Murder By Spreadsheet

This is a disgusting story. On December 10, 17-year-old Nataline Sarkysian was at the top of the list for a liver transplant. CIGNA, her insurer, denied the operation, suggesting that the treatment was experimental. For 10 days her family struggled, begging to get CIGNA to change their position on denial of care. UCLA had a liver ready and waiting for her for over a week. A fierce campaign begun by the CNA and the netroots came to a head yesterday, and CIGNA finally changed their mind and allowed the operation to go forward. It showed the power of individuals to create change.

But it was too late. Nataline died yesterday.

But don't worry, we're all going to get everyone covered by these same companies!

The sad truth is that insurance companies value profit over treatment. And they always will. And no amount of regulation will ever change that. As SiCKO revealed, the problem isn't just who doesn't have coverage, the problem is who DOES.

This is revolting. I'm beyond sickened, and CIGNA should have its license to do business in California revoked. The Insurance Commissioner should hear from all of us.

Nyceve has more.

UPDATE: Ouch, the family got Mark Geragos to represent them. And he's asking to pursue criminal MURDER charges against CIGNA.

I hate to be crassly political, but this is the end of health care reform in California. And it's entirely the fault of these criminally negligent insurers who put profit over people. They deserve to be legislated out of existence.