To: K-list
Recieved: 2002/08/21 22:22
Subject: [K-list] Funeral At An HMO
From: David Bozzi
On 2002/08/21 22:22, David Bozzi posted thus to the K-list:
I like this Michael Moore.
(this is the first episode from his first series, 'The Awful Truth' which I purchased.
I've almost watched them all and can't wait to get the second season)
Funeral At An HMO -
Michael Moore suggests to his live audience that regarding the issue of health care
it's cheaper to just kill the sick. But Moore is more than just a funny guy, he's
truth serum and goes on to add that somebody already thought of that first.
The documentary begins on the big screen:
It's about a 34 year old diabetic named Chris who needs a pancreas transplant. Doctors
say he could die anytime any day without one. He's married and has a four year old little girl.
Humana, his HMO has refused to provide the transplant he needs to stay alive despite having
paid Humana for 7 years for full covergage. His policy had two clauses that conflicted. The first
stated all problems related to his diabetes would be covered. The second clause specifically
exempted pancreas transplants. Human chose to stick by the second.
The documentary then shows one of Humana's TV commercials representing itself as a feel-good
insurance company, complete with feel-good music.
Then it shows a graph of Humana's increasing revenues hitting over 8 billion by 1997.
The Chairman of Humana was making 4 million a year plus stock options.
And it's revealed that employees of Humana are rewarded for denying coverage.
Next we see Chris at the local newspaper buying an ad for his own obituary stating the cause
of death as inadequate health care provided by Humana.
Michael Moore makes up invitations to Chris's funeral and heads off to Humana's headquarters
in Kentucky to meet with the Vice President. On camera the spokesman for Humana lies that
the VP is unavailable and that's when Moore invites the spokesperson to Chris's funeral and
goes over possible choices of coffins. On the invitation is Chris's policy number. The spokesperson
says he'll look into it and Moore states Chris has a four year old daughter and that every day
that the matter is looked into, is another day closer to Chris's death.
While Moore and Chris are both being shown out to the door, Chris shows his T-shirt to the
Humana spokesperson: the front says, "I signed with Humana and all I got was this lousy T-shirt."
Chris turns around to show the back, "But no pancreas."
After being shown out, Moore stands in front of the Humana Headquarters and hands out invitations
to Chris's funeral to passing folks and employees.
Moore stages a funeral rehearsal in front of the headquarters complete with bagpipes, a hearse,
coffin and friends. Moore begins to quote what Chris often said and then asks Chris what it was
Chris would often say and Chris answers, "I just want a pancreas."
One of the Humana employees comments to Chris, "I sympathize for you."
to which Chris replies, "I don't want your sympathy. I just want a pancreas."
As Chris's hearse drives off to live bagpipes playing, the following words appear on the screen,
"Humana has made a regular practice of rewarding doctors for denying treatment &
limiting care."
"In 1997, the salaries and stock options of Humana's top five executives totaled over $28 million."
"Enough for 473 pancreas transplants"
"Less than a week after our visit, Humana reversed its decision & agreed to pay for Chris's
transplant. Cheer up"
(live audience begins to cheer)
Moore comes out on stage and notes that as a result of this piece Humana changed it's policy
and will now cover all pancreas transplants.
Chris stands up in the audience surrounded by his family
holding his little girl as the audience applauds cheers and gives a standing ovation.
Chris is crying.
So am I.
So...
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