.. and one thinks that service is there.. however.. when one is needing help.. one is SOL.. sorry out of luck..
This is society today.. and disabled sick people.. are so sick by then.. that.. it's too hard to fight a mammoth company.. One is too tired.. to fight the "city" hall..
So.. I am insecure about health insurance.. and the process of dying for myself.. and how this can hurt my family. The costs.. the problems.. the process.
| | 7/20/2008 3:02:50 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | | 
newlife4me2
Sioux Falls, SD
age: 43
| As a benefits administrator for several years I got a lot of first hand in and out experience dealing with medical insurance claims, not just personally, but for the employees as well.
Insurance companies will deny it but they can and do outright deny claims for absolutely no reason. I had one company that was denying every single claim filed to it. The thought process seems to be that most people will not fight back (and they don't) so its found money for the insurance company.
My best advice, be proactive. When you get a denial call the insurance company and question why. If the insurance company is looking for additional information, then obtain it yourself and send it directly to them. If they continue to deny your claims and you start seeing a pattern then by all means tell them that you will contact your State's Insurance Commission to lodge a complaint. Once I jumped through the hoops and got to the point of bringing in the Insurance Commission it was amazing to see the denials (all of them) miraculously stop.
| | 7/20/2008 4:17:47 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | |
bigbadklondyke
Eaton, OH
age: 45
| As a benefits administrator for several years I got a lot of first hand in and out experience dealing with medical insurance claims, not just personally, but for the employees as well.
Insurance companies will deny it but they can and do outright deny claims for absolutely no reason. I had one company that was denying every single claim filed to it. The thought process seems to be that most people will not fight back (and they don't) so its found money for the insurance company.
My best advice, be proactive. When you get a denial call the insurance company and question why. If the insurance company is looking for additional information, then obtain it yourself and send it directly to them. If they continue to deny your claims and you start seeing a pattern then by all means tell them that you will contact your State's Insurance Commission to lodge a complaint. Once I jumped through the hoops and got to the point of bringing in the Insurance Commission it was amazing to see the denials (all of them) miraculously stop. THIS IS SO TRUE I DO ON MEDICAID DON'T TRY 2 GET THINGS I DON'T NEED U SHOULD NO THAT PT'S & OCCUPATIONAL THERPIST R 4 LAZY PEOPLE WHO WOULD'NT TRY & I THINK THAT REALLY HURTS THE INSS. COMPANIES DRAININMG THEM OF MONEY
[Edited 7/20/2008 4:19:10 PM]
| | 7/20/2008 8:26:16 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | | 
jrbogie
Red Bluff, CA
age: 59
| Last night, I watched the movie Sicko, by Michael Moore. We've all heard the stories of claims with insurance companies denied, and watched the Rainmaker by John Grisham. If you've never seen this movie, I suggest you watch it. It was an eye opener for me.
One lady had ovarian cancer. she applied to her insurance company for surgery. It was approved. She had the surgery and the cost was somewhere just over $7,000 covered by the insurance company. She was going about her happy life and opened a letter from her insurance company saying the claim was denied. The insurance company filed with the hospital and got their money back telling them the client lied, and they needed to collect from them. Guess what the client lied about? She didnt tell the insurance company she had a vaginal yeast infection one time.
This movie covers a man, who's job it was to simply do investigations on patients who filed claims and find a way to get them denied. In some cases, the fact that you had a sore knee and complained one time, and didnt feel it necessary to seek medical help, actually was a preexisting condition for the insurance company to deny the claim.
Some of you might remember a thread I did on pharmaceutical companies a while back. I said those companies charge us in the US sometimes 100 times more than they charge people in other countries. The only reason they do, is they can. They've paid off our officials in Washington that started with Richard Nixon. This goes on through today, including counting all the campaign contributions to the Bush administration. Oh, do not let that mislead you. THEY ALL ARE GUILTY up there. Obama has opened his hands and received these contributions legally as well as all the rest of the 'slime balls' up there.
Watch the trailer, its 2:24 min. You'll see a lady in there whose bonus was based on how many claims she denied.
michael moore openned your eyes? talk about a sicko.
| | 7/20/2008 8:27:16 PM | Sicko, the movie, How our Healthcare really works. | | 
jazminx
Mount Airy, GA
age: 41
| anyone seen that video of a candain couple that had to come to the USA because the canadian healthcare system was too slow and the guy was dying of a tumor.
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