The Problem With Heartbreaking Health-Care Anecdotes

[darrels joy]

It Figures… Obama’s Rally Prop ‘Natoma Canfield’ Qualifies For Financial Aid; Is Patient At Top US Cancer Center; Won’t Lose Home
Monday, March 15, 2010, 7:49 PM
Jim Hoft

Obama’s Health Care Rally Prop Is In Hospital… Getting Care… Despite No Insurance.



Natoma Canfield is 50 years old. She was diagnosed with cancer 16 years ago. She quit her job or was laid off 12 years ago. She has reportedly held odd jobs cleaning homes the last few years. Natoma was paying $5,000 a year for her insurance but dropped it after it went up to $8,000. She wrote president Obama in December to tell him about it. She was worried she might lose her home that her parents built. Some people might say she’s lucky to still have a home after losing her job 12 years ago. Others say she’s lucky that today’s regulations weren’t around when she was diagnosed with cancer at 34. The current government officials don’t believe breast exams are necessary until much later in life.

Barack Obama flew to Ohio today and told the audience:
“I’m here because of Natoma.”

He should have stayed home.

Natoma Canfield is being cared for at one of the top cancer centers in America. She will qualify for financial aid and won’t lose her home.
FOX News reported:

Natoma Canfield, the cancer-stricken woman who has become a centerpiece of President Obama’s push for health care reform, will not lose her home over her medical bills and will probably qualify for financial aid, a top official at the Cleveland medical center treating her told FoxNews.com.

Though Canfield’s sister Connie Anderson said her sibling is afraid she’ll lose her house and Obama warned at an Ohio rally Monday that the patient is “racked with worry” about the cost of tests and treatment, she is already being screened for financial help.

Lyman Sornberger, executive director of patient financial services at the Cleveland Clinic, said “all indications” at the outset are that she will be considered for assistance.

“She may be eligible for state Medicaid … and/or she will be eligible for charity (care) of some form or type. … In my personal opinion, she will be eligible for something,” he said, adding that Canfield should not be worried about losing her home.

“Cleveland Clinic will not put a lien on her home,” he said.

http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/2010/03/it-figures-obamas-rally-prop-natoma-canfield-is-getting-financial-aid-is-patient-at-top-us-cancer-center-wont-lose-home/

If she gets medicaid to cover her medical bills, Ohio will be forced by Federal regulations to put a lein on her home.

Joy