Letter: Patients suffer at hands of HMOs

Imagine my surprise when I get a letter from MCC and Clark County Self-funded/ABPA insurance that they consider my dilemma to be a nonemergency, and that under their rules, I needed pre-authorization before being admitted into the hospital. They have declined to pay for my ER treatment.

In my opinion, HMOs are right up there with the tyranny of a homeowners association. One pays into medical insurance, especially to have coverage for life-threatening situations, which then become cause for denial of payment and coverage. Abuse of power by managed-care brokers should be cause enough to run them out of town on a rail and revoke their charters to work here.

Again, the HMO doesn't serve those who pay their premiums, often requiring those with legitimate problems to have to pay lawyer and court costs just to force them to fulfill their contract. Unlike being in a homeowners association, those in HMOs cannot simply move away.

CHARLIE MICHAEL

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