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Comment by qserpent | Hacker News Reader

I agree that Anthem is in the wrong by denying ER coverage in some cases, but let's keep the discussion free of hyperbole like this:

> insurance companies are dropping support for expensive ER visits, and instead supporting "preventive care" by only covering a $100 annual checkup instead

This is quite far from the facts of the story and does not belong in an honest discussion (note: I'm not arguing that Anthem is in the right at all, I'm just arguing that this is not a good description of the situation at all).

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If you're an anthem customer you can't safely go to the ER to deal with unknown and possibly life threatening issues.

Saying Known issues are covered is meaningless.

The only response to this is to either sue them or switch coverage because they have failed to provide the services you have paid for.

> If you're an anthem customer you can't go to the ER to deal with unknown and possibly life threatening issues.

As a different anecdote, Anthem paid all of my cost for an ER visit last year (minus deductible). It was a first time thing. That's why your parent was asking you to avoid hyperbole.

You missed my edit I add safely, because in these states that's what's missing.

Yes, if you are actually having a heart attack or a bone is sticking out then sure they cover you. The problem is in situations where you don't know and need medical experts to chose if this is an actual emergency. And no this is not hyperbole, that's the exact situation people in these states are dealing with.

This is not call them up on the phone and they say you can go to the ER, this is you go to the ER they preform tests and then the insurance company uses those results to deny clams.

Agreed.

The sentiment "American Healthcare isn't as bad as people say it is!" has become a defense mechanism.

As in, its purpose is not to ensure that a discussion is reasonable, but to make the speaker feel both superior to, and insulated from, the problems killing fellow human beings.

Pretty sad.

We have anthem and have had no trouble getting anything paid for that is covered. Including an ER visit that turned out to be nothing.

A) What state is this, because the policy only applies in a few states?

B) What time was this because it's a recent change?

Based on the article I suspect your experience has little barring on this situation.

I agree with everything you said. That still doesn't equate to "nothing except for $100 yearly preventative checkups are covered" though, which was my point.

Keeping heated discussions honest is important, regardless of which side you are on (and I'm on your side).

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