×

(Good Guys) Just for the record

After reading the letter from Nov. 2 titled, “Commissioners just wanted to look like Good Guys,” concerning the County Group Medical Insurance that expressed a very inaccurate view of the benefits, I thought maybe I would share a broader view.

For starters, the plan includes doctor office copays of $25 for your primary care and $50 for a specialist. So as an example, if the doctor office visit is priced at $110 and you as the insured pay $25, what percentage is that? If you go see a specialist and the bill for the visit is $260 and the insured pays $50, what percentage is that? If you have an emergency appendectomy and the bill is $20,000 and your maximum cost is $4,500, what percentage is that? If you are diagnosed with leukemia and you go through chemo therapy and your total bill is $250,000 and your cost is a maximum of $4,500, what percentage is that?

I think I have made my point. You see health insurance is very expensive and often times complex. It is a difficult task to select the best benefits and stay within your budget. The truth is that you cannot select one portion of the benefit package (50% co-insurance on $6,000 of expenses then 100% of approved charges) and then declare that it is a flat-out embarrassment.

I am serving my fourth and final year as a county commissioner and I have been in the health insurance business for 38 years. I know that people are often unhappy with the health insurance coverage and many times this is a result of not understanding the benefits that are available. I find it extremely misfortunate that we have people that try to stir up conflict when they themselves do not know all the facts.

In Washington County we have an insurance committee that is made up of elected officials and department heads that review the renewals and the options for that renewal. I will tell you that I work with several business owners that cannot afford to have the benefits that are provided to county employees and still stay in business, while keeping in mind that the county benefits are being paid for by the taxpayers. I might suggest that those complaining should go start or buy a company so they can experience the pleasure of running a business and balancing a budget while providing good benefits for their employees.

Rick G. Walters

Coal Run

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today