[patient_zero]

It doesn't make sense, but you have to (as a patient) make sure that the provider you're getting healthcare from is covered by the insurance company's (changeable) list. Its indefensible but it's reality.

I cannot wait for reform and I hope it hits before I get old and need it often.

As an aside, even the billing system is fucked up. When I get a receipt for covered care, it often looks a lot like a bill. This has to be by design. Its bad enough that I just ignore both "receipts" and bills and wait for the collectors to call me. That's how I know which is which.