Talk To Me
My thoughts exactly, in spite of the spin on the Blue Cross website. Their behavior since the switch has been consistent, and consistently in the interests of profits, not their customers.
Which is precisely why I'm willing to pay slightly higher premiums when I switch over to United Health this month.
Just to clarify, BCBSNC yielded to public pressure in 2003 and did not convert to for-profit status.
I have been with UHC for ten years and am generally pleased with them.
While I agree BCBS is the bigger bully, MCHS is no saint. I think the pissing match that has gone on is embarrassing. As you know, I am quite displeased with Cone's management internally. Their practice decisions are routinely unsafe and are ALL profit driven. There would be massive outcry if the consumers/patients knew the types of things that go on. They talk a good game and give favorable outward appearances, but it is a sham. Basic, good care has gone out the window in favor of profit and I worry every time I work about my patients, my own safety, and my nursing license.
Lesser of two evils, but like I've said before... for a not-for-profit and supposedly out there to help people gain insurance, you have to wonder why the premiums are so close to the actual for-profit networks. Then you account for the money that not-for-profits get to keep due to their status, and you seriously have to wonder.
While MF has a point on Moses Cone also is profit driven, the fact of the matter is ... what business isn't?
The point here is, who's the greedier of the two in the ring, and all history points to BCBS more than Moses Cone.
One other thing. Full disclaimer: I don't use Moses Cone, nor do I use BCBS. But someone close to me is on BCBS and I'm on Humana. I'll have to say that I pay a lot less in premiums than this other person for way better coverage. Go figure that one out. Oh wait. Hats off to my employer.
I also agree, there are no saints in this fray! Believe me, those of us who actually pay for our health care and insurance premiums will be hit with the fallout. It saddens me to see all the public relations money being spent by both, in order to win public opinion.
What a waste and what a shame.
Of course businesses are driven by profits but we're talking about patient safety (and even their lives), not a mark up on inventory b/c last quarter was poor. I think BCBS portrays itself one way but walks an entirely different walk.
Ooops, I meant to say I think MCHS portrays itself one way and walks an entirely different walk.
MF, don't you have other things to worry about right now?
There are no real non-profits anymore. What exists are just varying degrees of business acumen and focus on profit from those that call themselves that nowadays.
I'm caught. I don't like my doctor, who is with LeBauer, AND I have BC/BS. I can't switch insurance companies because it's provided by the company, but I can switch doctors. Can anyone suggest a doctor in the Greensboro area? Preferably near or around Browns Summit or the Lake Jeanette area. Thanks.
Isn't healthcare the ultimate shell game-a nurse dispenses a $25 painkiller to an insured patient, the insurance company reimbureses via a skillful negotiation, and an uninsured patient down the hall gets the same care at a different cost. And we wonder why the whole system frankly stinks.
Bring on HSA-it might bring more truth in healthcare pricing.
I can tell you that we have had a prolonged and as yet unidentified illness in our home this year, our first on an HSA plan, and our family wallet has taken a large hit.
Sorry for the illness and the wallet "hit", but think you probably still did the right thing by going with a qualified HSA plan. Your monthly premiums were probably much lower (due to the higher deductible)and no office or prescription co-pays)than a traditional plan. Also, assuming you actually opened a Health Savings account,everything you put in it (up to the maximum allowed)is tax deductible.
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