The Laughing Wolf: The Consequences Of Blogging?

April 23, 2004

The Consequences Of Blogging?

I just got an interesting letter from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. My COBRA coverage with them is about to expire, so after talking with the BCBS rep I applied for a new policy with them through another agency. This policy was not anywhere near as nice, and specifically excluded pre-existing conditions.

Today, I get a letter from the same person that made the routine inquiries about my shoulder, and to whom I responded, stating that the new coverage was declined. I am going to look into other options, but have to wonder if my previous response was a factor in my denial. I am preparing a response, but may have to run it by legal counsel before I send it and post it here. For those interested, here is today’s letter.

Dear Mr. Powers:

Thank you for applying for health coverage with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

We base eligibility for membership on certain underwriting requirements to protect all members and to keep health care costs manageable. Each applicant must meet these standards to be accepted.

After careful review, we have determined that you have not met these underwriting requirements. We are unable to offer coverage to you at this time due to your history of Shoulder Injury and Hyperinsulinemia. Additionally, a person 5’10” is allowed a maximum weight of 215 pounds.

We appreciate your applying for membership and wish we could give you a more favorable reply.

Sincerely,

XXXXXXX

-30-

Posted by wolf1 at April 23, 2004 09:34 PM | TrackBack

Comments

OK - I'm goin' in. "Truth Fairy" I would have just sent an email, but the option wasn't there.

1) I know a few bloggers, and I don't know how to break this to you - but none of us, not one single person I know, blogs for your reading pleasure or satisfaction. I know, that is probably hard for you to understand - but I do have an option for you. If there is something you don't enjoy or that you find bothersome - don't read it, surf on - and Don't Come Back. How 'bout that?!

2) I am a "chick" (so to speak) and would appreciate if you would resist the temptation to speak - however generally - on my behalf. EVER. I have the capability of speaking for myself, and actually know my own mind. So just leave me out of it.

3) I also spent some time working in the insurance world.(7 years as a claims rep.) LW has the right to question their response - if everyone that had pre-existing condititions or were over weight were denied insurance than most of the country would not have any insurance at all.

So - to sum things up. Shut Up. You don't like it - leave. If you gotta be mean - leave. (I'd put things a bit blunter, but I'm trying to behave.)

Posted by: Tammi at April 24, 2004 08:57 PM

Ooops. Didn’t mean to take out the original post.

Tami, thanks for the good response, which unlike the troll is well within the spirit and the letter of rules. I started to remove the comment, but did not for three reasons.

First, it started my day with a good laugh, which is always appreciated.

Second, it feeds into the pathology. Anyone who has studied psych or forensic psych can see this for what it is. Indeed, in some ways this qualifies as a textbook example that reveals much about the shortcomings of the person behind it. Removing would only reinforce them by giving them the attention they so desperately crave. That it takes such as this to build them up speaks volumes about them and their life, and as such I feel only pity for them.

Third, I will borrow from the late, great, David Niven and remark that they will forever be remembered for their shortcomings. Since they decided to steal my bandwidth to expose themselves in all particulars to the world, I had intended to oblige in this one instance so that the world could look and laugh just as I did. Should have waited until after coffee to do this. Oh well, no great loss.

Posted by: Laughing Wolf at April 25, 2004 02:32 PM

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