This always makes me crazy...

And I know that it shouldn�t, but: why do we (and I guess by �we� I mean health care consumers in general) assume that birth control should be a covered expense? And not just BC pills, but IUD�s, vasectomies, etc? (Warning: I�m about to go off on a rant about individual medical coverage; these issues are dealt with differently in group contracts)



Because it�s �preventive care?� On the same level as cholesterol screenings, mammograms, and PSA tests? I don�t think so.



And this has nothing to do with sexuality or morality, per se. It has to do with risk management, and the underlying premise of insurance. I don�t think that anyone believes that their auto insurance covers oil changes or tune-ups (or should), but aren�t these �preventive� measures? Our homeowners insurance doesn�t pay for the chimneysweep, but wouldn�t that be a preventive measure?



Why do we expect our health insurance to cover so much that is not risk-based? I suppose it could be that we perceive it to be so expensive, and we want to get our money�s worth. Or it could be that we�ve become so conditioned to plans covering so much that it�s tough to adjust to a lower level of coverage (I�m thinking here of folks who come off a group plan and pick up individual coverage).



But I just don�t understand WHY insurance SHOULD cover these things. Don�t we have any sense of personal responsibility? Should medical insurance cover weight loss plans? How about stop-smoking programs? Shouldn�t my insurance pay for me to join a gym club, or Jenny Craig? Where would it end?



I wonder if people consider how much MORE their insurance would cost if it DID cover these items.



Okay�I feel better now.