Realizing the problem

I can remember sitting around the kitchen table a little over a year ago, rambling with my father (Tony) about the trap of health insurance companies: the restrictions, the hassles, the money, the necessity. It was my winter break, and I had come home to Chicago from the college lifestyle that Madison, Wisconsin so generously offered. Tony was half-engaged in the conversation as he flipped through bill after bill, health insurance company after health insurance company. In a family of five he was responsible for 3 insurance companies and countless statements.

"But the real problem is the legislation," I argued. "Health insurance is not universally accepted at hospitals and clinics. It provides minimal incentives for consumers to better their health, and it rates on pre-disposed, largely unavoidable circumstances. The larger the claim, the larger the "red X" on your record, and the higher the premium. The "X" is written with permanent ink. Companies need to find a way to profit through universal file claims and incentive-based ratings."

My dad shook his head as I drifted further into the clouds. Judging his skepticism, I pressed on.

"I am serious though! The current system is killing people - physically and financially." I had recently met Dr. Nijhawan, a leader in health care reform, at a poker game. After visiting his website, http://www.mmkills.com/index.php/, I had some idea of the reality of the problem.

My dad wanted a conversation, not a monologue. He placed his envelope on the counter and opened up.

"Listen Ben. I am a small business owner. I have had a heart attack. Thankfully the rest of our family is healthy. Do you know what we pay for our health insurance premiums?"

I started to add up some ill-conceived numbers...

"Over $15,000. That's the bottom line. We have good coverage of benefits and a decent co-pay; our network is lacking in accessibility. I don't care how companies rate or how they expand their network, but there has to be a way of profitably doing both, at a lower cost."

Little did I know, this was a grim reality for many Americans.