[Sender]

This is not a Mass-specific problem, but another thing I have seen is that a lot of these new insurance plans, whether private or state, simply cut the amount they pay to doctors and hospitals.

My parents' doctor told me that one of his patients signed up for a new plan which allowed him to use any doctor of his choice. When the doctor billed the plan for an extensive visit, the plan said we'll only pay you $22, take it or leave it.

The doctor said he couldn't continue to provide service for $22, so the patient now has to find someone who will. Great plan, huh?

In my firsthand experience, only once that I can remember in the past 10 years or more, I visited the emergency room for leg pain. They took xrays and couldn't find anything wrong with me. I had to pay the $100 deductible up front. Now the hospital is sending me hundreds of dollars of bills that my plan refused to pay, for the xrays.

So my employer pays premiums for years, I deduct premiums from my paycheck for years, and I finally actually visit the hospital once, and now I am stuck with half the bills. Great plan, huh?

I shudder to think of HillaryCare.

[Gabz]

So my employer pays premiums for years, I deduct premiums from my paycheck for years, and I finally actually visit the hospital once, and now I am stuck with half the bills. Great plan, huh?

I feel your pain, and totally agree it is not Mass-specific.

When I broke my leg 2 years ago my insurance paid for the ER visit ($50 deductible) and the associated costs of the surgery I needed, including the anesthesiologist -- but refused to pay the surgeon, claiming the surgery was "optional" (I know that is not the proper term, but I'm drawing a blank)

The system needs fixing, but government intervention is NOT the solution, IMHO.