 Do
you find it more difficult to obtain health, auto and life insurance than other
people?
 Yes,
the prices that insurance companies put on things
for people with disabilities are ridiculous. Why do
they raise the prices for people who are in greater
need? Insurance companies need to learn the word "accessibility"
for people with disabilities.
Being
a comedian, which probably is similar those who are self-employed, do you have
to purchase your own health insurance? If so, did you compare coverages and costs
before making a decision? Yes,
I do purchase my own health insurance. I'm always scared to use it because they
might raise the premiums. I knew I didn't want an HMO type of insurance. I did
some research and decided to go with Blue Cross PPO; I think there is a shorter
wait time to get appointments with doctors. But if cost is key, you might want
to consider an HMO.
| Can
you explain why you chose a PPO over an HMO? |
A
PPO is more personalized. Each person has their own
needs, and a PPO offers more options for getting individual
needs met. Also, I don't want to be forced to see
a doctor who overbooks their schedule and runs their
office like a factory, which I've seen happen often
with HMOs. I like to be able to see the doctor I need
to see without mounds of paperwork and approvals.
It's very important to develop a relationship with
your doctors. You want the doctor you have to respect
you, your time and your body. You only get one body,
so you have to treat it like a temple.
Michael
Moore's "Sicko" takes on the health insurance companies in the usual Michael Moore
fashion. What were your feelings after seeing that film, assuming that you did? I
have to wait for it to come out in closed caption. But if Michael is behind the
film it will show the truth. I applaud him for bringing this to the public. We
need to speak up to take care of ourselves. It's already been proven that we cannot
depend on our government for all our needs. | 
