Tort reform doesn’t work
I found a report on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Web site that told me what I suspected all along: Tort reform doesn’t being down medical costs; it just covers the insurance companies’ gigantic butts.
Before Mike died, he asked me not to sue anyone over the awful treatment he got. He wanted me to do positive things, not use my energy on a years-long process that would do nothing positive.
But Danny wanted to look into it, so he called a couple of attorneys. Tort reform had placed a value of $350,000 on the life of my son, and the attorney’s fees would come to more than it was worth to sue. Danny thought about looking for a lawyer who would sue on principle, but then thought better of it.
Still, the truth was there: Insurance companies want tort reform so that the worth of a human life could be capped and they could make more money.
It’s not about the doctors — they’re still paying the same rates for medical malpractice insurance.
The insurance companies are making out like bandits and people are dying at the rate of 30,000 a year.
President Obama talks about the high cost of health care in terms of dollars and maybe that’s what will move Americans and Congress to finally act.
But the cost is in human lives. I can tell you all about that.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a new peer support program for people newly diagnosed with chronic or serious illness or with a new disability and their caregivers.
Patient Pals are people who have experience with various illnesses and disabilities, who can help someone newly diagnosed or with a new disability work through the fear, frustration, confusion and grief often experienced in the first few months.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
People with new illness or disability fare better when they have a role model -- someone who can help them negotiate their new path in life.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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