
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 2, 1992                   TAG: 9203020233
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

HEALTH INSURER DENIED COVERAGE

MY FAMILY and I belong to the growing number of Americans without health insurance. I, however, have the distinct pleasure of paying premiums to the patron saint of the ill, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia.

In April 1991 due to a plant closing, I was forced to seek new employment. I found it quickly, and for that I am grateful. My new "health coverage" became effective July 1, 1991.

However, on June 11 my wife was hospitalized, and diagnosed with an illness requiring daily medication and lifelong treatment. It has thus far required two more hospital stays and monthly office visits.

During her latest hospitalization in January of this year, she was, for all intents and purposes, evicted. With the exception of prescription medication, all claims relating to this illness have been denied.

The reason: a pre-existing illness (of 20 days) requires a 90-day period without prescription or medical fees, filed with Blue Cross or not. Otherwise, coverage is not "effective" for one year after "effective date" (?).

Blue Cross, if a family in rags approaches you on the street with the query, "Brother, can you spare a dime?", be sympathetic. You put us there. JEFFERY T. LEONARD ROANOKE

by CNB