Case
Evaluating Walter’s Health Care Coverage
Walter Burton was a self-employed window washer earning approximately $700 per week. One day, while cleaning windows on the eighth floor of the Commercial Bank Building, he tripped and fell from the scaffolding to the pavement below. He sustained severe multiple injuries but miraculously survived the accident. He was immediately rushed to the local hospital for surgery. He remained there for 60 days of treatment, after which he was allowed to go home for further recuperation. During his hospital stay, he incurred the following expenses: surgeon,
2,500; physician,
1,000; hospital bill for room and board,
250 per day; nursing services,
1,200; anesthetics,
600; wheelchair rental,
100; ambulance,
150; and drugs,
350. Walter has a major medical policy that has a3,000 deductible clause, an 80 percent co-insurance clause, internal limits of
180 per day on hospital room and board, and
1,500 as a maximum surgical fee. The policy provides no disability income benefits.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. Explain the policy provisions as they relate to deductibles, co-insurance, and internal limits.
2. How much should Walter recover from the insurance company? How much must he pay out of his own pocket?
3. Would any other policies have offered Walter additional protection? What about his inability to work while recovering from his injury?
4. Based on the information presented, how would you assess Walter’s health care insurance coverage? Explain.