Health Insurance Denial Compounds Grief

Denial of nonemergency ambulance transportation

Consumers need to consider options that may or may not be feasible under current law. In my opinion, it might be time for some real lawsuits perhaps based on denial of access based on disability...Title VII. While not currently used in this context, discrimination against the disabled sick that deprives them of needed medical care based solely on their disability (inability to transport themselves or safely be transported by other current means of transportation) is a socially irresponsible action that amounts to discrimination against our disabled.

Medicare Part B provides for coverage of such services but uses their ABN (advance beneficiary notices) and physician certification requirements (get a doctor's note). Not hopeless without either as many people are bedridden which also warrants ambulance usage and which is an arguable issue as to fact.

This kind of coverage should be a mandated part of all health insurance policies but is not. The biggest challenge is that people who are well cannot effectively empathize with what goes on in today's environment with those who are ill. By denying transportation many people are denied medical care based on their disability of illness. Get the care you need and pursue the issue with governmental and insurance entities.

It would be great to start seeing claims for mental distress brought against insurance companies because of their actions based on actual damages caused by unjustified denials and delays in payment where mental harm could have and should have been anticipated.

conoutofconsumer of NC @ Apr 06, 2008 09:24:41 AM