There is a new term out there. Few have heard it. Many will as time goes on.
It is medical repatriation.
Formal sounding. Serious in its implications.
I spoke of medical repatriation on the Key West Lou Legal Hour yesterday. The term involves illegal persons and hospital bills.
The law in the United States is that a hospital is required to care for an injured or sick person till that person is “stabilized.” Not cured. Regardless of ability to pay. Until recently, hospitals have been caring for illegal persons till cured. The result was increased billing to those who had the ability to pay. An unfair but Christian like approach.
Medicaid does not pay the medical bills of those illegally in the United States.
Hospitals have begun to change the format for handling illegals. Now they hire a plane and ship these still sick persons back to their country of origin. The expense of the plane is on the hospital. It is cheaper for a hospital to go this route rather than absorb the balance of a cure bill and rehabilitation.
A recent case involves two Mexican illegals who were working. Their employer provided each with a $100,000 medical policy. The two men had an automobile accident resulting in serious brain injuries. The $100,000 per person was eaten up in less than one week. The hospital flew them back to Mexico on the eleventh day. While both were comatose, a state they had been in since the happening of the accident.
Bad business! Such conduct sets a precedent for a hospital to throw the sick out when the money runs out. I am talking about U.S. citizens who are sick and have no insurance or have insurance that has run out.
I fear that what happens to others today, will happen to us tomorrow.
I discussed the above on my tv/internet show yesterday.
Afterwards, I hurried home to write next week’s column for KONK Life. Vengeance Is Mine Sayeth The Lord. It has to do with the 19 year old Boston bomber and forgiveness. Cardinal O’Malley last week said we should forgive. I say no! Execute him! After a fair trial, of course.
From my previous writings and shows, you are aware that I am against the death penalty. My concern is that an innocent person could be put to death. The system is not perfect. However with the Boston bomber the story is different. From the videos, pictures, television and everything else, there is no question of guilt. Guilt for a horrific and heinous crime. Let him die!
The Chart Room last night was crowded and fun. Jean Thornton invited me to watch the Great Sea Battle from the porch of the Hot Tin Roof with some others. She was buying. I could not refuse such a generous offer from such a beautiful lady.
We ate and drank and watched the Conch Republic win another battle against the forces of the United States. There was no way the Conch Republic was going to lose. Four airplanes. Two bi of World War I vintage, another post World War II, and a sea plane. All dropping unfurling toilet paper rolls as bombs. Biodegradable, I might add.
The U.S. Navy had two jets flying over. No competition for the four Conch planes.
Four pirate ships made up the Conch Navy. Frankie is Admiral. The pirates were appropriately dressed.
The United States was represented by a small 14 foot power boat with a red stripe on the side. No competition. Sequestration prevented the Coast Guard cutter from participating.
The bombs fell, the pirate ship guns hosed the 14 foot power boat and threw cabbage, tomatoes and eggs at it.
The war was easily won.
Stopped at Don’s Place on the way home. Erika, Hershel, Michael, Don, and Stephanie in attendance. Erika’s brother was there. He has just returned from six years in South Korea. He taught English. He had many interesting stories to share.
The weather continues to be magnificent. Several people commented last night that yesterday had been one of Key West’s best days.
Enjoy your day!