Insurance Companies Considering Domestic Violence a Pre-Existing Condition

An insurance company using a pre-existing conditions clause to deny a claim is nothing new; but classifying a victim of domestic violence as having a pre-existing condition is. Half of the largest insurance companies have used domestic violence as a factor when deciding whether to extend coverage. I look forward to a time when I can spend my days perfectly still, inside a box of packing peanuts to avoid higher insurance premiums.

Comments

Re:Another excuse to deny coverage

[FCAdcock]

When I first read the summary, I thought it was the worst thing I've ever heard, but as I think about it, I can't help but agree with you.

I don't think the first time a woman goes to the hospital for injuries from an abusave spouse, the incurance company should be able to deny that claim, but once there is a pattern, yes.

Why should someone else help pay for your problem? You could have left, but chose not to. Maybe knowing that the next time this happens you will have to foot the bill will help give people the courage to leave abusive relationships.

I know more that one person who has been in an abusive relationship. One stayed "for the kids," and let me tell you, that was the worst thing she could have done "for the kids." Pretty soon not only was she being abused, but so were the children she wanted to protect.

Restoring balance

[clyde_cadiddlehopper]

Perhaps this would offset a person's financial and custody incentives to make false claims of domestic abuse.

Re:Not so insane

[afidel]

Actually it makes a LOT more sense then most pre-existing conditions, most of those the person does not have control over, the only other common voluntary condition I can think of with similar health ramifications is smoking.

Re:capitalisim socialism

[calmofthestorm]

I don't really understand the outcry against death panels. Any insurance program, government or private has to have a process whereby coverage is denied to people who will die without it. For the fast majority of people every dollar spent could increase quality/length of life, likely with logarithmic return.

So...you can have the (potentially corrupt and inefficient) government decide when you die, or you can have a for-profit corporation do it. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Re:Another excuse to deny coverage

[lena_10326]

Some of you "men" will never understand. This is why.

Who Is At Greatest Risk for Domestic Violence?

Women ages 20 to 34, and increasingly, adolescent girls. Women who abuse alcohol or other drugs or whose partners do. Women who are poor. Women attempting to leave their abusers. Battered women increase their risk for murder when they try to escape. (New York City Department of Health)

No matter what the rate of violence or who initiates the violence, women are 7 to 10 times more likely to be injured in acts of intimate violence than are men. (Bureau of Justice Statistics)

It's unfortunate I have to spell this out for you because you're so effing _____. Young, vulnerable, poor women who have no where else to go and believe they will be murdered if they attempt to leave. It is unlikely you will ever feel such a thing in 1,000 of your lifetimes.

http://www.silentwitness.net/sub/violences.htm