Restrictive Clubs

Standing in front of the exclusive club, debating whether to enter. The membership committee are in the foyer. They are dead set on preventing the wrong kind of person being admitted.

They greet and begin a tour. Down the hall to the left and the first right, through double swinging doors and into a stark white, very well lit hallway lined with amazing machinery. It appears to be for medical purposes. All of the workers are dressed in scrubs. The tour hesitates momentarily and doctors outside of a patient room are talking, “We caught it in time. No problem. Very early.”

The tour continues to a treatment room. A man has been diagnosed with an odd polyp in his colon. The doctors explain the scanning device, that can be used on a weekly basis in a community clinic for members of the club. There is no way that cancer can hide.

The tour is very impressive. The wonders of modern medicine are on full display. Then the committee chair says, “Of course, we have many other marvels that are only known to members. Please step this way, we would like to give you the results of the testing that was taken as you walked through the clinic.” He opens an envelope that a nurse handed him.

“Says here that your blood pressure is elevated. Is that something of which you were aware?”

“Well, yeah, it has been high off and on.”

“Well, Mr. America, in this country, we have the best medical system in the world. We have the highest order of technology for both diagnosis and treatment. However, if we let everyone in the country into the club, then we could no longer afford the high level of care that we enjoy.”

“Is that why you are doing everything that you can to prevent us from joining?”

“That's just part of the reason. You see, we are forcing a situation where people will accept plans with a low premium, but they are not talking about the deductibles on those plans, or co-pays. I mean what's the point of prescribing a colonoscopy, if the co-pay is over $500? What's the point of having a plan with a $2000 deductible if you don't have $2000? Meanwhile the premiums are streaming in, while we continue to deny coverage, restrict membership and those in power are enjoying both membership and bonuses in their campaign funds.”

“So you are confident that you can continue to restrict membership?”

“Oh yeah, but you do have options. Get a job, no matter how bad, and get on their plan. You can reduce your out of pocket premium cost somewhat. Better hurry, we are about to raise premiums again.”