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Tim Callahan Profile
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Registered: 09-2008
Posts: 387
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The United States: It's all about the money.


Back in 1999, my wife, Bonnie, and I both lost our jobs in the animation industry. While we were accustomed to intermittent employment, we didn't realize this layoff was going to be permanent. I was 56 at the time. I had hoped that when I turned 62, in six years, I would have not only my pension and Social Security, but lifetime medical insurance for both of us, through Motion Picture Health and Welfare. Unfortunately, I found that, though I did get the pension and Social Security, I was just 400 hours (10 weeks) of employment shy of qualifying for lifetime medical. Fortunately for me, I was abel to get medical coverage through the Veterans Administration, having served a term of enlistment as a hospital corpsman in the Navy.

Unfortunately, Bonnie has had to pay for her own medical insurance through the years since 1999 with Anthem - Blue Cross. She's never been sick in all that time, but does require some meds to keep her healthy. Thus. it was quite shock to us to learn that Blue Cross (whom Bonnie refers to as Blue Double-cross) has decided to raise its rates (in California only) by a whopping 39%! This is in addition to the steady increase in rates we've been paying all along.

Is it just me, or have others noticed this "in your face" kind of arrogance from moneyed interests in the U.S.? The medical insurance industry has made huge profits, and in the face of growing public concern now wants to put the screws to the public for more money. This seems to fit in with the actions of financial institutions bailed out by the public's tax money having the gall to give huge bonuses to the very executives responsible for bankrupting them. Any comments from anyone on this issue?
2/17/2010, 2:46 pm Link to this post Send Email to Tim Callahan   Send PM to Tim Callahan
 
Tim Callahan Profile
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Re: The United States: It's all about the money.


Another aspect about it being all about money in the U.S. was driven home to me recently. I get my medical care at the Veterans Administration (VA) facility in Sepulveda, CA. The last time I was there I met a VietNam veteran who, while he gets his medical and psychological care at the VA, is living on the streets. What the hell is going on in our country? Shouldn't a veteran who has seen combat at least be guaranteed a roof over his head?
2/18/2010, 2:29 am Link to this post Send Email to Tim Callahan   Send PM to Tim Callahan
 


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