Speaking of Criminals...

In America, there are approximately 47 million people without any form of health insurance. Consequently they make choices like whether or not to pay the light bill or buy their medications. Last night CBS news did a piece on free clinics in America and they interviewed a man who had lost his job and was a diabetic. He said that losing his insurance was more frightening than losing his job because without his meds - he dies.

Everyone says that we live in the richest country in the world yet this is what we've come to? People have to choose between eating and taking their meds? How many ways can someone say this just isn't right?

Yesterday I received a bill from the lab who ran my blood work back in April. The charges were as follows:

Cholesterol test - 37.20
Lipoprotein test - 50.60
Triglycerides test - 37.20
TSH test - 122.60
Veinipuncture - 18.45
Creatinine test - 15.81
Electrolyte test - 21.64

Grand Total - 303.50

Anyone got a spare 303.50 just hanging out? Probably not.

I do have insurance but I pay through the nose for it - almost 425.00 per month. Carrying private health insurance simply isn't a choice for most Americans and I do feel their pain. But it wasn't the bill that made my head spin - with the final line on the bill:

Insurance Disallowance - 282.18

My total - 21.32

So here is my beef - if I didn't have overinflated health insurance, I'd have to pay 303.50 rather than 21.32. But because my insurance negotiates the prices they will pay, I only have to pay 21.32. Now take note, my insurances isn't paying 282.18 - they are requiring that the lab company Write It Off.

Those who are uninsured don't have that luxury. They might be able to contact the lab and get the bill cut in half - but IMO, the crime is that they are BILLED that amount to begin with.

Do you ever get the feeling that all anyone ever wants is to get into your pockets? I know I feel that way and I'm sick and tired of it.

Lori Foster & Dianne Castell's Readers Weekend

This past weekend was the Lori Foster, Dianne Castell Readers and Writers Weekend. Much fun was had and yes...I failed to take any photos. I carry a dratted camera everywhere I go but do I take it out?

Nooooo......

Thank goodness someone took this one. There were over 100 authors in attendance.