Thursday, February 3, 2011

Tucson Shooting Victims Aren't Immune to Health Care Concerns

Posted By on Thu, Feb 3, 2011 at 4:21 PM

NY Times:

Mary Reed, who was shot three times that morning, said her insurer, through her husband’s job at the University of Arizona, had been unusually responsive and accommodating since the shooting, approving medicines and services in 24 hours, significantly faster than usual.

One concern she has, though, is whether her 17-year-old daughter, who was at the scene but was not hit — Ms. Reed threw herself on her daughter to protect her — will qualify as a victim. Her husband and son were there as well, and they ran for cover. They are undergoing counseling, but Ms. Reed is uncertain who will pick up their costs.

Kenneth Dorushka, 63, was struck in the arm by a bullet and is still awaiting word on how much of his costs will be covered by his insurer, United Healthcare. “It’s hard to tell because we haven’t gotten any bills yet, so you don’t know how much they’re going to cover or not,” said Mr. Dorushka, adding that he had spent about $100 so far on co-payments and other medical costs.

The best part of a somewhat distressing article: Ron Barber, still recovering from his injuries, mentions that he's determined to keep anyone without adequate health care from suffering "undue financial strain". Good guy, that Ron Barber.

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