Hold State Judges Accountable for Abortion Bans & Insurance Industry Scams
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Hold Accountable State Judges Who Banned Abortion
Fourteen State Supreme Court Justices who voted against abortion rights are up for re-election in 2024 Retention Elections. (Thanks to Deepak Puri)
"A retention election is a type of election where voters are asked whether an incumbent judge should remain in office for another term. The judge, who does not face an opponent, is removed from the position if a certain percentage of voters (often 50%) indicate that he or she should not be retained." - Ballotpedia
Which State Supreme Court Justices are up for retention elections in 2024? Who are the Governors, State Attorney Generals and Senators in these states responsible for the abortion bans? Where are there ballot measures to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution? Check this interactive map for details and vote them out.
ACTION
Ok Here are the states involved. Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, & Wyoming.
If you live in one of those states check the map and an info box will pop up and tell you which officials want to be retained DON’T RETAIN JUDGES WHO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST WOMEN.
A System Built to Make Money - Not Heal
I just received a report by the American Association for Justice. The report details how insurance companies lock in gigantic profits. Some of America’s most well-known insurance companies—the same ones that spend billions on advertising to earn your trust—have endeavored to deny claims, delay payments, confuse consumers with incomprehensible insurance-speak, and retroactively refuse anyone who may cost them money.
The U.S. insurance industry has trillions of dollars in assets, enjoys average profits of over $30 billion a year, and pays its CEOs more than any other industry. But insurance companies still engage in dirty tricks and unethical behavior to boost their bottom line even further.
The techniques:
Denying Claims
Some of the nation’s biggest insurance companies have denied valid claims in an attempt to boost their bottom lines. We have links and advice in the resources section below to help in case your claim or preauthorization is denied.
Delaying Until Death
Many insurance companies routinely delay claims, knowing full well that many policyholders will simply give up. Some have gone so far as to lock paperwork away in safes. Undoubtedly, the most shameful use of delay tactics has been by long-term care insurers, who often take advantage of their policyholders’ age and ill health. In the words of one regulator, “the bottom line is that insurance companies make money when they don’t pay claims...They’ll do anything to avoid paying, because if they wait long enough, they know the policyholders will die.” (See ref 2 and 3 in the report).
Confusing Consumers
Insurance contracts are some of the most dense and incomprehensible contracts a consumer is ever likely to see.
What You Should Do
READ YOUR POLICY CAREFULLY: You should know exactly what is covered and how to appeal a denial by your insurance company.
BE VERY CAREFUL FILLING OUT FORMS: Even if you make an honest mistake your insurance company may seize on that as a reason to retroactively deny your coverage.
DO NOT CASH A PREMIUM REFUND CHECK: If your insurance company rescinds your insurance they may send you a refund for the premiums you paid. Cashing it may be interpreted as accepting their decision to close your policy.
PUT EVERYTHING IN WRITING: Calling your insurance company is likely to be a frustrating experience, and you will not be able to prove anything that a company representative tells you over the phone. Keep records of all bills and correspondence.
CONTACT YOUR STATE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT: They may be able to help you. But they will not represent you in a private matter, so if all else fails you may need to consult with an attorney.
AND MOST OF ALL, DO NOT GIVE UP: Insurance companies count on you giving up. Fight for your rights.
It is akin to the last words the referee tells boxers before the fight starts. “Above all, protect yourself at all times.”
Resources
Healthcare Advocacy (Us)
Website
Our Newsletter resources including reproductive healthcare
Healthcare Advocacy Reading List
Find My Elected Officials
Contact the White House https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Contact State and Federal Representatives
By phone: (202) 224-3121
By email: democracy.io
Important Healthcare Resources
League of Women Voters Healthcare Reform Toolkit
Organizations to Contact
National Nurses United Medicare4All
Physicians for a National Health Program
One Payer States
Healthcare Now
Reproductive Health
NARAL - Pro Choice America
Charley. chatbot abortion resource - make sure to use a secure incognito browser if you live in a state that has banned abortion
Planned Parenthood
Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline has references about where to procure abortion medications. They also assist women in the process of self managed abortion or miscarriage by phone or text and will respond in an hour. Details and hours of operation at their website.
United State of Women Reproductive health page (bottom of the page) has important resources such as medical support, access to Telehealth, prescriptions by mail, and legal support references.
Practice careful communications - The Digital Defense Fund has a number of tips to keep texts, calls, and internet use private. Here is their site.
If you need financial help with an abortion try abortionfunds.org
Claims Denials and Appeals & What to Do
Appeal a Healthcare Decision
Appeal/Negotiate a Hospital Bill
Disinformation Management
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency
Save Democracy
Chop Wood, Carry Water by Jessica Cravens
RESISTBOT
Link to the RESISTBOT site to learn more
Link to Chop Wood, Carry Water RESISTBOT write up
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I just accessed the information map for Arizona. Since Doug Ducey has not been governor of AZ of over two years, Im wondering if any of this information is accurate.
Shared cartoon and QR code to my Facebook feed. Thanks for that! 👍🏼