11/1 Letters: Smart NC is a way to challenge denied claims

Thank you for “Program helps residents challenge denied health insurance claims” (Oct. 29) about Smart NC, the state program to help the insured with denied claims. As a practicing orthopedic surgeon for 32 years, I am now on the phone about twice a week, usually with BCBS, to fight for my patients denied surgeries. No, I am not trying to get them a swimming pool.

In my opinion, there are two issues that need to be addressed. When most people buy health insurance, they are usually concerned only with the cost of the premium, their deductible and their copays. Nobody ever asks what medications, tests or treatments their insurance won’t pay for. That information is buried deep inside the insurer’s web site. This information should be made much more transparent to consumers so they can make informed decisions about which carrier to choose.

Second, the same procedure that is deemed “experimental” by BCBS of North Carolina can be covered by BCBS in other states across the country. If the federal government would allow insurance to be purchased across state lines, not only could you find a policy that provides all the coverage you want, there would finally be true competition in the insurance market.

‘Double standard’

Regarding “Pack’s Beverly ruled ineligible” (Oct. 14): I find it odd that the NCAA doesn’t punish UNC for having bogus classes for 18 years for football and basketball players. Then basketball player Braxton Beverly at N.C. State is punished for actually attending a couple of real academic classes before transferring to N.C. State.

At least N.C. State has the integrity to accept the ruling while UNC showed none using expensive lawyers to avoid the punishment the university deserved. Kind of a double standard both by the NCAA and the universities involved.

Surprised by stickers

Regarding “Confederate flag stickers handed out at State Fair draw complaints” (Oct. 21): I don’t know why it surprised me to hear that Confederate flag stickers were handed out at the N.C. State Fair, but it did. And that the sticker states “celebrating Confederate heritage” (though I admit I have no idea what Confederate heritage is) shouldn’t have surprised me either, but it did.

I suppose passing out state flag stickers or American flag stickers wouldn’t have conveyed the same message of heritage or national pride for some. And while I’m sure some may find the “Confederate heritage” they attach to this flag something to celebrate, many, including myself, would suggest that if more people understood the history of this battle flag, and acknowledged the racism that it represents to many Americans, perhaps they would choose a more inclusive sticker to pass out.

This story was originally published October 31, 2017 at 6:00 PM with the headline "11/1 Letters: Smart NC is a way to challenge denied claims."