UNHEALTHY POLICIES

During a visit on July 2 to my preferred provider, a medical doctor, for my annual physical I was told I needed to complete and sign an authorization form which stated that if my insurance company refused to pay all or part of my well-woman exam, that I would pay the difference. I had to sign the form before my doctor would see me. When I questioned this new procedure, I was told that three months ago – almost immediately after Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies began treating medical professionals in a manner that sounds like covert harassment.

My doctor told me that the paperwork for submitting claims has increased, that preventive healthcare procedures are now being disputed and many claims are now being denied.

My doctor told me that her clinic might not survive if the insurance companies continue to do business like this. “They’re businessmen,” she said. “They are all about profit.”

Americans believed that when the Affordable Care Act was passed, insurance companies would comply with the new regulations – it was the law.

With the media now focused on other matters, it sounds like it’s business as usual for the insurance companies, even seeking approval from the state insurance commissioner to increase premium rates.

Raising rates and lowering payments to medical care providers. Where do you suppose that money is going? -Laura Emerson | Pacific Grove

WATER WORLD

Excellent coverage of this issue (“The ocean is going to be the Peninsula’s main water supply. Get used to it,” June 24-30)! This is the first comprehensive, objective overview of the Regional Project that has been put into the public sphere. I appreciate your willingness to take such an approach (as opposed to the sensationalization/controversy-spinning approach that is used so often in the media). The public had yet to see varying biased perspectives presented in an unbiased way, which of course makes it difficult (if not impossible!) for individuals to make informed decisions and comments. -Mark Bowen | Monterey