Sunday, 9-30-07

PULPY ROOT, IA - The family of a local man is suing a large health insurance company, charging that the company’s unquestioning acceptance of the man’s large health claim caused him to suffer a fatal heart attack.
Everett Bettits, 67, had recently been discharged from Antsy County Health Center following a two-week hospitalization due to a severe bout of shingles. He submitted his hospital bill, which his family says exceeded $30,000, to Mutual Assured Damage Corporation, the administrator of his retirement health plan. Approximately 10 days later, he received a check for 80% of the total amount, exactly what he seemed to be owed under the stated terms of the policy.
“He opened the envelope expecting a letter saying they were going to have to investigate the claim,” Bettis’s widow, Marva, said tearfully. “When he saw the check, he just fell out. It’s not right. Someone’s got to put a stop to it.”