This kind of thing is very distressing to me, and I often wish there might be a way to "get justice".

We who b**g can complain our little hearts out and get no relief. I see it time and time again -- the WalMart, the Home Depot, the Cingular, the Bushes -- anybody who is big just runs roughshod over the people I read in my b**ger runs.

You're a smart person. Check out www.moveon.org and see if people like you and I shouldn't join, and offer causes. And if it appeals to YOU, I bet we could add a lot more members.

You have to be chairperson, though.
Old Horsetail Snake | Homepage | 01.26.06 - 7:50 pm | #

Hulk smash.

People argue against single-payer (Canadian-style or otherwise) because they don't want "big government" (invariably pronounced "gubmint") making health care decisions. These same people often have no trouble with big business making those decisions - and more.

If you're going to be opposed to big government (and believe me - even I, as a card-carrying bleeding-heart ACLU type, believe in appropriately-sized government), then you should make sure you have the same ire for big business and its willingness to ride roughshod over our lives and our property all for the sake of a few extra cents per share.

Birth control is still the subject of much debate (not "Plan B" or RU-486 - simple birth control), but Viagra was put on the list of acceptable medications almost immediately after it came out.

Once again, Hulk smash.

WF
Wes F. in North Adams | Homepage | 01.26.06 - 8:19 pm | #

I am with you 100% on this subject! It makes no sense to me how the insurance companies have the right to over rule a Dr's orders.

I wish there was a way to hold them responsible if something tragic happen due to their stupidity.

But, sadly, I don't see that happening anytime soon.
Wendi | Homepage | 01.26.06 - 8:47 pm | #

All I can add here is my "me too." It's a man's world. Sadly.
Bronwen | Homepage | 01.26.06 - 10:14 pm | #

What is this birth control of which you speak? ;~)
bonnie | Homepage | 01.26.06 - 11:32 pm | #

Too true. I fear for the aftermath of the new medicare drug program. Most people cannot figure out what is best for them and it may all be a disaster waiting to happen.
kenju | Homepage | 01.27.06 - 12:02 am | #

I'm divided on this post, Mamacita. I agree with you 100% on Viagra. I don't think it should be covered by insurance. It's ridiculous. And along those same lines I think healthcare is way too expensive here and that insurance companies should set lines in the sand. Nobody deserves treatment--you get drugs if you can pay for them like anything else in this world. So I guess we agree 50% or thereabouts, Mamacita.
Utenzi | Homepage | 01.27.06 - 12:22 am | #

I forgot to mention, Mamacita, that I'd not been to your blog in a while and I really, really like the way it looks now. Such a clean attractive design. Great work.

Michele sent me!
Utenzi | Homepage | 01.27.06 - 12:23 am | #

moveon.org, is sponsored by the Democratic (Party) National Committee. Be careful. Regretfully, here does not seem to be much difference today between a Demo. and Republican when it comes to deciding what is best for our personal lives.

As for the meds in question, can it be gotten from the physician and then billed to the health care provider as a "office medical action" or someother medico-legal language? I always wondered why inmates in Federal Prisons needed Viagra?
Polski3 | Homepage | 01.27.06 - 12:40 am | #

Insurance companies should have absolutely NO say in healthcare. WE pay THEM to insure us. PERIOD. Anything beyond that is FRAUD.

Yeah, I'd just as soon kill the whole industry and start over.

-G
Garrison Steelle | Homepage | 01.27.06 - 6:59 am | #

Actually, moveon.org isn't officially connected with the Democratic National Committee. They probably share a lot of views and much of the same membership/donor base/etc., but they are two distinct entities.

WF
Wes F. in North Adams | Homepage | 01.27.06 - 10:49 am | #

My sister (who is ironically a doc herself) had thyroid cancer and now has no thyroid. She's been on synthroid for 12 years--her insurance wanted to switch her to the generic this year @@

I HATE and DESPISE insurance people. They won't pay for the medication that keeps me from having daily migraines, and they won't pay for an allergy medicine for my son who has severe allergies.

How do they sleep at night????
Angel | Homepage | 01.30.06 - 12:30 pm | #

How do they sleep at night????

If you've ever watched The Simpsons, you know Rainer Wolfcastle's response to this is "On top of a pile of money with many beautiful ladies."

I'm sure the insurance execs have the pile of money part down.

WF
Wes F. in North Adams | Homepage | 01.30.06 - 12:43 pm | #