My wife and I are in the process of trying to get a medical insurance reimbursement from an audiology appointment our daughter had this Fall. As we've struggled to fight against the fine print and bureaucracy of Blue Cross Blue Shield, we've come face-to-face with the harsh realities of our country's broken healthcare system. Imagine our shock, when we were pointed to pages 51-54 of our healthcare program guide, containing the following actual items NOT covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield:
#4 - Services that are provided without charge, including services of the clergy.
Oh that's just great. What the hell am I supposed to do about this bill I just got in the mail from Father Callahan?
#9 - Services a provider gives to himself/herself.
Healer heal thyself . . . but get ready to pay through the nose for it!
#13 - Services that are prohibited by the law.
Go ahead and get that annual check-up, but apparently it's not covered if I get it from a hooker.
#20 - Services ordered by a court or law enforcement officer that are not medically necessary.
Remember that lobotomy that Jack Nicholson got at the end of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? The bill is on the way, Jack.
#42 - Personal comfort items, such as telephone, television, etc.
Ok, now this is getting ridiculous. I just spent $4200 on a brand new Plasma TV that I clearly cannot afford.
#53 - Services or supplies used primarily for non medical purpose including, but not limited to: air purifiers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, hot tubs, waterbeds, computers, and incontinence pads or pants.
I suppose next they're going to claim that my furnace is not used for medical purposes. What's next? My car? Clothes? HAIR PRODUCTS?!
#60 - Nonprescription supplies such as alcohol.
Last time I checked, we live in America – not communist Russia!
#66 - Custodial Care.
WTF?
#76 - Autopsies.
Curious about how you died? Get out your checkbook, Sucker!
Diary of a Wimpy Grown-up
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
The Hammacher Schlemmer Chronicles
Finally! The wait is over! My new Hammacher Schlemmer catalog (a.k.a. gadget porn) has arrived in the mail!!! Let's start with this month's cover model, The Tranquility Pod.
THE TRANQUILITY POD
I. Want. One. Now. Eat your heart out, Dalai Lama! For a mere $30,000, you too can own this life-sized replica of Mork's spaceship. It's not just your average waterbed. Kick-ass sound system? Check. Mood lighting? Check. Biofeedback system? I have no idea what that is, but I want it. And the lights change color too? Cut it out Hammacher Schlemmer – you had me at hello.
THE IPHONE CONTROLLED LIGHT BULB
Because The Clapper was just too much damn work.
THE MOST EFFICIENT EPILATOR
Holy crap this thing looks scary. Didn't Steve Buscemi get killed by one of these in Fargo?
THE GENUINE HANDMADE IRISH SHILLELAGH
Makes a great Christmas gift, if you happen to draw Gandalf's name.
THE SPINNING SPAGHETTI FORK
This is why Al Qaeda hates us.
THE BEST TV HEADPHONES
THE VOICE CLARIFYING TV SPEAKER
THE VOICE CLARIFYING AMPLIFIER
Even with this triple-threat of voice clarifying/amplifying wizardry, you still won't be able to understand what anyone is saying while watching season 1 of The Wire.
THE PLANTAR FASCIITIS (fill in the blank)
Did I miss the memo? Has plantar fasciitis dethroned heart disease as the worlds #1 killer? It would appear so, given the 9 different options available in this month's catalog: The Plantar Fasciitis Insoles, The Lady's Plantar Fasciitis Athletic Shoes, The Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic Sandal, The Nighttime Plantar Fasciitis Therapy Brace, The Lady's Plantar Fasciitis Ballet Flats, The Plantar Fasciitis Relieving Foot Sleeve, The Lady's Plantar Fasciitis Wedge, The Gentleman's Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic Walking Shoes, and The Gentleman's Plantar Fasciitis Athletic Shoes.
THE FULL BOTTLE GLASS OF WINE
"Its classic Bordeaux shape fits an entire hand, enabling effortless quaffing without abandoning social mores". Hi, I just put an entire f*cking bottle of wine in one glass but I'm still concerned about abandoning social mores.
THE CPAP PILLOW
The crap pillow? Why would I want a crap pillow? Is it made of crap? It certainly looks like crap. Oh wait, that says CPAP.
THE POWER NAP HEAD PILLOW
I just don't even know what to say.

I. Want. One. Now. Eat your heart out, Dalai Lama! For a mere $30,000, you too can own this life-sized replica of Mork's spaceship. It's not just your average waterbed. Kick-ass sound system? Check. Mood lighting? Check. Biofeedback system? I have no idea what that is, but I want it. And the lights change color too? Cut it out Hammacher Schlemmer – you had me at hello.
THE IPHONE CONTROLLED LIGHT BULB
Because The Clapper was just too much damn work.
THE MOST EFFICIENT EPILATOR
Holy crap this thing looks scary. Didn't Steve Buscemi get killed by one of these in Fargo?
THE GENUINE HANDMADE IRISH SHILLELAGH
Makes a great Christmas gift, if you happen to draw Gandalf's name.
THE SPINNING SPAGHETTI FORK
This is why Al Qaeda hates us.
THE BEST TV HEADPHONES
THE VOICE CLARIFYING TV SPEAKER
THE VOICE CLARIFYING AMPLIFIER
Even with this triple-threat of voice clarifying/amplifying wizardry, you still won't be able to understand what anyone is saying while watching season 1 of The Wire.
THE PLANTAR FASCIITIS (fill in the blank)
Did I miss the memo? Has plantar fasciitis dethroned heart disease as the worlds #1 killer? It would appear so, given the 9 different options available in this month's catalog: The Plantar Fasciitis Insoles, The Lady's Plantar Fasciitis Athletic Shoes, The Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic Sandal, The Nighttime Plantar Fasciitis Therapy Brace, The Lady's Plantar Fasciitis Ballet Flats, The Plantar Fasciitis Relieving Foot Sleeve, The Lady's Plantar Fasciitis Wedge, The Gentleman's Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic Walking Shoes, and The Gentleman's Plantar Fasciitis Athletic Shoes.
THE FULL BOTTLE GLASS OF WINE
"Its classic Bordeaux shape fits an entire hand, enabling effortless quaffing without abandoning social mores". Hi, I just put an entire f*cking bottle of wine in one glass but I'm still concerned about abandoning social mores.
THE CPAP PILLOW
The crap pillow? Why would I want a crap pillow? Is it made of crap? It certainly looks like crap. Oh wait, that says CPAP.
THE POWER NAP HEAD PILLOW
I just don't even know what to say.
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