Inside the Black Box of Healthcare Insurance

…is a scary place.

People run from it screaming all the time.

Perhaps I should save this post for the lead-up to Halloween?

No?

Do you really want to see inside?

Maddy does. She asked me to post on medical insurance coverage for therapy. Will you see this topic as black? Or some other color? 

In whatever manner you imagine peering into a box containing information on healthcare insurance, (American reference – all I can reasonably do) I start with a ‘tip’ (suggestion, recommendation, advice). [Bridge is reserved for activity-ideas to include into the therapeutic lifestyle of your child.]

If you have medical or healthcare insurance that is not government-subsidized, commonly referred to as private insurance, go read your policy.

Reading one’s insurance policy is sure to account for at least 25% of all individuals running-screaming from the (insert your color preference) box.

Jaded-as-I-am on this topic I believe that the near-insurmountable semantics included in the promissory literature called ‘policy’ is intentionally meant to keep information from the policy-holder.

I call healthcare insurance a black box because I suspect that those who create the box would rather keep the rest of us on the outside, unable to see within.  Not knowing what is covered and not covered in your policy is like being in.the.dark.

What an immense amount of control is usurped from us when we allow insurance to remain a black box.

If you are among the 75% who have not run-screaming, then the next concept I wish to share is that private insurance is not a free add-on to employment. Insurance is part of your earned compensation for the work you do.

Learned-as-I-am on cognition and behavior I believe that you will behave differently if you think of insurance as part of your salary as opposed to a freebie proffered by your employer, or a right.

And that’s all I’ve got to say tonight.

Medical insurance coverage for therapy will not be covered in one sweeping post to answer ALL. Look for several posts as I try to eat this elephant one bite at a time.

I will not be near online access tomorrow so comments will be published Saturday evening. Be sure to let me know which elephant-parts you want to taste with me.

Comments

[Katy]

I'm such a nerd--I read the HUGE book of policy coverage as soon as we got it.

[Barbara who lives here]

You know, Katy, the world is ruled by nerds. hehe. (That's from one nerd to another.)

I've read many posts by parents that express surprise when they find out this or that is not covered by their insurance. Not that anyone really expects a medical diagnosis in the family and reads ahead. ('Cept you and me, of course.)

But there are further steps that can be taken - if one knows what is in the policy. In another post. Soon.

[Burb Bunny]

Running. Screaming.

[Stephanie Nance]

Just screaming here.

[Barbara who lives here]

Okay, score: 1 reader, 2 screamers, and 1 runner. I'm not surprised you are not running, Stephanie, being pregnant and all. And Burb Bunny, I understand running is good exercise. Who would have thunk - the irritating complexity of healthcare insurance would be a drive to exercise? Not me. I'm hoping to start chomping on my next bite of the elephant LATER today. Thank you all for leaving comments.

[Sandi]

Well, I should be running...but mostly just screaming :-)

I look forward to the next bite of this elephant!

[Childlife]

"I believe that the near-insurmountable semantics included in the promissory literature called ‘policy’ is intentionally meant to keep information from the policy-holder."

I believe you're exactly right, Barbara, and I'm so glad to see someone taking on this important topic. I've had to pry open and expose many a black boxes' innards to daylight and as daunting as the task may seem, it's a critical skill to posses. Your life, or the life of someone you love may very well depend on it.

As for your "jaded" point of view, well, the insurance world could do with a host more jaded onlookers. Particularly such articulate ones. Write on, I say! ;)

~Michelle

[Barbara who lives here]

Yes, Childlife, "Your life, or the life of someone you love may very well depend on it." That resonates with me strongly. If you look back to my Memorial Day post last year - oh, it is linked in the middle column under a list title: BB's opinions on the "healthcare system" - I express a similar thought there.

Hopefully there will be enough volume here for the courage to spread. In my least whiney voice I want to say I do not put myself out here lightly.

I appreciate the encouragement in every comment, but I am certain that many do and will differ with me as I go deeper into the box.