Beth Swanson
@write4chocolate.bsky.social
#Freelance #Writer and #PT covering health, chronic illness, and parenting. #Exvangelical lite. 🩷 the ⛰️mountains, 🌸 summer, ☀️sun, 🌏 travel and Ivie 🐶. #hEDS. 🦓 Healthcare is a human right.
📧 bethswansonwrites@gmail.com
📧 bethswansonwrites@gmail.com
Pinned
My Daughter Desperately Needs Brain Surgery. Our Insurance Company's Response Has Been Shocking.
"The insurance company has an army of people who are very concerned about paperwork and precise wording ... My kindness and patience has shifted to fury."
www.huffpost.com
So many people sharing stories about denials from their health insurance company this week. Here’s ours.
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
#healthcare #healthinsuranace #cigna #UHC #CEO #POTS #hEDS #CCI
#BCBS #Chronicillness
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
#healthcare #healthinsuranace #cigna #UHC #CEO #POTS #hEDS #CCI
#BCBS #Chronicillness
This is one of the articles I quoted in the #HuffPost piece about Natalie’s struggle to get #Cigna to cover her surgery. #ProPublica does excellent reporting on the #insurance industry and #healthcare, and can always use your support!
Internal documents and former company executives reveal how Cigna doctors reject patients’ claims without opening their files.
“We literally click and submit,” one former company doctor said.
(Published March 2023 with @capitolforum.bsky.social)
“We literally click and submit,” one former company doctor said.
(Published March 2023 with @capitolforum.bsky.social)
How Cigna Saves Millions by Having Its Doctors Reject Claims Without Reading Them
Internal documents and former company executives reveal how Cigna doctors reject patients’ claims without opening their files. “We literally click and submit,” one former company doctor said.
propub.li
March 23, 2025 at 3:09 AM
This is one of the articles I quoted in the #HuffPost piece about Natalie’s struggle to get #Cigna to cover her surgery. #ProPublica does excellent reporting on the #insurance industry and #healthcare, and can always use your support!
Back to discuss this now that Natalie is recovering well from #CCI #surgery.
First topic: What our #insurance should have covered.
Or, answering the “why didn’t you just have better #healthinsurance?”
(Hot tip: Don’t ask a #parent fighting for their kid that question.)
#hEDS #MD
First topic: What our #insurance should have covered.
Or, answering the “why didn’t you just have better #healthinsurance?”
(Hot tip: Don’t ask a #parent fighting for their kid that question.)
#hEDS #MD
So many people sharing stories about denials from their health insurance company this week. Here’s ours.
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
#healthcare #healthinsuranace #cigna #UHC #CEO #POTS #hEDS #CCI
#BCBS #Chronicillness
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
#healthcare #healthinsuranace #cigna #UHC #CEO #POTS #hEDS #CCI
#BCBS #Chronicillness
My Daughter Desperately Needs Brain Surgery. Our Insurance Company's Response Has Been Shocking.
"The insurance company has an army of people who are very concerned about paperwork and precise wording ... My kindness and patience has shifted to fury."
www.huffpost.com
March 17, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Back to discuss this now that Natalie is recovering well from #CCI #surgery.
First topic: What our #insurance should have covered.
Or, answering the “why didn’t you just have better #healthinsurance?”
(Hot tip: Don’t ask a #parent fighting for their kid that question.)
#hEDS #MD
First topic: What our #insurance should have covered.
Or, answering the “why didn’t you just have better #healthinsurance?”
(Hot tip: Don’t ask a #parent fighting for their kid that question.)
#hEDS #MD
Some good news!
Natalie had her surgery! She’s home now and doing so well. She’s in her hard collar a couple more months, and has about a year of rehab to go, but omg, she can think again. And eat. And stand up. It’s a whole new world for her already.
Thank you so much for all the support. 🩷
Natalie had her surgery! She’s home now and doing so well. She’s in her hard collar a couple more months, and has about a year of rehab to go, but omg, she can think again. And eat. And stand up. It’s a whole new world for her already.
Thank you so much for all the support. 🩷
March 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Some good news!
Natalie had her surgery! She’s home now and doing so well. She’s in her hard collar a couple more months, and has about a year of rehab to go, but omg, she can think again. And eat. And stand up. It’s a whole new world for her already.
Thank you so much for all the support. 🩷
Natalie had her surgery! She’s home now and doing so well. She’s in her hard collar a couple more months, and has about a year of rehab to go, but omg, she can think again. And eat. And stand up. It’s a whole new world for her already.
Thank you so much for all the support. 🩷
When even the #Hallmark channel is pointing out how damaging the #healthinsurance industry is, maybe it’s time to reconsider the business model.
#UHC #CEO #healthcare
#HappyHowlidays
#FindingMrChristmas
#UHC #CEO #healthcare
#HappyHowlidays
#FindingMrChristmas
December 21, 2024 at 5:56 PM
When even the #Hallmark channel is pointing out how damaging the #healthinsurance industry is, maybe it’s time to reconsider the business model.
#UHC #CEO #healthcare
#HappyHowlidays
#FindingMrChristmas
#UHC #CEO #healthcare
#HappyHowlidays
#FindingMrChristmas
Time to talk about #BrianaBoston.
My perspective is obvs shaped by our fight to get Natalie care.
Why can #healhinsurance companies deny and delay care - often causing harm - while corporate America and Congress just shrug? 🤷♀️ “Nothing we can do!”
#BCBS #Cigna
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
My perspective is obvs shaped by our fight to get Natalie care.
Why can #healhinsurance companies deny and delay care - often causing harm - while corporate America and Congress just shrug? 🤷♀️ “Nothing we can do!”
#BCBS #Cigna
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
My Daughter Desperately Needs Brain Surgery. Our Insurance Company's Response Has Been Shocking.
"The insurance company has an army of people who are very concerned about paperwork and precise wording ... My kindness and patience has shifted to fury."
www.huffpost.com
December 14, 2024 at 5:06 PM
Time to talk about #BrianaBoston.
My perspective is obvs shaped by our fight to get Natalie care.
Why can #healhinsurance companies deny and delay care - often causing harm - while corporate America and Congress just shrug? 🤷♀️ “Nothing we can do!”
#BCBS #Cigna
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
My perspective is obvs shaped by our fight to get Natalie care.
Why can #healhinsurance companies deny and delay care - often causing harm - while corporate America and Congress just shrug? 🤷♀️ “Nothing we can do!”
#BCBS #Cigna
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
You know what Cigna told me when they (finally) approved her surgery?
They “were just trying to protect Natalie.”
From what? School? Friends? Being alive?
Killing people is always wrong. Even when you do it with paperwork and a smile.
They “were just trying to protect Natalie.”
From what? School? Friends? Being alive?
Killing people is always wrong. Even when you do it with paperwork and a smile.
UHC CEO makes a remembrance letter in the NYT. The comments from readers appropriately tear him a new one.
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/13/o...
www.nytimes.com/2024/12/13/o...
Opinion | UnitedHealth Group C.E.O.: Brian Thompson Was Never Content With the Status Quo
No one would design a system like the one we have. And no one did.
www.nytimes.com
December 13, 2024 at 4:41 PM
You know what Cigna told me when they (finally) approved her surgery?
They “were just trying to protect Natalie.”
From what? School? Friends? Being alive?
Killing people is always wrong. Even when you do it with paperwork and a smile.
They “were just trying to protect Natalie.”
From what? School? Friends? Being alive?
Killing people is always wrong. Even when you do it with paperwork and a smile.
B/c of course they are.
NEW: After reviewing leaked documents, we have found UnitedHealth is strategically limiting access to a treatment for thousands of children with autism across the country in order to cut costs.
Advocates say the company’s strategy may be illegal.
www.propublica.org/article/unit...
👇
Advocates say the company’s strategy may be illegal.
www.propublica.org/article/unit...
👇
UnitedHealth Is Strategically Limiting Access to Critical Treatment for Kids With Autism
Leaked internal documents show that the insurance giant is culling providers of applied behavior analysis from its network and scrutinizing the medical necessity of therapy. Advocates say the company’...
www.propublica.org
December 13, 2024 at 2:56 PM
B/c of course they are.
Seems like I wasn’t the only one looking for this kind of info.
(And I think 13 hours a week is low, tbh. Same wirh the 24% delay.)
(And I think 13 hours a week is low, tbh. Same wirh the 24% delay.)
The American Medical Association surveyed doctors about insurance “prior authorizations” and found:
41 prior auths per doctor per week
13 hours spent per week on prior auths
24% reported hospitalizations due to delays from prior auths
8% reported disability/deaths due to delays from prior auths
41 prior auths per doctor per week
13 hours spent per week on prior auths
24% reported hospitalizations due to delays from prior auths
8% reported disability/deaths due to delays from prior auths
December 13, 2024 at 12:21 AM
Seems like I wasn’t the only one looking for this kind of info.
(And I think 13 hours a week is low, tbh. Same wirh the 24% delay.)
(And I think 13 hours a week is low, tbh. Same wirh the 24% delay.)
Natalie’s surgery is approved!!!
We are excited but exhausted.
It shouldn’t take a parent who can write and a kid (young woman) who is willing to share her medical history with the world just to access care.
And also, HER SURGERY IS APPROVED!! 🩷
Thank you so much for the support!
We are excited but exhausted.
It shouldn’t take a parent who can write and a kid (young woman) who is willing to share her medical history with the world just to access care.
And also, HER SURGERY IS APPROVED!! 🩷
Thank you so much for the support!
December 11, 2024 at 10:07 PM
Natalie’s surgery is approved!!!
We are excited but exhausted.
It shouldn’t take a parent who can write and a kid (young woman) who is willing to share her medical history with the world just to access care.
And also, HER SURGERY IS APPROVED!! 🩷
Thank you so much for the support!
We are excited but exhausted.
It shouldn’t take a parent who can write and a kid (young woman) who is willing to share her medical history with the world just to access care.
And also, HER SURGERY IS APPROVED!! 🩷
Thank you so much for the support!
Tried to find this info for the article about Natalie. Closest I found a was survey that discovered about half of people get worse w/delayed care
Also, @ProPublica.bsky.social does excellent reporting about health insurance companies. Recommend a follow and donation if you can swing it.
Also, @ProPublica.bsky.social does excellent reporting about health insurance companies. Recommend a follow and donation if you can swing it.
NOBODY KNOWS just how many Americans per year are killed off by health insurance companies delaying and denying coverage because they DON’T SHARE THE DATA.
December 10, 2024 at 9:37 PM
Tried to find this info for the article about Natalie. Closest I found a was survey that discovered about half of people get worse w/delayed care
Also, @ProPublica.bsky.social does excellent reporting about health insurance companies. Recommend a follow and donation if you can swing it.
Also, @ProPublica.bsky.social does excellent reporting about health insurance companies. Recommend a follow and donation if you can swing it.
Hey for no reason at all, just want to point out that “kids” stop being allowed to be on a parent’s plan at 26.
(Until the next admin takes their shot at overturning the #ACA / #Obamacare, then who knows b/c concepts of a plan and all.)
#healthcare #healthinsurance #UHC #CEO
(Until the next admin takes their shot at overturning the #ACA / #Obamacare, then who knows b/c concepts of a plan and all.)
#healthcare #healthinsurance #UHC #CEO
December 9, 2024 at 10:39 PM
Hey for no reason at all, just want to point out that “kids” stop being allowed to be on a parent’s plan at 26.
(Until the next admin takes their shot at overturning the #ACA / #Obamacare, then who knows b/c concepts of a plan and all.)
#healthcare #healthinsurance #UHC #CEO
(Until the next admin takes their shot at overturning the #ACA / #Obamacare, then who knows b/c concepts of a plan and all.)
#healthcare #healthinsurance #UHC #CEO
Guess they haven’t learned yet.
insurance is not an indispensable part of health care, executives are certainly not pillars of leadership or whatever the fuck that line was.
And glad it doesn’t include anything about *employee* safety. Or care. JFC.
insurance is not an indispensable part of health care, executives are certainly not pillars of leadership or whatever the fuck that line was.
And glad it doesn’t include anything about *employee* safety. Or care. JFC.
December 9, 2024 at 4:05 PM
Guess they haven’t learned yet.
insurance is not an indispensable part of health care, executives are certainly not pillars of leadership or whatever the fuck that line was.
And glad it doesn’t include anything about *employee* safety. Or care. JFC.
insurance is not an indispensable part of health care, executives are certainly not pillars of leadership or whatever the fuck that line was.
And glad it doesn’t include anything about *employee* safety. Or care. JFC.
Good morning everyone! I’m having a tiny bit of trouble keeping up with my mentions and inbox. Thank you for the care, concern and amazing offers to help! Sharing a few moments - Natlaie’s “graduation” + her trip to the surgeon + family, and then our plans moving forward in the thread.
December 8, 2024 at 4:37 PM
Good morning everyone! I’m having a tiny bit of trouble keeping up with my mentions and inbox. Thank you for the care, concern and amazing offers to help! Sharing a few moments - Natlaie’s “graduation” + her trip to the surgeon + family, and then our plans moving forward in the thread.
Hi all! First Natalie and I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone for the support!
No, Natalie has not had surgery yet. It has been in negotiations for months. As of today, we have 3 of the 4 signed agreements we need. #Cigna assures us the 4th is coming “any day now.”
No, Natalie has not had surgery yet. It has been in negotiations for months. As of today, we have 3 of the 4 signed agreements we need. #Cigna assures us the 4th is coming “any day now.”
December 7, 2024 at 8:03 PM
Hi all! First Natalie and I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone for the support!
No, Natalie has not had surgery yet. It has been in negotiations for months. As of today, we have 3 of the 4 signed agreements we need. #Cigna assures us the 4th is coming “any day now.”
No, Natalie has not had surgery yet. It has been in negotiations for months. As of today, we have 3 of the 4 signed agreements we need. #Cigna assures us the 4th is coming “any day now.”
So many people sharing stories about denials from their health insurance company this week. Here’s ours.
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
#healthcare #healthinsuranace #cigna #UHC #CEO #POTS #hEDS #CCI
#BCBS #Chronicillness
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
#healthcare #healthinsuranace #cigna #UHC #CEO #POTS #hEDS #CCI
#BCBS #Chronicillness
My Daughter Desperately Needs Brain Surgery. Our Insurance Company's Response Has Been Shocking.
"The insurance company has an army of people who are very concerned about paperwork and precise wording ... My kindness and patience has shifted to fury."
www.huffpost.com
December 7, 2024 at 2:19 PM
So many people sharing stories about denials from their health insurance company this week. Here’s ours.
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
#healthcare #healthinsuranace #cigna #UHC #CEO #POTS #hEDS #CCI
#BCBS #Chronicillness
www.huffpost.com/entry/brain-...
#healthcare #healthinsuranace #cigna #UHC #CEO #POTS #hEDS #CCI
#BCBS #Chronicillness
Didn’t think I could be even angrier at #Cigna. Our case manager just gave my husband all the information and updates I had been begging for over the last month. In one phone call.
I thought my PT degree and years of healthcare experience would help. Turns out I just needed a Y Chromosome. 🙃
I thought my PT degree and years of healthcare experience would help. Turns out I just needed a Y Chromosome. 🙃
December 6, 2024 at 10:35 PM
Didn’t think I could be even angrier at #Cigna. Our case manager just gave my husband all the information and updates I had been begging for over the last month. In one phone call.
I thought my PT degree and years of healthcare experience would help. Turns out I just needed a Y Chromosome. 🙃
I thought my PT degree and years of healthcare experience would help. Turns out I just needed a Y Chromosome. 🙃
Natlaie was supposed to be at the #ErasTourVancouver tonight, celebrating her recovery from brain and spine surgery. But #cigna refused to cover her surgery, so it got cancelled. She’s at home instead, still waiting for negotiations to finish…”any day now” 🙃
December 6, 2024 at 4:12 PM
Natlaie was supposed to be at the #ErasTourVancouver tonight, celebrating her recovery from brain and spine surgery. But #cigna refused to cover her surgery, so it got cancelled. She’s at home instead, still waiting for negotiations to finish…”any day now” 🙃
I have a piece publishing soon about our fight with our insurance company to cover a surgery my daughter desperately needs.
They denied it.
She’s down to 98#s now- at 5’6” - and struggling to eat and stand. Want empathy for the UHC guy, but too busy trying to keep my kid alive. More Saturday.
They denied it.
She’s down to 98#s now- at 5’6” - and struggling to eat and stand. Want empathy for the UHC guy, but too busy trying to keep my kid alive. More Saturday.
December 6, 2024 at 3:55 AM
I have a piece publishing soon about our fight with our insurance company to cover a surgery my daughter desperately needs.
They denied it.
She’s down to 98#s now- at 5’6” - and struggling to eat and stand. Want empathy for the UHC guy, but too busy trying to keep my kid alive. More Saturday.
They denied it.
She’s down to 98#s now- at 5’6” - and struggling to eat and stand. Want empathy for the UHC guy, but too busy trying to keep my kid alive. More Saturday.
Tried to see #Wicked today. Had to leave before it started; asked for a refund for the ticket. Manager was SO nice, and SO sad for me (kind but *very* sad). Got home, kiddo said “you even dressed up for Wicked!”
Friends…I did not dress up. But this is what I was wearing. It all makes sense now. 😂
Friends…I did not dress up. But this is what I was wearing. It all makes sense now. 😂
December 3, 2024 at 12:55 AM
Tried to see #Wicked today. Had to leave before it started; asked for a refund for the ticket. Manager was SO nice, and SO sad for me (kind but *very* sad). Got home, kiddo said “you even dressed up for Wicked!”
Friends…I did not dress up. But this is what I was wearing. It all makes sense now. 😂
Friends…I did not dress up. But this is what I was wearing. It all makes sense now. 😂
*almost* everyone in the family likes their Christmas pajamas…
December 2, 2024 at 3:41 PM
*almost* everyone in the family likes their Christmas pajamas…
Current view as the tiny (adorable) menace creeps closer and closer to me (my Thanksgiving leftovers)…🐶
December 1, 2024 at 3:31 AM
Current view as the tiny (adorable) menace creeps closer and closer to me (my Thanksgiving leftovers)…🐶
Day 11 and 12 of the #bookchallenge #💙📚 #booksky
(Plus a little commentary. 🩷 these books for their take on the importance of connection.)
(Plus a little commentary. 🩷 these books for their take on the importance of connection.)
November 28, 2024 at 3:10 AM
Day 11 and 12 of the #bookchallenge #💙📚 #booksky
(Plus a little commentary. 🩷 these books for their take on the importance of connection.)
(Plus a little commentary. 🩷 these books for their take on the importance of connection.)
In light of my thoughts on #Project2025 and the #exvangelical community, here’s book 10/20 in the #bookchallenge. #booksky #💙📚
(First book that accurately reflected how I was “taught” history.)
(First book that accurately reflected how I was “taught” history.)
November 25, 2024 at 4:08 PM
In light of my thoughts on #Project2025 and the #exvangelical community, here’s book 10/20 in the #bookchallenge. #booksky #💙📚
(First book that accurately reflected how I was “taught” history.)
(First book that accurately reflected how I was “taught” history.)
My note on Project 2025.
I usually say I grew up “borderline evangelical” plus “quirky libertarian.” Think very small, very Christian school. Girls couldn’t wear shorts. We learned about complemtarianism, but it was presented as just life. “The man is the head of the household.” 1/n
I usually say I grew up “borderline evangelical” plus “quirky libertarian.” Think very small, very Christian school. Girls couldn’t wear shorts. We learned about complemtarianism, but it was presented as just life. “The man is the head of the household.” 1/n
November 24, 2024 at 10:58 PM
My note on Project 2025.
I usually say I grew up “borderline evangelical” plus “quirky libertarian.” Think very small, very Christian school. Girls couldn’t wear shorts. We learned about complemtarianism, but it was presented as just life. “The man is the head of the household.” 1/n
I usually say I grew up “borderline evangelical” plus “quirky libertarian.” Think very small, very Christian school. Girls couldn’t wear shorts. We learned about complemtarianism, but it was presented as just life. “The man is the head of the household.” 1/n
Missed a day! Day 8/20 and 9/20 in the 20 day book challenge.
(This is reminding me that yes, I do pretty exclusively read kids books and non-fiction work. Sorry adult fiction writers….🤷♀️)
#bookchallenge #booksky #💙📚 #kidlit
(This is reminding me that yes, I do pretty exclusively read kids books and non-fiction work. Sorry adult fiction writers….🤷♀️)
#bookchallenge #booksky #💙📚 #kidlit
November 24, 2024 at 3:26 PM
Missed a day! Day 8/20 and 9/20 in the 20 day book challenge.
(This is reminding me that yes, I do pretty exclusively read kids books and non-fiction work. Sorry adult fiction writers….🤷♀️)
#bookchallenge #booksky #💙📚 #kidlit
(This is reminding me that yes, I do pretty exclusively read kids books and non-fiction work. Sorry adult fiction writers….🤷♀️)
#bookchallenge #booksky #💙📚 #kidlit