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Dickie Maxx sent me the link to this video. I would have found it eventually, because I love Phil DeFranco’s YouTube entries. Anyway… you know how I feel about Wal-Mart. Pay attention to this, though…
From Phil:
If you’re down for a 5-10 minute project, I ask you send the following to everyone you know in your email address book, myspace page, facebook page/group, twitter ect:
——————————-
If you have not already heard, Walmart has decided to take $470,000 from Debbie Shank, a 52 year old mother of three (One of her sons recently died in Iraq), who was involved in a terrible car accident crippling her short term memory, leaving her in a wheelchair, and in a nursing home.Because of the fine print of Walmarts health insurance plan, since Debbie was involved in a car accident and was awarded the money to take care of the tragic aftermath, they are entitled to take all the money that was supposed to go to taking care of Debbie.
THEY ACTUALLY WANT $470,000 from this handicapped woman in a wheelchair, who needs it to be taken care of in the future. This coming from a company that made $90 billion last quarter…
I’m asking for you to stop buying from Walmart, and to pass on this story and link to everyone you know.
55 Comments
It is unfortunate but it isn’t just Wal*Mart who has that clause in their insurance policies. Most companies that offer insurance to their employees have that and with recent events and because the health care costs are so expensive for companies, they are exercising their rights in that clause.
Which really sucks because part of the reason healthcare costs are so high is because insurance companies only pay a percentage of the usual and customary fees AND because Doctors have to pay a lot for malpractice insurance since americans are so litigious.
I’m not supporting Wal Mart by any means, I’m just saying that insurance companies are Businesses, not charities. They don’t want to fork out cash, they want to keep it. Americans don’t really consider this when they vote to mandate insurance for all.
ginamonster’s last blog post…eew
American healthcare costs are so high because American healthcare companies have conspired to make it expensive. They write the legislation that congress passes for them (like medicare). Malpractice costs are actually a small percentage - that’s another neocon lie. The US pays twice as much as any other industrialized country and get substandard care. After moving to Australia (this is without any help from insurance or subsidies from government) I can see a doctor THE SAME DAY within 2 blocks of my house and pay $40 for a full visit. In the US my monthly prescriptions “cost” over $2000 if I hadn’t had insurance, here they are just over $100. Once I become a citizen, the govt will pick up most of the cost for basic healthcare and citizens can purchase private insurance if they want “extras” like chiropractic, massage, eyeglasses, braces, etc. (and the cost for this is FAR less than the cost for insurance in the US). The US government is no longer “for the people”
Robguy’s last blog post…I’m over the sour
yuck
Kentucky Girl - It’s a giant vicious circle… inflation drives the prices of everything including insurance and healthcare. Shipping all our manufacturing and engineering jobs overseas contributes to inflation… and on and on. None of which detracts from fact that WalMart is evil.
Ginamonster - Malpractice insurance isn’t THAT big of a factor. The US’s declining health due to our environment, sedentary lifestyle, and contaminated food supply (both intentional and unintentional), plus the baby boomer’s hitting that age where they are getting older and sicker is a HUGE factor.
Robguy - Amen. How do *I* move to Australia? I have to get a job there first, right?
Branden - Yuck, indeed.
It helps, but unlike the US, Australia recognizes the partners of gay & lesbian people. I’m here on my guy’s visa.
Robguy’s last blog post…I’m over the sour
Always the pragmatist, I have to ask you what you feel a better solution is?
Wal-mart provides the health care with this clause in the coverage. If you don’t agree with the clause, you could go and get private insurance coverage that would protect you better.
I’m not an anti-Walmart guy. I think they do what they are supposed to do as a business. Provide profit for their shareholders while at the same time providing communities with a place to shop that has dirt cheap prices.
Wal-Mart, while they don’t provide the best paying jobs in the world, do provide a hell of a lot of jobs. Also there are real possibilities of improving and working your way up the ladder in Wal-mart if you work hard. I know people that have done it.
Now I will admit to you there are businesses out there that compete with Wal-Mart and treat their employees a lot better. Costco/Price Club is one of them. The average Costco employee makes a shitload more money, has better benefits and is happier.
But you know what? I always feel when I shop at Wal-Mart I get better service and better prices still.
I have to go with Robguy on this one and say that the better place to rail would be against the US Government that makes the health care system as bad as it is.
I’m an asthmatic. In Canada where I am from, while health care is free when it comes to going to the doctor, you still have to pay for medicines out of your own pocket if the doctor writes you a script. This is why you try and find a job that has medical coverage still.
I take 2 inhalers to treat my asthma. In Canada if I go to a drug store and fill my prescription, the government pays nothing, the cost of my medicine is $9 for my Albuterol and $20 for my Flovent (If I fill the prescription at Wal-Mart if I go to a different drug store tack on 10-15 dollars to each medicine for inflated pharmacist fees)
In the US the exact same drugs cost me $36 and $134.
Robguy - So I would have to dump UMB and find an Aussie? *sigh* Nothing’s easy.
Dave - A Wal-Mart employee can’t afford to get private insurance coverage. I’ve tried to make this point a million times… it is exasperating every time I hear someone talk about “all the jobs” Wal-Mart provides. Everyone HAS to work at WalMart because WalMart has shut down every other retailer in most areas. They have to work at WalMart because all the manufacturing jobs have been outsourced to China BY WALMART. When you go and buy that $4 prescription you may as well kick the greeter in the balls on your way out the door. They make 90 BILLION dollars every fiscal quarter and they can’t pay their employees a living wage, pay them overtime as the law requires, or provide decent health insurance? Wal-Mart single handedly changed the recording industry and the way performing artists get paid. They could very easily be the leaders in pushing for changes in healthcare.
Sad when people criticize a company they know nothing about. Ignorance is found in anyone who criticizes a company when they don’t understand their business practices or ethics.
As for the health insurance policy, I say we strip every American of their health insurance and see how far they get without the health care companies. I’m sure a renewed appreciation for health care companies and providers will be found if this happened.
The comment that Wal-Mart employees can’t afford private health care insurance is bogus and bunk. My grandmother works at Wal-Mart and covers TWO people instead of one.
Radio Matthew’s last blog post…Commentary: Unpaid Internships Not Just For “Wealthy Kids”
Radio Matthew - Are you suggesting that I know nothing about WalMart’s business practices or “ethics?” Did I hear the word “ignorance?” Are you fucking kidding me? Do a search on this site and see everything I’ve written about Wal-Mart. Follow the links, and realize that I don’t go spouting an opinion like this without becoming informed.
I think one could make the argument that there are vast numbers of Americans who have been “stripped of their health insurance” already because of the prohibitive costs to families and employers. Spend a little time working in the real world or with a chronic illness and then tell me how much you appreciate what insurance companies and HMO’s do for you. Watch Michael Moore’s “Sicko” and tell me how great our system is.
You think you’re the only person here who knows someone who works at Wally World? Bah! How many other jobs does your Grandmother have to afford that private health insurance?
“The comment that Wal-Mart employees can’t afford private health care insurance is bogus and bunk. My grandmother works at Wal-Mart and covers TWO people instead of one.”
If she gets her insurance through working at Wal Mart, that’s not a private policy. That’s a group policy and it wouldn’t be available to her without the clause in this discussion.
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m Total Fuck Off
I forgot to subscribe…I think I’m going to want to see the rest of this discussion…
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m Total Fuck Off
She doesn’t get her insurance through Wal-Mart. She only works one job. And as for the “information” on Wal-Mart, realize that a lot of sources out there tend to be people who have an anti-Wal-Mart agenda. They’re no more balanced than Fox News.
Radio Matthew’s last blog post…Commentary: Unpaid Internships Not Just For “Wealthy Kids”
Can you please give me the name of the insurance company for this affordable private insurance? I would like them to pay for my next kidney transplant.
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m Total Fuck Off
othurme - My cousin works for WalMart and he can totally afford a car. It’s a 1987 Valiant. Held together with duct tape, chicken wire, and smokes like a rural hooker.
Radio Matthew - Yeah… all those sources with cited case rulings from class action and civil suits against Wal-Mart; plus those pesky financial reports are always open to interpretation. All those towns where you can see Main Street crumbling and empty store fronts must be experiencing some other phenomenon. All the public records showing the political contributions must be falsified. Comparing me to Fox News is ridiculous and naive. You haven’t offered a single piece of information that is anything other than anecdotal about your grandmother’s experience. THAT’S much closer to what Fox News does.
I’m one of the millions of Americans without health insurance right now. The job I have does not provide it - at all. I would love the name and phone number of the insurance company Radio Matthew’s grandmother has. I need some insurance so I don’t have to spend $181 on Nexium next time. kthxbai
Sodapop’s last blog post…Well that was painless?.
@Sodapop Maybe you should get job at WalMart. I don’t know what they pay but I can only believe it is way more than you make now.
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m Total Fuck Off
All very interesting comments.
It has been my good fortune to have had group health and disability insurance through most of my working life.
Crail’s last blog post…Obesity and smoking
Sodapop - Her insurance company is “Making This Shit Up, Inc.”
Othurme - Apparently she would make enough to cover TWO people!
Crail - It is quite lucky of you. I’ll be without insurance again soon. *sigh* Maybe *I* should go to work at Wal-Mart.
While I stand by the objective viewpoint I have on Wal-Mart, I have to admit defeat. After speaking with my grandmother about these comments and this issue, I’m afraid she sides more with you guys than with me.
Still, I implore everyone to look at both sides of the issue rather than listen to conspiracy websites bashing Wal-Mart.
Matthew - It takes a big man to concede even if it’s only on smaller points. You’re certainly welcome to your view of Wal Mart, but coming here and calling someoe else ignorant and trashing their different viewpoint when your arguements don’t even back up your case is pretty crappy.
I’ve never read a single conspiracy theory on Wal Mart, I don’t even think the issue is even about conspiracy. I don’t even think Wal Mart is wrong for capitalizing in a capalist economy. Points made about why Wal Mart is so terrible are exact points a non-capitalist would make to point out why capatilism is wrong. It’s why Russians thought we were gluttons and called us pigs.
But I do know Wal Mart is not right for taking $470,000 out of an injured person’s pocket when they can afford not to. Economic drive doesn’t have to force heartless profiterring. Wal Mart is unfortunately only one of the many companies that does not follow that line of thought.
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m A Total Fuck Off
I am also without insurance right now. My last company required 6 months of service before they would provide it and then fired me just after my 6 month date. I don’t mind paying cash for my once a year visit. It’s not that much. But my prescription that I picked up yesterday? Was over 20 bucks per refill for generic.
Personally? I think there should be a healthy person rebate at the end of the year. I and my employer pay 100’s of $$ per year just in case I get hurt or sick. I go to the Dr 1 x per year for my tune up. where does he rest of that money go? Let’s see the profit margin on an insurance company. And yes, I know how they whole insurance works. I know the rebate thing is not likely. But look at it this way:
You pay the insurance X amount each month to cover your medical/auto costs. The insurance takes you money and does everything they can NOT to pay for your costs. hmm. They are in it for the money NOT your health.
ginamonster’s last blog post…After Shower conversations and Happy HNT
how did i miss this earlier?
damn, i love this blogging thing!
hello haha narf’s last blog post…Accused
Radio Matthew - Accepting the fact that the Earth revolves around the Sun does not make me subjective on the subject. Accepting the fact that WalMart has a verifiable history of screwing their employees and destroying communities, also does not remove my objectivity.
Othurme - There are plenty of companies in our capitalist society who don’t screw over their employees and communities while still turning major profits. My problem is not with capitalism. My problem is with a consistent policy of profits over people.
Ginamonster - I agree, for most of us who rarely need a doctor it’s not as big of a deal. But what happens when you end up with a chronic illness or get injured? Your skating accident could just as easily ended up causing a spinal or head injury which would devastate you financially as well as physically. I’m ALL in favor of universal health care. Let our tax money go to something other than a stupid war. We can stop all the frivolous malpractice bullshit while we’re at it.
hello - sounds like you’re a true convert!
My problem is with a consistent policy of profits over people.
So you’re against pornography, right? A multi-million dollar industry where models aren’t paid even 1% of what porn studios bring in? Wait…who am I asking here? Bring on the Friday Hotness tomorrow!
Radio Matthew - You’re comparing apples to penises. You can put them both in your mouth, but only one will make a decent fruit salad. A) you’re talking about a conglomeration of porn studios and companies across international boundaries versus ONE company in the US. B) The porn industry doesn’t have the same political clout as Wal Mart. C) The porn industry doesn’t employ nearly as many people or have near the economic impact as Wal Mart.
Your thinly veiled attempts to insult me by labeling me a hypocrite are misguided and unappreciated.
Well, I suppose we’ll have to settle on a difference of perspective. Also, we’ll have to settle on a difference of the definition of “fruit salad.”
Radio Matthew - You can settle on whatever you like. It still doesn’t make me a hypocrite.
Radio Matthew - You haven’t given any reason for us to believe that WM is not the evil corporation Jester thinks it is. You have cited no examples as to what good they do to combat Jester’s view of why they are evil. You’ve only told us to look at both sides, but have not made us aware of what the other side is. You can choose to settle on a difference of opinion, but you came here looking for an argument not ready to support why you’re view is a better one. You called him ignorant and hypocritical. And all we’ve got so far is that it’s okay for WM to be evil because the porn industry is no better? Wha-wha-wha-what?
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m A Total Fuck Off
You haven’t given any reason for us to believe that WM is not the evil corporation Jester thinks it is. You have cited no examples as to what good they do to combat Jester’s view of why they are evil.
I never took a side. I took issue with the lack of information I felt people were getting, or the vast amount of biased information they were choosing to take in. I’m objective, I take no side one way or another, but I think a healthy debate should always have a contrast of opinions. You can infer one way or another about what I say, it doesn’t matter to me. I take none of this personally, and like I said, for objective purposes I take no sides.
I criticized the lack of information on business ethics. I did, however (mistakenly, I must admit) cite a personal relation to Wal-Mart that my family has, but in no way was that intended as a reflection of my opinion toward Wal-Mart or not.
Since we’re asking my opinion, I’d love to see employees everywhere cherished as the value, hard working people they are—everywhere, not just at Wal-Mart. However, I know if that day comes, we’ll all be bitching about how we can’t afford anything, just like we all bitch about the high prices of coffee at Starbucks.
RM - My bad. I apologize for taking it personal when you called people here ignorant (without knowing anything about what kind of information any of these peoople may have to base their opinions on).
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m A Total Fuck Off
@Othurme: I didn’t specifically call anyone ignorant. I believe what I said is—
“Ignorance is found in anyone who criticizes a company when they don’t understand their business practices or ethics.”
Which means, if you don’t have the information to back up your claim (I cited my example, which later turned out to be someone for the other side, and I admitted that afterward), you’re blindly spouting out information. Links, sources, that’d be nice. And in order for your argument to be complete, bring up points from the other side and trump them. That makes a good argument. Otherwise, you’re just spouting out what could potentially be biased misinformation.
Since we’re now debating semantics (what I said over the overall tone of the message), I’ve come to the decision that this debate is stupid and pointless. People whining on a blog about how a company is treating employees poorly is dumb. If you care that passionately about it, write to the Better Business Bureau, or your elected officials in Congress.
However, keep in mind that many of the people who work at Wal-Mart choose to be there. They aren’t forced to work in that environment—they could better themselves and move on (my grandmother will tell you she tells people that work there constantly that they need to make better people out of themselves instead of working for Wal-Mart). However, they choose to work there; they filled out the application and they went to the interviews. They get up day in and day out to work that job, and if they think it’s crap, they should move on. How a business treats their employees should not be judged by the consumer—our role is to purchase products, not run a store.
Ultimately WE as consumers have to take responsibility for the actions of the corporations that we do business with. WE are responsible for the sweatshops, and the discrimination, and the fact that most of their employees rely on Medicaid for health insurance. We are responsible for watching our downtowns crumble and family owned businesses going bankrupt. We are responsible for the censorship. We are responsible for every socially unconscionable act they perform.
Welcome to capitalism.
With that said, I’m done having my say, I think I’ve said enough. If anyone wishes to “have the last word” and respond, go for it. Otherwise, I’ve made myself out to be an asshole unintentionally, I’ve pissed off some people but above that I’ve given ground to objectivity.
RM - We finally agree on something. You’ve said enough.
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m A Total Fuck Off
@everyone else You’re all idiots if you think the sky is blue, but tomorrow when you wake up and see a blue sky and feel like an idiot….remember…I didn’t call you an idiot.
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m A Total Fuck Off
@Othurme: Wow, you’re quite the bitch, huh? I can definitely tell I hit a nerve with someone. Oh well, at least I’m getting attention.
Radio Matthew -
I believe this post includes a link to a CNN news story regarding the issue Phil DeFranco’s video reports.
Where are your links and sources? Where are the facts that support your position?
Really? Whining? Where I come from, we call speaking up and shining light on bad business practices and unethical behaviors “patriotic.” I also seem to recall YOU writing posts about the poor treatment of employees by Clear Channel. But I wouldn’t want to imply that you are being hypocritical.
Or… you can boycott the company and their products and services and ask others to spread the word and become more informed about the companies they choose to do business with. Which is, in my opinion, far more effective than trying to talk to the elected officials who are accepting campaign contributions from the company in question. But then again, I could just be ignorant about how these things work.
This may be the dumbest thing I have read today, and that INCLUDES the article I read about an Iraqi scientist who believes the Earth is flat.
Just who do you suppose should be paying attention to how a company treats its employees? The government sure isn’t going to do that on their own. They do it simply because WE THE PEOPLE tell them to.
Simply picking an opposing opinion and running with it, without having a clue what you are talking about isn’t being objective. It’s being stupid and inflammatory.
You’ve offered no sources, articles, or facts that support your opinion. You have even conceded that your anecdotal experience wasn’t accurate since your Grandmother doesn’t even agree with you. Now you’re trying to save face by declaring yourself to be a misunderstood voice of reason? I don’t think so.
Perhaps when you leave the comfort of your Grandmother’s house and actually get your first real job where you work for minimum wage, no benefits, and no options you will kick yourself for being such a moron.
RM. I can toally live with being a bitch. Can you live with being a dumbass? The only nerve you’ve touched today is the one in your flacid little wiener
Just for clarification purposes, because I did say I was pretty much done with the debate:
I did not write an article claiming that Clear Channel mistreated their employees. At all. That is a gross misrepresentation of any article I’ve written on Clear Channel’s decisions to let go of Phil Cowan and Paul Robins. I cannot be held responsible for the overwhelming amount of reader response, much of which was angry and did cry “mistreatment” on behalf of Clear Channel. That was their opinion solely, not mine. Again, I’m not sure why you mistakenly believe that I’ve ever taken a stance on the business practices of Clear Channel (I happen to speak with a few people at Clear Channel pretty regularly, if that means anything), but you’re wrong. It never happened.
As for Othurme, your character really shows in how you conduct yourself.
jester my friend, we need to get you a job as a debate captain or something. you are amazing. is it simply because you are passionate about the wal-mart fuckers or because you are just this good? loven yew!
hello haha narf’s last blog post…Be Gentle
Don’t get me wrong. I am thankful for insurance. I am counting down the days until I have some.(86) But I do think the system is flawed and WE would do well to work on a way to change it. I don’t agree that universal health care is the answer either. It’s too easy of a solution for a complicated issue. (among other things)
We do not currently have a system that cares for the patients. We have a system that takes care of the business end before the people end. Whether you have insurance or not. This is not Wal Mart’s fault. (still avoiding shopping there. will drive across town to Target even though Wal Mart is 5 minutes away) But I have a feeling they will give that money back AND possibly change the clause. Bad PR, you know.
ginamonster’s last blog post…After Shower conversations and Happy HNT
Radio Matthew -
You didn’t even get started with a debate. A debate involves facts, evidence, sources and quotations. It involves the statement of a problem and the proposal of a solution.
You started an argument, one that immediately alleged that I have no knowledge of WalMart’s practices or ethics. You accused me of ignorance and then clearly implied that I am being hypocritical by posting Friday Hotness photos.
As far as objectivity, this is MY blog. You are going to find MY opinion posted here. When I make statements like “Wal-Mart is Evil” I don’t even HAVE to provide sources to back up my claim (even though I do). I am not play-pretending to be a journalist.
As far as your articles on Clear Channel, pardon me for misunderstanding “Clear Channel Shows Phil Cowan The Door” as a negative headline. I stupidly assumed that being fired was kind of a shitty thing. But then again, I’ve been fired from a job, so I have a bit of anecdotal experience with it.
Believe me, I kept in mind throughout the argument that this is your place to sound off. With that said, I enjoy the company of people who don’t take things personally and have some intelligent and moral character. I’ll be off now, good luck to you and yours.
hello - I’m not overly passionate about the Wal-Mart thing, but more than that, I HATE being patronized or accused of ignorance by people who throw their opinions out there without the first clue what they are talking about.
Ginamonster - I don’t think UHC is going to magically fix anything. It’s a good first step in bringing the corruption and politics of health care under control. I don’t think the healthcare crisis is Wal-Mart’s fault, but I do think they contribute to the problem. Be glad that you have the choice to drive elsewhere to go to a Target or any other store. The biggest problems with Wal-Mart takes place in communities where there are NO other choices. I have a feeling they won’t back down on this case because of the floodgates of other employees who have received similar treatment wanting their settlements back. That would be a bigger PR mess.
Without the first clue what they are talking about.
The pot calling the kettle black.
Dude! How many times can one person leave the same place?
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m A Total Fuck Off
Radio Matthew - I challenge you to point out a flaw in my intelligence or “moral character.” You came here spouting nonsense and calling me an ignorant hypocrite… Is there anyway to NOT take that personally?
And dropping little IM bombs like this? :
Mature AND Classy.
this shit is better than any tv drama.
hello haha narf’s last blog post…Be Gentle
Radio Matthew - I restored your comment. It had already gone out in email anyway. I think I’ve more than proven that I have a clue what I’m talking about. You, however, still have failed to make a single point other than you are seriously lacking in a level of maturity that allows you to have an intelligent discussion about any thing real. Perhaps it’s time to go back to your Yahtzee game.
Othurme - How many times did Sugar Ray Leonard retire?
RM - My character shows in how YOU conduct YOURSELF. I treat people the way they treat me. Sometimes better, but never any worse. I would never claim to be the bigger person. You dragged this into the toilet, I’m just swimming along with you.
You’re the one running around calling people bitches and assholes.
othurme’s last blog post…Don’t Hire Me, I’m A Total Fuck Off
It’s amazing how well they’ve frightened the US public when it comes to universal health care. EVERY civilized country on the planet does it except the US. Back when I first heard about it (in the mid 80’s) the only country other than the US was South Africa and that was only because they were still dealing with apartheid and didn’t want to treat the blacks. It’s like saying “I’m not sure sunlight is the best way to handle the crop growing problem, I think we should create huge domes and then use coal to power lamps and see how well they grow”
Sure, some countries do it better than others - but if those countries didn’t have universal health care, you can bet the average Joe would be worse off still.
Robguy’s last blog post…I’m over the sour
Robguy -
Well, there’s your problem right there…
Roboguy-We are not other countries, we are the USA. We are not socialist, we are a republic. I don’t want the government to take care of me. I never said UHC was a BAD thing, I said that I don’t agree that it is the answer. Not for me. not here. Many Americans are tending towards a “let the government fix it” kind of attitude. I think that’s lazy. Just my opinion, it doesn’t mean I am right. I reserve the right to change my mind too.
ginamonster’s last blog post…WTF?
Man go straight home and don’t look at blogs when you get there and look what you miss.
The reason why I commented on this post in the first place, is because I had read a fair bit about it on some other blogs.
I could have sworn the amount Wal-Mart was suing for was the actual cost of medical care that they paid for and they weren’t touching the punitive damages but the her lawyer fees ended up eating those up. This is from memory only … no I do not have a source but I’ll try and find one.
This was why I was not against Wal-Mart recouping their losses. They were going after only medical costs as stated in their policy. If they are trying for the punitive monies as well, I do agree with Jester that it’s a scum act.
If you have car insurance and your car is stolen, and your insurance pays you for the car, and the car is recovered the day after they pay you for the car, do you think that you get your car back? No, that would be ludicrous. You either give them their money back or you get the car back, not both.
Medical costs are exactly the same. If you are insured through Wal-Mart and they pay 470,000 for medical costs that you can’t afford to pay (which is why you have insurance so you they can pay and you can get treatment)if you sue the person who injured you and their insurance picks up the bill then Wal-Mart’s insurance company should get it’s money back. Punitive damages are something else. They should not be touched.
Ginamonster - The way I see it, there is no excuse for a developed country that collects tax revenue from its citizens to allow those citizens to become sick and die because they do not have access to health care. There is nothing more basic than the need for our health. I don’t call that socialism (though so what if it is? You can hardly say our current system of a corrupt democracy is working that well). I call that common sense.
Dave - I agree that if the victim merely recovered medical costs, the insurance company should have the right to recoup their losses. The additional money, however, is supposed to care for the victim for the rest of her life and should be off limits.
I’m so impressed with Walmart that I created this tribute to them
http://hotlard.wordpress.com/2008/03/27/wal-mart-is-evil/
2 Trackbacks
[...] jester: Robguy - EVERY civilized country on the planet… Well, there’s your problem right there… [...]
[...] linking me to a story about how Wal-Mart has decided NOT to take the $470k settlement away from the employee who was permanently disabled in an accident. I suppose we’re all supposed to cluck and say “Isn’t it great that they have [...]