In the U.S., why is it that insurance seems like a scam and never seems to "cover" the full damage?

Question

I know several people, including myself, that have been left stranded when things have gone awry. One friend of mine got cancer at 22, leaving her out of work (although insured) for about 6 months. Although a couple thousand was payed by insurance, she now owes around $27,000 for all the medication and time spent in the hospital, as well as the removal surgery. Why is it that when we need help the most, our security blankets fail us and we're left to fend for ourselves? Why do we spend thousands a year on taxes and insurance just to be left in the cold when we need help? Finally, why does the vast majority of Americans do the "dirty work" while the rest reap the benefits? I don't know about anyone else, but I'm tired of fighting for the scraps.

I personally wanted to thank everyone for their responses to my question. This is a very touchy and important subject for me. It was a bit rhetorical, in knowing how I already felt, and to see that most agree. If there were only a better way around... We need to stand up and quit allowing ourselves to be shut down on ideas that make this a better place for all of us here. If this is a democracy, then why aren't we able to take issues like this into our own hands? It seems as though we've been defeated by the almighty buck, and the greed of some contributes to the poverty of many. I one time asked a friend the importance of carrying insurance. He said to me,"That's your responsibility as an American." Glad that they could force another one on us.

Answer 1

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, I live in the UK and as you may or may not know, we have totally free health care for all, rich or poor, this covers everything including dental and opthalmic treatment, Having been a victim of american insurance i can fully appreciate how you feel, i have epilepsy and had a seizure while in O'hare airport (Chicago) that trip to the hospital cost me $2.700 for the privilege of 90 minutes in the ER being monitored and the joy of having 6 sutures which took a Dr. a whole ten minutes to perform, I was supposedly covered by a comprehensive health insurance offered by the airline company, but was told that as my seizure was due to a pre-existing condition i would have to pay the full costs. yet if you had the same misfortune in this country, you would be treated in any of our hospitals at no charge to yourself, as you would be treated as a temporary resident, so all i can suggest is that you start lobbying and campaigning for a system such as we have, which is paid for by the national insurance system,whereby we pay 10% of our salary each month and this pays for health care, education costs, and state pensions etc. as well as unemployment benefits and other benefits we enjoy as a right. I hope your friend is now in remission and recovering and that you yourself are well. take care.

Answer 2

Yeah, while adult adult males communicate approximately what they're into it does in lots of cases look boring and beside the point, yet then you certainly smart up and are conscious of it is common/standard for chicks and dudes to be into countless issues and there is subject-unfastened floor that could nonetheless be discovered. to not point out some chicks dig equipment, activities, video games, and different stuff some dudes like...and a few dudes do not ideas procuring, delight in analyzing a stable novel, prefer to prepare dinner, and are into some issues that a lot of ladies people locate excitement in. In between there is song, video clips/television, couples events and such that people can come mutually and revel in...then return to their own own hobbies. If each physique enjoyed an identical issues, the international may well be particularly darned boring.

Answer 3

I agree with you.

I saw a program on families affected by Katrina. I had no idea that there are families that are still homeless because their insurance companies are refusing to cover damages. It sickens me. These companies get richer and richer and the rest of us are left out in the cold. Insurance companies always seem to find some kind of loop hole so they don't have to cover you.

Answer 4

Hmmm Most insurances in the u.s are a scam unless your rich and can afford the best coverage. As for myself pretty much everything is covered for me, zero deductable but thats crappy military insurance lol.... Definetly not the best lol Gl to ya

Answer 5

Because the insurance is driven by profit, so they naturally seek to pay as little as possible for claims.

Answer 6

My biggest peave with incurance is that if you use it too much they will drop you. If that happens, no other insurance company wants to cover you. So who determines how much is too much?

I know one person that used their homeowners twice in 20 years..bam..no insurance anymore.

Answer 7

I agree and very well put.

Answer 8

sad but true...welcome to life.... :(