I was in Hawaii when I had my "accident." My insurance company and my policy were centered in New Jersey. Even though I was still unstable, just recently put on the orthopaedic wing (before a serious surgery), my insurance company wanted me flown out of Hawaii to one of their hospitals in New Jersey. If it had not been for my parents and doctors fighting to keep me in Hawaii, they would have flown me to NJ. Luckily that didn't happen. I went back into ICU following my surgery and was there for 2 weeks. Here was an HMO trying to "play doctor" when they had no right to do so.

Once I was flown to New Jersey, some things went a lot smoother. I thought. From that particular HMO I have $30,000 in current medical bills unpaid. We don't know why they haven't paid them. I requested an itemized statement of all charges, but have yet to receive that. All I do know is that I am financially responsible for that debt. In the long run, I will have to declare bankruptcy (I have another debt contributing, but the medical is the most overwhelming debt I hold).

Soon after leaving NJ for Florida, where my parents lived, I switched HMOs through Macy's. Insurance dropped my physical therapy after only 2 months, because that was their policy for all patients. I will say this much, at least they are consistent. However, I still cannot walk without the use of crutches. I asked them if they thought that was normal for a 25 year old woman. They said it is our policy. Sorry Charlie! If I have a new diagnosis, then I can get 2 more months of physical therapy. I appealed their denial, and they don't me they didn't have a denial in their records. Now, after finding it, they haven't answered the appeal.

What makes me sick about all of this is that there are many people who need assistance, and when you are sick you can't fight back. In that situation, you are often stuck with what you get. I am lucky because I had family and doctors fighting for me on several issues. But who has the energy to fight when you are ill. Most people automatically assume they can't fight back. But why should we have to fight for the medical care we NEED?? HMOs/Insurance Companies have become TOO powerful in their fight to save money. It is ridiculous. One positive step I have seen is that it is now legal, in the state of Florida, to sue an Insurance Company for malpractice. If they choose to refuse medical service, then I think it is only right that they be held responsible for their actions. Hopefully, with legislation pushed by all of us, laws will help change what an HMO can and cannot due. There needs to be a stop of the powerlessness patients feel because they can't get the medical care they NEED because the HMO determines it is not necessary.