Let’s force medical insurers to play fair

Regarding “Doctors seek to sue Blue Cross,” Dec. 27:

As your article noted, insurance industry profits continue to soar while patients worry about getting dropped just before, during or after treatment. Blue Cross says it does so only when errors are discovered in the policy application. Hmm.

The cure for this shame is all too simple for legislators to comprehend (probably because of the incredible insurance provided by the state). I propose a new law:

When someone applies to an insurer for coverage, the first payment toward coverage makes the policy legally binding. There is a presumption of responsibility by the insurer that it has thoroughly reviewed an application before the beginning of the billing cycle. Give insurers 30 to 45 days to investigate an application.

If, after that period, no flaws in the information are discovered, the insurer must provide coverage when needed, as needed.

In the meantime, let this be a lesson to legislators as to why we need universal health coverage like other civilized nations.

David Ohman

Irvine

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I’ve been a practicing physician for 25 years, and I’m glad something is being done about Blue Cross and its sleazy cancellation policies.

I’ve had this occur to several of my patients. Shareholder profits are the incentive for the company’s immoral decision making.

Maybe the Legislature should make all policyholders shareholders so at least we won’t get screwed from both ends.

Dr. H.M. Mellon

Inglewood