Just when you thought the drug problems couldn’t get any more complicated, a recent news report confirmed that insurance companies may be playing a huge part in feeding patient addiction, though not necessarily by intent. As CNN reports, one mother recently lost her son to cocaine addiction as a tragic result of an unchecked sickness and a bunch of gift money from his insurance company. As it turns out, though, the situation surrounding this tragedy might not be as complicated as you might think. Let’s take a closer look at the complicated relationship between drug addiction and insurance.
Nothing but Dirty Money
After following up on a story regarding Anthem and Blue Cross Network’s out-of-network care programs, in which a woman spoke about a $240,000 check, one mother reached out to CNN to discuss the tragic death of her son. During the process of his final withdrawal, her son had consumed a bottle of whiskey and had snorted a line of cocaine, all purchased with checks delivered by insurance companies (not through hospitals or a doctor’s office). She has referred to these batches of cash as “dirty money,” reasonably so.
The Plot Thickens, Watson
According to the mother, her son’s insurance company had been fully aware he had been suffering from this sickness. In June 2017, Blue Cross sent him a $14,104 check right after he had completed a stay at a rehabilitation facility.
However, as Cody Hand, senior vice president for the North Carolina Healthcare Association, puts it, he has never known Blue Cross to take this sort of action at this level. In response, Hand accused the insurance company of selecting patients as a collective ace in the hole. In that light, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey couldn’t agree more and urged healthcare groups to take action immediately.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism
Alcoholism and drug addiction are dangerous sicknesses that should never be taken lightly. All it takes to fall off the wagon and become sick is to take that first sniff, snort, injection, or shot before you are rolling downhill into insanity. Still, you can always push the train back up, but it will be a difficult hike. However, with the right mixture of perseverance and determination, you can easily get back on track and be happy once more.
Are you suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or drug addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is coping with the same illness? In both cases, get in touch us at with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of drug withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you are seeking more information about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.