My Experience With UnitedHealthcare

[@ohioskane363]

I just retired 3 months ago after 40+ years in practice as a PhD clinical psychologist. United Healthcare is the ONLY insurance that I refused to accept because of their notoriously abusive practices and extremely low reimbursement rates. Yes, of course, murder is wrong. It also shouldn't be surprising that there is a collective "snap" happening in our society.

[@marig9236]

Thank you for your years of practice.

[@debrawehrly6900]

I think people should boycott UH insurance. If healthcare professionals refused to accept that insurance and if patients refused to sign up for that insurance company, then I think that might affect some positive change. Murder is never justified.

[@mv5075]

If more places would refuse to accept UHC, maybe companies wouldn't taken them on as a health care insurance. IDK, maybe it would just backfire and people would be even more screwed.

[@Wiseamphibian87]

@@mv5075; it’s too late for that 😏😟unfortunately; UHC has the biggest Partnership with hospitals , Employers & physician groups throughout the country; & they’ve managed to continue buying Up smaller medical practices. With that in mind ; it’s really difficult to turn the tides . My employer (A very large hospital ) uses United Healthcare insurance. It’s such A Monopoly in the Insurance business; health , housing , business , real estate & etcetera.

[@sarahgardner1668]

Both chiropractors I went to stopped taking United Healthcare.

[@Arcadiadiv]

I have United and I ended up with Sepsis. They refused to pay for antibiotics so I don't die of it. A friend pulled through and payed $1500 and it's the only reason I'm alive.

[@PsychologyInSeattle]

Yikes. That's awful. That's criminal of them.

[@ellebee6712]

I am British. I cannot understand why they would not pay for life-saving treatment?? That makes no sense? 🇬🇧

[@exosproudmamabear558]

​​@@ellebee6712 Thats why nobody cares when their ceo dies. What they do does not make sense so why they should make sense of their "humanity"?

[@stephs-f1t]

@@ellebee6712 Because they can and there was nothing we can do about it.

[@mythcrafterpre6534]

Horrendous to hear, sounds like you got some worthwhile friends to say the least though🫶

[@coffeelover5780]

People are frustrated. UHC has killed how many people by denying and delaying treatment.

[@Mama_Bear524]

Killed and caused physical and mental suffering. They’re serial killers. Nobody cried about Hitler, Hussein, Dahmer, etc being killed.

[@annmarieknapp2480]

Likely in the millions have been deleted. At best case scenario it's hundreds of thousands who have been denied.

[@pinkaholic09]

Over 600 k deaths.

[@pavkata63]

united DEADcare .

[@benjaming.2218]

So are you suggesting the cause of death is the denial of an insurance claim?

[@dianeroome972]

Retired nurse here. What a thoughtful, balanced conversation you presented. I think " profit" needs to be taken out of the system. Health care is expensive enough as it is. Paying a CEO $10 million a year says it all. Spend that on patient care!

[@michelet.]

How much should you pay them? What ceo is gonna take the position for a 150k when they can go get a 10m job as ceo somewhere else

[@dianeroome972]

@michelet. Go to a single payer system like Canada. Don't need to pay insurance CEO who, in his best interests, denies coverage. I know health care is like throwing money in a big pit, but sometimes some things should not be for profit.

[@sharynkoren2054]

@@dianeroome972 and they have more than one CEO. One makes $24.4M py

[@Updog89]

@@michelet. Someone who actually has a genuine passion and talent for it. They’d still be better compensated than the millions of talented yet underpaid Americans (and people around the world) expected to put their heart and soul into their jobs in education, healthcare, the service industry, and more. All while the costs of goods, services, and housing have outpaced wages. If millions of people can do that, why can’t a dozen or so people at the top of the health insurance food chain? The only reason is that shareholders and powerful people won’t allow it because it’s way more profitable to be exploitative. There is no practical or moral reason for it. It’s just a matter of unchecked greed.

[@caitm8209]

​@michelet. Great, someone who cares about health not wealth can replace the money driven CEOs. Imagine!

[@AthenatheHun]

As a therapist, United Health Care was on my NO list for contracting. Thank you so much for covering this. You're the fucking BEST. Bravo Sir

[@Updog89]

This is such an important conversation. Why is murder wrong when it’s a CEO killed by a working class guy, but not when it’s countless working class people dying because a CEO denied them the care they paid for?

[@jack-dy7cx]

great comment

[@janicehussock7735]

Both are wrong!

[@cheryldias4269]

From scoping the alleged killer history on social media his footprint indicates he was a well educated affluent young man. More like an antifascist type.

[@unabashed]

What evidence do you have that the murderer is a middle class guy? He was a hired assassin, and this reeks of an inside job.

[@Updog89]

@@unabashed They just released his name. He’s a 26-year-old from Baltimore named Luigi who was one of 6 siblings, was an anti-capitalist, played soccer in high school where he graduated as class valedictorian. He studied AI at Penn. They found an anti-corporate manifesto on him. Not a hit man.

[@Vr4z1el]

Im hoping this is an awakening moment for Americans. I played by the rules, got my education only to find myself in the same situation I was before my education. Still being disrespected by the corporations I am under, not being able to afford health care, or a home and barely able to afford to buy food. Now more than ever corporations are disrespecting us and eating us alive and they're not even trying to hide or pretend like they care anymore.

[@vvasko779]

But what about transgender in the bathrooms?/s

[@limolnar]

As a therapist I refuse to get involved in insurance claims. It's just not worth it. I encourage people to watch the film "The Corporation." One statement that holds true is that corporations are by definition psychopathic. It would be nice to see that explored on a KZbin channel like this.

[@Updog89]

My worry is that people seem to have the memory of a goldfish, and are very easily misled by corporate propaganda. For example , a lot of Americans don’t even realize that the Affordable Care Act and Obamacare refer to the same thing.

[@erinmarieee23]

@@Updog89 I have the same worry. Better education is the solution, but I fear that’s out of the picture for the time being :/

[@annmarieknapp2480]

Well, with MAGA voting in Trump, another criminal billionaire, they will feel quite emboldened to do what they do, which is stick it to the working and middle class every chance they get. I have my doctorate and have been an educator for years and I still feel like they will stick it to you at every turn. The most corrupt sectors are health care, food sector (our food is loaded with poisons, toxins, and pesticides), banking, and the consumer based mentality of our country via the corporations. The incoming President doesn't give a flip about us and he even said as much to his base. And to all MAGA out there. You got what you want. So I hope you enjoy the misery you have brought on us. As per karma, I hope you get everything you deserve.

[@ceegee287]

I am a therapist and UHC was the WORST. UHC required ridiculous amounts of "concurrent reviews" per WEEK for the same client in rehab! It didn't make any sense and it tied us down at our desks instead of spending that time with clients. Egregious practices. Thanks for this.

[@Ari-lq9pl]

I feel you. I go home and do non paid 2+ hours just on notes and billing at home.

[@zking2929]

Per week is INSANE it really shows their lack of qualifications to judge people's health conditions, yet they are the arbiters of people's livelihoods when they are feeling sick

[@ceegee287]

@@zking2929it doesn’t make sense on any level other than not wanting to spend money on people’s health. Vile.

[@ceegee287]

@@Ari-lq9plyup, I had those days too.

[@TLA123y6f]

They need to get sued up the wazoo

[@lovelylisa-tw2kg]

My sister works there. She said it’s terrible. They don’t even get free healthcare either- it’s really expensive. Their pay is extremely low- she’s on public assistance even with a full time job at UHC! They’re greedy on all sides it seems.

[@DelfaSneaker]

You say she is a part of it...?

[@ChalNjurshEp]

Whoa!!!!

[@writerchick94]

​@@DelfaSneaker insurance companies need exploitable workers too

[@bonniejosavland3227]

So the Walmart of medical insurance companies 😮😢

[@samanthamccarthy9765]

really? so it took what Luigi has done to open a conveersation . thius is really bad . the health insurance companies declare billions of profit, their CEO'S earning millions for what exactly ?

[@brigitte9999]

This is really helpful that so many people are speaking out! If United Healthcare is such a corrupt company this is the exposure they deserve.

[@kmacwatching9565]

I absolutely love it when Dr. Honda gets into discussions on capitalism and for profit healthcare. He really gets it, he really cares, and it’s so nice to hear influential people speak about this because our politicians and media are paid not to talk about it.

[@raina4732]

He should interview Bernie Sanders or Alexandria Ocasio Cortez because they get it and they care about the average citizen!

[@BlueTuesday-d1g]

Yes! It's such a problem in our country.

[@BlueTuesday-d1g]

@@raina4732 Two of my favorite people!

[@rebecavang3756]

I worked for UHC corporate as a temp and I will never forget what the Department head said during my orientation, “ Yes, we care about the patients but what’s more important is the bottom line” not even an attempt to disguise their motive.

[@yvonned627]

Wow! Talk about saying the quiet parts out loud!

[@TLA123y6f]

That's their accepted 'mind set' - they are disgustingly immoral.

[@ernestheau9146]

That makes it even more disgraceful when a mere department head, as compared to the CEO, openly claims that the more important thing is to make a profit, not helping others with their health needs. I am stuck with UHC, but have to think about changing but who would I pick? I have no idea.

[@spOOkytimes]

They answer to shareholders, not their clients. It's completely backwards and they can all pound sand.

[@Tulipfarmer]

@@ernestheau9146 don’t use the Medicare advantage plan. Use a Medicare supplement.

[@BootcampBobby_3]

People are as moral as the situation they're in allows them to be. So let us design a society where it's easy for people to make good choices. I don't want to live in a world where things come to this.

[@Level204]

Well put

[@caxsmith]

Nonsense.

[@freeluigi4444]

This 💯💯💯💯

[@akirashiori6265]

@@youbetyourwrasseby making the easy choices good choices? It’s not that hard, poverty breeds crime, it’s been studied for decades now. People usually don’t become homeless due to drug problems, they usually turn to drugs *because* they’re homeless

[@spookypenguins]

Spot on.

[@josiedudley8451]

American Brit here living in the UK. The NHS is far from perfect but they took great care of my husband on more than one occasion. We paid into the NHS when we worked. We are now retired and no longer pay into the NHS but it is free at use service for all residents. I am very grateful for the NHS.

[@l.a.8709]

Clinical psychologist in Florida here…endorsing this video 100%. Sadly…

[@margaretr5701]

Insurance companies and Healthcare, don't belong in the same sentence. Unwell people shouldn't have to worry about their insurance denying a claim, or cutting them off before their treatment is finished. Nor should they have to go deeply into debt, in order to finish their healthcare treatment. Possibly losing their home along the way, and putting their family in a lifetime of debt. What a worry, who can focus on recuperating their health, whilst experiencing so much stress. There needs to be an overhaul of insurance companies. And reform of the USA, healthcare, which is one of the best, but not available to all. Worry free Healthcare, shouldn't be for the wealthy only. The current system is criminal, but legal. I hope change, will happen soon.

[@edwardsbarbara25]

You're being much too kind. They will continue to oppress as much as they can get away with. If they think they are safe doing it

[@MNP208]

It won't. It's the American Way for corporations to work this way.

[@petercushing72]

Well said.

[@MichaelBurrow]

Bernie Sanders ran for President already and unfortunately lost the primary to Clinton & then Biden.

[@Cameron_F]

​@@MichaelBurrow "lost" I'd a generous term. It was stolen by the DNC, a private corporation. The US electoral system is a scam.

[@lr1974]

Yet half the people in this country voted to get rid of regulations that protect them. Make it make sense.

[@erinaustin7673]

We needed this to happen 2 months ago.

[@moodindigo12]

At least people talk about it now. I hope it still helps to solve this injustice!

[@enjojisayu]

A ton of people didn’t vote. Also a ton do not understand how our system works.

[@coffeelover5780]

​@moodindigo12 I won't hold my breath. They have said everything is on the chopping block. Say bye bye to social security, Medicare and Medicaid.

[@smartmarketing173]

I’m single & 2 years from Medicare (already eligible for ss but can’t afford to ever retire) and terrified. For 40 YEARS, they stole my money and now don’t want to give it back?! What about taking care of your elders? Common decency? Fraud?!

[@nancismith7705]

My daughter was denied a PET scan because she was unable to get the cheaper scan because she had an implanted defibrillator. She finally was able to get the scan and then they were able to start chemotherapy. She had 3 good months after the chemotherapy was completed. I still miss her every single day!💚

[@PsychologyInSeattle]

Breaks my heart.

[@ladyeowyn42]

I’m so sorry momma. Do you want to tell us anything about your daughter? I bet she had an amazing smile.

[@servant-of-cats]

Sending you hugs. So sorry your daughter, and you, went through that.

[@PeliQuaker]

My heart also aches for you. I’m so sorry

[@lorirausch3326]

That’s terrible. Praying for you.

[@reena9334]

Its really frustrating that the media has completely ignored an important question that Dr. Honda brings up: "What SHOULD a patient do when their necessary and life-saving medical care is denied?" I have yet to hear any answer. Forget politicians - their pockets are lined with corrupt payoffs. Most people don't have the means to sue and that will probably get nowhere. So what is the answer?

[@MzzAnnThrope]

I find it interesting that UHC was under investigation for using AI to deny up to 90% of care. Luigi Mangione was a Master level computer engineer who studied AI and who suffered a spinal injury and watched his mother suffer with neuropathy. It's not hard to understand how this could be a breaking point to someone who fully understood the flaws and malice behind the AI that UHC was using. It's enraging to me as an observer!!

[@haileyoslund]

Yep. I’ve only been a therapist for 4 years but in this time United is the ONLY insurance that has asked me to complete a clinical review and justify my services. It’s wild.

[@Lisa-r6u1w]

These justifications require a staff just to handle claim denials this adds to the costs .

[@haileyoslund]

@ yup! Exactly. Not to mention that the meeting was cut short because the line cut out while we were speaking. The united representative called me back 20 min later but I was in another session by that time. She left a voicemail saying sorry and that her system re booted but that we have more questions to complete to finish the clinical review. I’ve tried calling back 5-6 times and haven’t heard back yet. So now I’m worried that my client will not be able to continue therapy because I didn’t get a chance to fully “justify” the need for services but at no fault of my own. It’s such a head ache!!!

[@xtinalucia3684]

Future therapist here, what exactly is a clinical review?

[@bgregg55]

Delay Deny Defend

[@haileyoslund]

@@xtinalucia3684 it’s a process where you have to meet with someone from the insurance company and they essentially question why the client needs treatment and what you as the therapist are doing to treat them. example: “they have anxiety and I am using dialectical behavioral therapy skills to help them reduce and manage their anxiety.” It’s basically a way for the company to decide whether or not they want to keep paying for the services.

[@JasonMarshMusic]

I think we can all agree that someone who guns someone down doesn't have a leg to stand on. But if we're playing the numbers, if taking one life is wrong, then taking thousands of lives is thousands of times worse.

[@MsFreebird101]

Your comment seems a bit contradictory to me. The first sentence you're saying it's wrong to "gun someone down" but the second sentence you're saying "numbers" therefore the ceo was worse. The CEO didn't kill anyone or he'd be the one arrested, you can switch insurance at anytime nobody was forced to have United Healthcare and there are a hundred other insurance companies to choose from. It's practically victim blaming and I'm sad to see DR Kirk liked this comment

[@skleroosis]

​it's not victim blaming at all, it's blaming a company, many companies that get away scot free with murder. That enrich themselves by killing their customers. And how that's also wrong and something we must stop as a society. Why is the murder of one person being devoted so many resources and the murder of thousands getting no resources?

[@MsFreebird101]

@@skleroosis if you're not victim blaming then there's no reason to state "killing thousands is worse" right after talking about his murder acting like that's what the CEO did. United Healthcare didn't "murder" anyone, do you understand the definition of murder? Denying an insurance claim isn't murder or every insurance provider would be murderers. You can switch insurance, nobody forces you to keep a specific insurance and if everyone drops United Healthcare then they would go out of business. That's how the free market works, you have companies competing with each other to give good service and obviously lots of people are happy with United Healthcare because they're one of the top insurance providers. I personally have United Healthcare for my family and never had an issue, my son has asthma and we've seen many specialists, at the doctor's office a lot especially when he was younger and never had any problems with our insurance

[@modernwarpaint]

@@MsFreebird101100%. I equate it to electric suppliers. We have the freedom to choose. The way I see it, it’s a privilege. It’s the person’s responsibility to understand what they’re signing for… it’s not the insurance company. It’s like saying it’s the electric company’s fault for charging too much… well YOU have the power to choose. If you don’t understand, educate yourself and make educated choices. I don’t understand why people choose to point fingers… it’s a free market point it back to yourself.

[@MsFreebird101]

@modernwarpaint yes exactly and a lot of people on here complaining want a universal healthcare system like Medicaid for all with not realizing how much worse that would be without other options... I moved to a very small town and they only have one electric company that covers our area. I had to pay an extra month rent in my old house because it took this power company over a month past the date i scheduled for my lights to be turned on and they were rude with horrible customer service but there's nothing i can do about it because they are the only provider here. Having options gives people power over companies but these people are blinded by their politics and can't see common sense

[@anybody606]

The horror stories I have heard all week.... Someone said: "if you don't value human life, your life may not be valued by humans once you die." - it's a scary and tough lesson to learn for everyone.

[@prairiehorse6168]

The more I read these horror stories, the more I understand why it has come to this.

[@Thomas-xd4cx]

You'll all be taking a serving of your own medicine in due time.

[@VictoriaGray-yq2gd]

@@prairiehorse6168exactly, what a awful system that defines whether you live or die, America needs to change it’s medical law pronto

[@francessiranovic4088]

Thank you for bringing this out. The CE0 from UHC who was shot was but one of the many people who have been fleecing the medical care system. If all the people scamming the system were prosecuted and apprehended, the jails would not be big enough to hold them.

[@StephanieGould]

Thank you for speaking out. As someone with a mild form of cerebral palsy, and other health issues, even mental, I appreciate your candor. These insurance companies are literally killing us. People all have breaking points. Murder is wrong, and that includes what insurance companies are doing.

[@Katie-vy5rd]

I knew i loved Dr Honda before this... Now- absolute hero in my book! This brought me to tears.

[@okoala62]

Right- same here! Love Dr. Honda even more!

[@notbornagainbornright5046]

Thank you!!!!!

[@MuhammadakbarAK47]

Only in usa 🦅🇺🇸 = Doctors must become Lawyer so that their patients can get the treatment they need. Meanwhile, in other countries, socialist healthcare (Majority of world) / private healthcare with a fuck tone of regulation like case of Switzerland. You just come, check and get the medicine in less than 1 hour.😂😂

[@Ari-lq9pl]

As a therapist PH.D, who specializes in the SMI population. UHC had denied life-saving treatment (sessions, medications, emergency stays in the ward) to my patients 😢. Some of my colleagues had people delete themselves when they could have received treatment and at least been alive. Kaiser is also extremely horrible.

[@rachelmaddowswife8713]

What does SMI stand for?

[@annmarieknapp2480]

That's awful.

[@eaaronross]

@@rachelmaddowswife8713 Serious Mental Illness, I think

[@shermac246]

Providence is extremely horrible and I would say downright abusive.

[@Malaya880]

This make me weep. The amount of suffering and lives lost is deplorable. I'm so sorry.

[@d4mephisto]

Am a therapist. UHC is why I quit billing *all* insurance in 2019. I got tired of them denying my 90837 CPT codes (60-minute session).

[@Discworld-Edge-Witch]

Did they try to claw back 6 month old payments? They tried to pull that with me when I was in private practice.

[@d4mephisto]

@Discworld-Edge-Witch That did happen on a few occasions, yes.

[@freeluigi4444]

same

[@Ari-lq9pl]

I also kept getting denied, mind you. I work with the SMI population.

[@SD_Says]

Did you charge only a living wage to make the process affordable for your clients??? You know, to help the entire system be affordable?

[@stephaniesinternetlife]

As a pharmacy technician, I see claims get denied all the time. Every time a claim is denied, without a doubt, it’s because the medication is expensive and they don’t want to pay. That’s why they make you jump through hoops. But who are they to decide what’s the best treatment plan for a patient? It’s ridiculous. Will they finally listen to us now?

[@lorriecaldwell2122]

I was an RN for Optum and was pulled to UHC to help get their “denials” caught up for a company that was self insured by UHC. I did this for 3 months before I retired. The claims system was a DOS system….unbelievable. I challenged probably half of them, and was shut down by the UHC. Patients who were having surgery with an in-network hospital and surgeon but there was an anesthesia provider who was out of network. The patient has no way to know that!!!it’s not a typical question. It should be paid, and it is the hospital who should be accountable for making sure your patient is aware. The whole process made me feel literally sick inside.

[@seattlecathy]

I once called a different company to find out if the anesthesiologist was covered. I had to swear at them before they told me.

[@lorriecaldwell2122]

@@seattlecathy I believe it. What is so sad, is that most people would not even know to ask that question. Or if he is bringing in an assistant surgeon (buddy) who also wants to bill but is out of network. It is about keeping people in the dark. The question that is never asked is "what is the right thing to do in this situation". So unless they build their AI systems to think and able to deduce the human side of things, we are screwed.

[@laurakgarza]

I think we're coming into an interesting time in our history when a majority of Americans are celebrating the death of a CEO because of how frustrated they feel by corporate greed related to their healthcare. I think that you combine that with a CEO president and his CEO friends coming in to roll back protections for people and I'm just curious to see how that will play out. Part of me wonders if we are going to see more 'vigilante' acts like this happen in the future as Americans grow more tired and more frustrated with corporate greed.

[@JasonMarshMusic]

In my lifetime, I would love to see an end to exploitation,at the very least, an end to legalized exploitation like that of the US health care industry.

[@openyourmind3763]

Yes, it's such a mess it doesn't even seem real. The real bummer is Americans voted for this incoming insane administration and things are going to get a lot worse before they get better. They want the familiar abusive ignorant Alpha male Daddy. Buckle up for the wild ride that we are getting on.

[@Sough]

It will be a strange time because we see this economic frustration while also voting to enable a complete deconstruction of regulations, sending more money to those ceos

[@PushaT_cells]

It's like the beginnings of a modernized French Revolution in the US.

[@JasonMarshMusic]

@@PushaT_cells unfortunately, I think this will blow over and it'll be back to business as usual.

[@lisaess6514]

Murder is wrong, agreed. However, I have zero sympathy for a guy making 50,000,000 annually who was a leader in the move to deny millions of people the medical care they’re paying for and entitled to and so desperately need to stay alive. In this case, had I seen something, I’d be saying nothing.

[@jackielehman8945]

Its very complicated because our medical system is supposed to have a code of ethics.

[@benjaming.2218]

So you’re discrimination sympathy based on someone’s earnings and compensation? Wow…

[@karenholmes6565]

@@benjaming.2218 I reserve my empathy for people that don't target poor, disabled, and sick people to turn a profit. The fact you can't understand that tells me you don't have empathy for the disabled and sick people this insurance targeted to make a profit. Don't lecture anyone on a lack of empathy when it is clear you do not have any.

[@AlessiaBlue]

Let’s not forget that he was also being investigated for his insider trading scheme of UH shares and dumping $15.1 million 2 weeks before anti trust investigations went public… this guy was a real loser along with all his coworkers and the chairman- all totaled dumped $101.5 million to profit massively off insider trading because they didn’t feel they were making enough off their greed murdering thousands and thousands of people by denying millions of claims. Personally, I give zero fucks about any of these worthless, lying, greedy, self absorbed scumbags

[@raven3moon]

​@@benjaming.2218You should really stop picking corporate boots, like you have in so many other comments. You're just embarrassing yourself, troll.

[@sufiheart]

As a Canadian in the US i always emphasize how criminal insurance is in the US. Americans get convinced universal healthcare is against their better interests cause its socialism...and that socialism is wrong. They need to wake up! The population here is huge! Taxes are huge. There is a huge pool of money to support the peoples needs. PLUS with universal healthcare, youd have far more preventative care and social suppprts, you'd actuallu save money long term by having less onset of disease and catching health scares early, preventing addiction and treating mental illnesses early. Currently, there are so many services the tax payer has to cover in emergency cases anyhow. But lets keep the insurance companies in business and rich while people, children, suffer and die. Its messed up

[@Mama_Bear524]

Americans are paying taxes AND Insurance. Makes no sense. If they had very low taxes and the insurance companies weren’t predatory, I’d maybe understand

[@clarity2118]

The government can also deny care. I’ve seen them deny care to infants and other people because it was deemed “too much of a burden on taxpayers” and then arrest them when they try to leave the country for care.

[@melissabaril3363]

​@@clarity2118There's a major difference in scale. As a Canadian, no one I know has ever been denied any care whatsoever. And we are not upper class people or something.

[@annmarieknapp2480]

MAGA isn't bright enough to look up a tariff. They had a chance to save us and they voted in a convicted felon and convicted gRapist. I have never resented my fellow citizens, especially the women who voted for Trump.

[@jadacampbell9331]

Yeah, we gotta get it together. Shouldn't be in debt for an accident and an ambulance ride u didn't ask for smh

[@slconley]

United denied me a pacemaker. I had to wait a year and switch insurance to get my medically needed surgery.

[@user-TM59]

😮

[@Rayne3471]

I am in my first year of law school. I’m 45. I’m a dental hygienist. My classmates include a: pharmacist, physical therapist, emergency room physician, nursing home administrator, behavioral health therapist, and commercial airline pilot (had to throw the Boeing issue in there). We are all in our 30s and 40s. We are all in-demand in our fields. And we are all going to be attorneys in 3 years!

[@43nostromo]

Physician here and a patient as well. I think your explanation is very cogent and frankly entertaining. I liked and subscribed after you started increasing the number of f-bombs in your discussion.

[@shermac246]

I like your thinking and cursing releases endorphins so it helps dear Dr. Honda feel good without exercising 😉.

[@SD_Says]

What does a physician earn per hour? Is it close to a living wage? You know, to help make the entire system more affordable for everyone.

[@43nostromo]

@@SD_Says Well, I'm boarded in Occupational Medicine. Got burned out in 2015 and transition to administrative work in the drug and alcohol testing industry . Worked for a medium-sized company as chief medical officer for 7 years. Got fired last year after complaining that neither myself or my direct reports had received a raise, bonus or cost-of-living increase for the past 5 years. They fired me on my first day of PTO over the phone. Even though I increased productivity for the company as a whole. My specialty is one of the lowest paid specialties. At the height of my salary: $178,000/annually. Now, I'm doing 1099 work at $15.00 per drug test review for a company that had net revenue of $800.00 million in FY 2023. So, f you want an answer to that question, follow the money trail. Don't waste your time with me.

[@kelly_out_and_about2670]

Sometimes....often....it is appropriate and REQUIRED!!! 😠

[@AileenCollins-ex7jc]

I also subscribed for the same reason

[@CathTG18]

i am a practitioner and STOPPED my contract w UHC bc of the denials, the shoddy reimbursement AND the patients were pushy, informed by invoking rules and most were not flexible. I would refuse them explaining your insurance is notorious for NOT paying and i cannot work for free and stay OPEN to the public. UHC is a garbage company - the CEO was a total greedy pig 🐷

[@rainess6456]

I have worked in Health Insurance for 25 years and I am going to tell you something almost NO ONE knows. Most people have insurance through their employer. It's called group health insurance. Most major corporations are "self Insured". What this means is your Employer determines ALL of the benefits, not the insurance company. The money that pays those claims comes out of a bank account owned by your employer, not the insurance company. A huge part of UHC's business is Self Insured. They are hired for administrative purposes ONLY (they call them "ASO policies") For self insured policies, the insurance company has no say in coverage or denial. YOUR EMPLOYER does. Your employer writes the benefits and pays the claims out of their bank accounts, which are linked to UHC. Most people are not aware of this because the EOB's don't have this info on them. If you are upset with your claims being denied, ask your employer if they are self insured vs fully insured (fully insured means the insurance company dictates everything). If they are Self-Insured, then their employees need to start pushing back because it is YOUR COMPANY that is the problem. And I promise you, your company is not going to tell you this. They will always blame the insurance company.

[@rainess6456]

74% of corporations with 1000 or more employees are “self insured”.

[@ladyluck144]

Interesting, thanks!

[@rainess6456]

@@ladyluck144You’re welcome. There’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to health insurance. If you google “how much of UHC’s business is self-insured”. It’s approximately 65%. Major corporations are part of this problem not just insurance companies. It’s well known amongst employees of health insurance, but the general public is not aware of this.

[@foojee23]

wow. this needs to be part of the conversation!

[@AliveBoldTV]

This is very interesting & important yo the conversation. How do you find out if your org is self vs full insured?

[@AliciaAmbrosia]

This made me cry. It is time the government and corporations are held accountable. So many people suffer and die because of greed.

[@laurensargent9471]

I am a long retired PhD Clinical Psychologist/Neuropsychologist. Loved my salaried position at Lafayette Clinic in Detroit (inpatient and outpatient State facility for all ages). Never needed a wallet biopsy-treatment dictated purely by need, including for those with no $ at all. When GOP Gov John Engler destroyed the public mental health system in 1992 I tried many other options-including private practice. Eventually gave up in 1999 when my toddler was constantly sick in daycare and I was still paying for childcare while staying home with her and exhausted my sick leave and annual leave. We have an acute shortage of mental health clinicians. I keep getting recruitment emails-but I have no desire to work in a privatized for profit system.

[@chantalstacy3783]

The sad part about this is that there’s plenty of profit margin for them, even if they paid claims fairly. It’s strictly driven by greed. Notice how none of these corporations cut back on the CEOs’ salaries in order to save money!

[@etuboldon]

exactly! It's not that the average person is outraged by other people amassing wealth. The outrage comes from this wealth being amassed at the expense of basic things, like not dying..

[@dawnlemasney5366]

It's a rainy Monday morning and even Dr Kirk is in a dark mood. Im going to need alot of coffee.

[@PlagueDoktore]

Not American but from Norway. My daughter's father was diagnosed with cancer a year ago. Within in the month of the diagnosis he had surgery and started chemo. Not because he had a good insurance but because he have the right to start treatment within 14 days. Then you hear about people from an equal "first world" country who sell their houses to afford treatment for their family members or who die because they can't afford treatment.

[@writerconsidered]

Most Americans are calling their country a third world nation now, because it is.

[@caroljoy839]

I spent three months in Norway and found that their health system to be phenomenal. But Americans have been brain washed that we have the best health care and that every other nation's HC system sucks.

[@a.5326]

​@@caroljoy839 the problem is thy we DO have excellent healthcare in the US. The problem is that most of us don't have access to it.

[@catherinejoy4588]

Sad the CEO was shot, but has saved my life with Anthem that wanted to cut of my anesthesia in my coming surgery! Then after that CEO was shot, they changed their mind on the Anesthesia!😢

[@butwhytho4858]

My husband is an EMT Firefighter. We only have one place any where near us that accept our insurance. Last month my husband pulled 4 dead, charred, and falling apart bodies from a trailer home fire. He’s not even bothering to make an appt even though we all know he needs it. He can’t sleep sometimes after these events and goes some time without eating. That’s just the things you witness. But we know he would get in, the first session will be gathering info, then he will get 5 sessions. But this place is so booked, we are lucky if we can get in once every 3-4 weeks. And just when you get in a flow talking to the psychologist, they aren’t there anymore. It’s madness.

[@daffodil9075]

Wouldn't this be a worker's comp claim; and if so, wouldn't see a worker's comp provider?

[@kathiandruk5375]

The last home health care company I worked for would not take any patients who had United because they would not pay them for services. Been an RN since 1984 and it was a joy to be a nurse til just before 2000. Then corporations took over and it was all about $$$. Corporations make the rules now and they have no knowledge of how to care for patients. And patients suffer while medical professionals hands are tied! We are frustrated and pissed off!!!

[@PS987654321PS]

Doctors don't say anything. They are in on it.

[@FishareFriendsNotFood972]

Thank you so much Dr. Honda for bringing your passion to this topic, I think you speak for so many.

[@Tcheera]

Nice to see doctors and other providers COOKING over this!

[@heatherhensley9183]

I have horrible ptsd from how my dad was treated when he was dying by United I will never forget the image of him wailing in agony at night The nurses said he was in psychological pain not real pain He wailed at least a week before they gave him decent meds for end of life

[@KatJ3st]

I've seen this nasty nurses say and do that in Canada. I wouldn't treat a dog like they treat some disabled people

[@lisaduncan6923]

It's wonderful hearing doctors talk about their experience with the healthcare system. Dr Kirk isn't the first doctor I've heard talk about this, it started before the shooting. Thanks Doc. 💛

[@meliss4603]

When it’s life or death, sometimes we go to war. Killing is wrong.. but when survival is threatened, the moral decision is less clear. I think for most Americans, that CEO was an enemy war casualty.

[@meowmirrr]

Yes. This CEO engaged in a term called "social murder". It is very real, but capitalism doesn't acknowledge it because it would mean holding the powerful accountable. This vigilante did what was right. Simply saying "murder bad" is a very childish take. It's so much more complicated than that.

[@kwokleongawyong1064]

No he is the devil, and the enemy. Without this happening, the sick continue to die.

[@SeeHang]

yea this CEO was the enemy of nancy pelosi for insider trading as well as likely his company wronged many people. but people should not want vigilantism. because if we do, then our society will crumble much faster as there would be no order in our society. really this should be a wake up call for employers to not do business with companies like UHC and companies should be vetting insurance companies and asking more from these insurance companies to protect their employees. i think it’s clear as day that most people are lazy which includes employees for not knowing which insurance companies to avoid their health plans with, employers need to demand more on behalf of their employees from these insurance companies and it should not just be up to the federal government to slap lawsuits on these insurance companies but it should be states and cities that should also be going after these insurance companies because american citizens are paying for these insurance premiums and city, state and federal taxes. i don’t have much to say about government sponsored insurance other than most people in government do not care about protecting people if they themselves get a paycheck via lobbies or back room deals. everyone needs to be able to call out these issues and put companies in check. i’m not a big fan of more government sponsored agencies as we can see over the course of american history we have had 2 agencies for every year the usa has been around. most of these agencies are not subject to anyone’s ability to fire or remove from office and they often make up their own rules and laws and keep their power outside of the 3 branches of government. the amount of waste in government spending is ridiculous when you see we already owe china trillions of dollars and we take our tax dollars and donate them to a chinese company to do things we could already do in the usa. more government spending is not the right answer and that’s where i disagree with this video. we need better spending on things that work. for the last 60 years our government spends more than it makes and has led us to a 35 trillion debt that soon our own children and grand children wouldn’t be able to pay back. more regulation is not the right answer. better regulation that is effective is the answer. cut out the things that don’t work. ask your own employers to move away from companies like UHC. i’m looking to ask my own company if this

[@l.j.1417]

These comments break my heart. I also played by the rules my whole life. I went to college, got my degree and as a 27 year old I keep getting more broke each year despite my "good job" I can barley live alone, this holiday season I've had so many meltdowns because I can't afford presents for my family. I've gone into debt. I have 2 credit cards and not enough in my bank account to pay them off. I'm asthmatic, I don't smoke, I go on walks daily, and yet I can't live without medication and my mess WITH insurance are 300$ a month just so I can breathe. Idk what to do. I feel so anxious to tell my family because I don't want them to know how much I'm struggling so I keep lying to them that I'm fine and that I'll figure it out but idk what to do anymore.

[@tinyhomestead6023]

Please tell them. Most families are understanding when you break your silence. And some may not. But those that don’t are not the ones that you’ll want to keep around anyway. If someone else in your family was experiencing this issue wouldn’t you understand and want to know? Prayers ❤

[@pamelalange8569]

Tell them the truth and ask for help bc if you dont the answer is always no. You may be surprised

[@patdent]

Tell your family. They don't want presents. They want you to be healthy and happy. Have you thought of giving them promissory notes that can be redeemed by you doing some work for them? Clean the house? Mow the lawn? Vacuum the car? Do some ironing?

[@bobtaylor170]

Cry out to The Lord Jesus Christ, and I am not kidding.

[@justtired123]

Everything is wag too expense, but as always when you are young, roomates are almost always reqired to make ir.! Thats the way to save money.

[@gobgoerrsarah]

I never heard of united till all of this and now it is going to be one of my questions before accepting a new job

[@ElfInTheFlowers]

Good. I learned of them after accepting a job and finding out they would be the medical insurance.

[@reneerevolinski4822]

Unfortunately its not that simple, UHC offers hundreds of plans. The employer selects which plan to offer employees.

[@hannahaguirre2972]

My employer is switching to UHC in January and I’m really worried .

[@ElfInTheFlowers]

@ I am so sorry.

[@annmarieknapp2480]

Me too. I thought Blue Cross/Blue Shield was an issue. Yikes.

[@perspectivematters9205]

This was one of the best investments of my time and focus just now. You have said it all so well, in a comprehensive, and measured way. I have 2 observations: (1) in my experience with other countries that have universal health care, I see a populace that largely thrives without the tension and worry that plague Americans, particularly those in their golden years, and (2) so long as members of Congress have their separate system of guaranteed health-care benefits for life, they (with few exceptions) will never have the impetus to pursue a more robust and equitable system for We The People. Thank you for your candid insights.

[@PotterytothePeople]

Dr Honda!!! You weighing in on this topic is why you are a LEGEND ⭐️

[@annlucchini8390]

Commenting for the algorithm. Change/reform needs to happen.

[@strega_in_vegas]

Well said. As a medical biller, I have 45 days to jump through their hoops correctly. Otherwise my claims are denied by default. Yet, they can come in over a year later and claw back claims that they deem “incorrectly paid.” How is this fair? Our doc refuses to bill the patient after such a long time. He eats it.

[@PsychologyInSeattle]

Kudos to you doc. Heartwarming.

[@NotToodayy]

I worked for a private internal medicine practice about 7 years ago and I remember unitedhealthcare almost always denying patients’ orders for what seemed like common tests and medications. They required prior aithorization for even diabetes medications. They would deny and then we would have to stay after work or dedicate nearly an hour to stay on the phone with them and provide the random information they would ask. I forgot all the details but I will never forget that out of all the insurance companies, Unitedhealthcare sucked a little extra!

[@SavageMinnow]

It almost sounds like the qualifications to get on disability, one of which being "previous denial of application," meaning they literally won't approve it the first time you apply.

[@KamiP91]

The saddest part of it all is the people that are at the lowest of their life, fighting through a serous illness, having to fight a loosing battle against greedy corporations to use a service they paid for. It’s just devastating to know that happens to thousands of people daily.

[@jennydreyer]

Dr. Honda, THANK YOU for speaking out on this!! We need more influential people to come forward to talk about the unkind practices of the US health insurance system.

[@marylee924]

I completely agree! I am a nurse and I became completely sickened by our healthcare system around 2016 or so. My thinking completely changed. Healthcare should not be profit driven. I think single payer is the way to go.

[@jinglejazz7537]

I've never had to submit a claim to a health insurance company. I"m in Canada, the bills go to Alberta Health. I pay nothing, no premiums, no copay, no deductable, never seen a bill, never been denied care. Care is excellent.

[@springtexan8244]

We are incredibly jealous. I personally have had no major problem with insurance ever, but because of course friends and relatives have, my heart still sinks with fear when I get an envelope with their return address. And even with no problems, it's still complicated with hassles. I have spent many hours on insurance tangles for friends and relatives.

[@Brebre7681]

The gap in life expectancy between the richest 1% and poorest 1% of individuals is 14.6 years in the US.

[@ufoskeptik-uw9oi]

not for long. jkjkjkjkjkjkjk

[@SharonBurc]

@@ufoskeptik-uw9oinot jk!

[@yehmen29]

In the UK and in France homeless people have a life expectancy of 40-odd years. Not all of them are junkies, in fact, in France, over half of them are survivors of child sexual abuse, and if you look at wormen, the percentage is even higher. I am one of the hidden homeless and I struggle to make people understand that spending the night outside when it rains, when there's a storm (Darragh) or when the temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius (which results in increased blood clotting and an increased risk of having a stroke or a MI) takes a toll on your health. I am not a horse or a wild animal!

[@benjaming.2218]

Because poor people tend to make terrible choices for their health. Smoking, alcohol, television, no excersie, poor diet…ect…those are personal choices.

[@karenholmes6565]

@@benjaming.2218 Rich people can afford to make good decisions when it comes to food, exercise, and they can afford to self medicate in a more healthy manner. What is the number one life ender in the USA according to doctors? Stress. I invite you to live one month with the life of a poor person, working 3 jobs, juggling childcare, your family and employer demands. Of course, you can go on blaming the victim. Poor people are going to start fighting back, and then you are effed in the A

[@PlantBasedBride]

It’s so hard to watch this as a Canadian - knowing our Conservative parties across the country are doing their best to privatize our healthcare. Do we have problems to sort out? Of course! But I can’t understand how moving to a system like what the US has would be an improvement for any but the wealthiest of us.

[@Brandon-jp5ow]

That upsets me as well, at the expense of citizens who need the healthcare. Absolutely pathetic yet it’s happening because they are following the MAGA playbook

[@chicnerd4906]

I represented a billion dollar medical center as the person responsible for negotiating the medical center’s contracts with insurance companies. United Healthcare was belligerent, rigid, unyielding, and had ZERO interest in developing an honest, collegial, mutually beneficial relationship with their contracted entities. They were to be avoided.

[@LaneBlackmer]

I laughed A LOT every time Dr. Honda dropped the f-bomb. Thanks for sharing, Dr. Honda. I actually pay for all my therapy out of pocket because it wasn't covered UNTIL THIS YEAR (by United - worst insurance I've ever had).

[@seattlecathy]

You’re better. Off paying for your own therapy. You don’t want it in your medical records.

[@hannahaguirre2972]

Most of my doctors don’t accept United . I’m in NY. I’ve had Premera until now and now my employer is switching us to UHC as of 1/2025 and their explanation was because UHC is accepted more nationally . I disagree. I’ve seen firsthand how the providers don’t want to deal with UHC .I really appreciate hearing about your personal experience.

[@smartmarketing173]

It’s gotten so bad I’m seriously planning a move out of the US. But my entire family is here and I’m single. I could live on half as much in many places.

[@kristen7840]

In many ways we dont have a good thing going here :/ its not a very humanistic society

[@sws316]

I'm from Maryland, but moved to Chile to be with my spouse. It is one of the biggest blessings in my life. Older generations don't always get it. Many are still under the guise that the US is the best country in the world. Our house rent in Santiago is equal to $280 a month, giving birth until costs no more than $400, my employer is required to give me a few months of paid maternity leave (you can even take off the end of your pregnancy), and produce is cheap (a kilo of a fruit/vegetable for a dollar is common) and naturally has less pesticides because there are less bugs in this climate. I don't see ch3mtrails here and the tap water tastes cleaner too. And people just seem nicer and happier here. More willing to help a stranger. The US seems so depressing to me now and I never want to live there again.

[@quarantinelife.]

Boosting this video up with my comment. The whole country is talking about this now. Let all the shit come out 👏🏻

[@notbornagainbornright5046]

17:18 Thank you for the raw truth

[@BLARG09]

They do this to drs and clients. They are hoping you will just give up. Just like they hope their customer gives up. They have everone running in circles.

[@MNP208]

Exactly!! I am a RN and I don't have time to spend 60 minutes on hold trying to reach someone's insurance company!

[@helloleesh]

I have UHC, and I've had a disheartening time getting the healthcare I need, particularly within the mental health space. When I switched employers 5-6 years ago, I almost had to give up my weekly therapy sessions, but was able to continue, thanks to a grant through the DC government. However, when I moved during COVID, I lost that. I'm able to get medication as long as I pay high copays, thankfully (?), but therapy? UHC just doesn't seem to believe we need it. And I need it. Thank you, Dr. Honda. I have complicated emotions regarding this event, and it's validating to have a professional on the other side of the exchange with insurance companies put words to these feelings. As an aside: Though Canada's universal healthcare system is with flaws, it allows more Canadian citizens to pursue entrepreneurship. The opposite is happening in the US. Those of us that work for smaller companies are often stuck with UHC. If I want better insurance, I will likely have to work for a larger business. It just doesn't seem right.

[@debrawehrly6900]

Have you considered enrolling in Heath insurance through the marketplace? There are other insurance companies out there that are much better than UHC. There are also health sharing plans available as well.

[@LindaR-xh5hf]

It speaks volumes that he was on his way to an "investors" conference. Healthcare and investment shouldn't be synonymous. There are so many simiarities here between Boeing and UHC. They both have blood on their hands.

[@BlueTuesday-d1g]

Thank you so much for highlighting this problem!! We need to grow this conversation to push for meaningful change.

[@ChalNjurshEp]

United Healthcare needs to be prosecuted and put out of business - PERIOD. Unfortunately my parents have this. We lost my daddy recently. So now my mom does. Dr. Honda IM SO THANKFUL YOURE DOING A YOUTUNE OF THIS ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤

[@sarahgardner1668]

United Healthcare once randomly typo'd my gender! After they covered 2 natural childbirths from my body and years of all the previous standard female gynecological healthcare on my record. I found out when my physical therapy for. broken leg was denied due to their Minnesota based policy of not covering same sex couples. WHAH?! But I wasn't ever a man and my spouse is a man. They had all my records. But it was up to me to "prove" that I was female.

[@knotical689]

That's so fucked that it even mattered. What does gender have to do with a broken leg?

[@sleepdeprived9181]

how did you prove it? that's whack

[@layleirelay]

I am from the basque country and universal healthcare is great. It has its problems, like too slow sometimes, but nobody is denied assistance ever. I would never go live somewhere without universal healthcare. Here nobody has to pay a penny to set foot on a hospital, to give birth, for IVF, to be treated of cancer, any surgery etc etc, i have a chronic disease so I feel so lucky to live here. I would probably not be treated if I lived somewhere without universal healthcare!

[@annmarieknapp2480]

You are lucky and I glad to hear it. I'm sick of hearing how wonderful America is when you don't even have access to health care as a right. This country wants to bring us back to a Dickens novel. I'm beginning to resent billionaires. I don't believe money is root of all evil. It's what people do with it and the corruption is astounding.

[@meli7315]

Being from Germany. It sounds like a paradise based on healthcare system and a real punishment for the people living in the states. At least someone made a real statement for the population for so many people who suffer from this unfair system… It’s a double punishment being sick and being in financial problems… it affects, your regeneration, your recovery and your life quality…. I feel really sorry for the people in the US with the bad quality of health system. And this as a „first world western country“. And he is a hero. Forever in human history.

[@patdent]

UK citizen here. I agree that universal healthcare is not perfect, but the one thing I never have to worry about is being bankrupted if I need medical treatment. There is never any discussion of money in medical services. You just go see a doctor and you get treatment. That's it. Sometimes you have to wait to be referred on to a specialist, and that's a downside, but emergency care is always directly available. Another benefit of this system is that the quality of our health care system is a constant public debate: we all have a stake in it and so we all have an opinion about it. Governments can be voted out if there is a public perception that they are not making a good enough job of ensuring that healthcare is delivered in a timely and effective way. You can't vote out corporations.

[@keturahspencer]

Thank you for talking about this as a provider. It's terrifying how many people have died to make that CEO rich.

[@clarinetist18]

I have United Health Care PPO (mostly required by my University who has a contract with them). For the last three weeks I've been trying to get a simple flu shot...I've been to three different places (all in network)...and no luck. The pharmacists do not recognize me as insured in their system and minute clinics state that, with my insurance, the flu shot cannot be processed as a covered procedure. I cannot begin to imagine how hard it is for individuals who need pressing medical care. 🙏

[@PsychologyInSeattle]

OMG. Can relate!

[@TheFantasticFox822]

Go Dr Kirk! Maximum respect. Thank you for advocating for people ❤

[@Soren59]

As someone fortunate enough to not have to deal with the nightmare that is the US healthcare system, this is a really informative video. I saw the graphs floating around about UnitedHealthcare denying the most claims of any insurance company, but this really puts into perspective just how scummy they are in an already bad system.

[@cc_snipergirl]

You're being reasonable and not just angry or using the typical talking points like a lot of people would, and I respect that

[@user-vz3fh6oj7d]

They are not just denying claims to offer lower premiums. Their executives in the corporation are also making millions in salaries and bonuses sir.

[@marieldavison5121]

I can understand how soul destroying is would be to lose my home or go bankrupt because I got sick and my insurance that I paid for wouldn't provide support. Thanks for your discussion.

[@Roaming725]

I lived in Japan for a few years. I had to do regular check-ups as preventative care. What cost me about $50 out of pocket in Japan cost me $1,000 in the U.S. WITH INSURANCE. So, I haven't been tested in years. In my situation, it would probably be cheaper not to have insurance. There is so much wrong with our system and I'm glad we're talking about it.

[@jillwaggoner5177]

I live without health insurance, and am glad of it. It is a risk, but self-care and not driving help limit dangers. It is definitely cheaper, and some providers are happy to see cash.

[@Chantal69]

​@@jillwaggoner5177In the Netherlands it is mandatory. If you cannot pay they take it from your paycheck and you get fint a bunch on top. Pay extra for dental and I still get billed on top. When you need an ambulance you get billed.

[@Trishmary37]

I had a terrible time getting Magellan to pay my prescription. I wrote to my State and Federal Representatives. Congressman Pat Ryan's office advised me to contact the NYS Department of Finance. I did, and got my prescription paid for. This was after fighting for a whole year! I recommend contacting whichever State agency oversees insurance companies in your state.

[@KamiSars]

Living in Germany with universal healthcare and not only is it working but the healthcare system is still able to stand competitive in the market without screwing its people over. There was also a nice comparison video you should really see it

[@rolkol66]

I’m a Canadian, and my skin was crawling more and more by the minute watching and hearing of your dilemma with Useless Hellcare. I can’t wait 5 minutes on hold with UPS over a package, Nevermind getting paid for a job I did. I knew nothing about American healthcare insurance until a week ago, but it’s been a dark week in this rabbit hole. I’ll be in Minnesota next summer and for once I’ll feel sorry for 80% of the people see. Or is it 90%?

[@alma.blackhawk]

I'm on medicaid and so grateful for it.

[@oh-duh]

WE ARE SO LUCKY...even though I have a condition that bites, Medicaid has literally been a lifesaver 100%

[@Cynt12345]

I was a coder/biller. I feel your pain Dr.H. And you didn't even mention the fact that after being on hold forever, you get a rep from another country that barely speaks English and doesn't understand the situation. Reps that should be hired in the U.S. so they have some knowledge of the system.. but it's cheaper labor so more 💰 for the execs... anything to run out the clock on the time you have to "submit a clean claim"

[@FreshLounger]

I am glad that we are hearing from medical billers and coders. I considered becoming one but I researched what the job actually entailed. I did not want to spend anywhere from one to two years getting educated in a system that basically is all about getting a private company to pay for their clients who have already paid monthly premiums. Hate to say it but the medical billing and coding industry also needs to be considered to be a, perhaps unnecessary expense, in out present system.

[@yahboyee28]

Thank you for sharing your professinal experience with UHC. I have heard many doctors/patients say these same things for years.

[@kylemurphy9114]

I really think it's so important that people working in the system say things like this! Thank you for speaking out.

[@honkymonkey9568]

As a veteran, I have VA (gov) healthcare and it's been a blessing. No claims, no denials ever, no premiums, no paperwork, no copays, etc. I thank God I don't have to deal with private for-profit health insurance.

[@ElfInTheFlowers]

Thank you for this difficult video. As you probably tell most people are less empathetic towards the victim. I could hear the pain and anger in your voice and that in itself was validating. I had UHC in my previous job. It was not great but it was just a symptom of other problems in that workplace. Totally agree about simple payer. Take care and have a great week!

[@laulauk]

I had to have surgery last year. It was my first time needing serious medical help. The process with doctors and insurance was frustrating to say the least. Every step of the way something was an issue and I had to figure out how to get through these hoops, while physically and mentally not feeling well. I took days off of work to call doctors, insurance company, medical groups. It felt like exactly what you said, they wanted me to give up trying. I remember breaking down crying on the phone to an insurance person one day. It still upsets me. It was hard to go through. I did persevere and had the surgery and it was covered but I don't look forward to ever being in need of medical help again. I had BCBS.

[@Trishmary37]

I have cried from frustration too. Hugs.

[@acivilright]

I have BCBS. It is supposedly one of the better ones. And I also work in Healthcare policy and know the ropes, so to speak. But they have still caught me slipping multiple times and reduced me to tears. No one should have to be an expert in insurance billing to access Healthcare. But this is typical in the USA. Very sad.

[@tanyabc]

I have BCBS too. This past summer they were sending out inaccurate estimates to all of my medical providers. It was the first time I really had to fight with an insurer and medical billing departments, passing information back and forth that they should've been doing themselves. In the end I got $600+ of my bills wiped but I know I spent more than $600 worth of hours on dealing with it. Totally get what Dr. Honda was saying about them pushing you to give up.

[@HUeducator2011]

Work hard, go to school, get a good job, get healthcare, get swamped with bills…it’s sick. My friends who are mds can’t afford to open their own private practice because of the insurance companies. They make it impossible to have actual healthcare smh. It’s all so evil

[@the_blue_lotus_portal]

Ya, my brother and his wife are doctors and they're caught in the web too

[@truecrimenut6696]

Thank you for this very informative conversation. I’m in Canada, and it’s not all roses and sunshine over here either, but I now understand WHY there are so many American people celebrating, either silently or loudly this horrific murder….how very very sad.

[@Trisha-ct6azg8]

Thank you for the candid and enlightening video. I experienced the denial process first hand with denied claims for my elderly parents. The time it took me to fight the insurance company to get the claims approved was time consuming and exhausting. I was in their loop but was persistent. I can understand the frustration people feel, particularly when a person does not have an advocate or when time is of the essence for the medical procedure. We need to continue to challenge unwarranted denials, speak out, post videos and peacefully protest the greed of these large companies. Engage your state and federal representatives too to act on this issue.