Idaho Puts Wal-Mart Under Scrutiny
Posted on January 17, 2006 by webteam
From KBCI-TV in Boise:
Idaho native Steven Sayko wore the Wal-Mart vest for a year, while he was in Florida caring for his dying father-in-law.
When given the option, he says he chose to pay a higher insurance premium: $116 every two weeks for him and his wife.
“As you can see, Wal-Mart processes their own claims for Blue Shield,” he said, pointing to one of several claims he has kept on record since returning to Boise last September. “This is saying the doctor’s care was $90, lab was $15– for a total of $105. Eligible coverage– they paid nothing.”
Even after he paid his $325 deductible, Sayko says the doctor bills began adding up, but the insurance never kicked in. Because he lived with his father-in-law and did not have to pay rent, Sayko says he was able to pay the bills using his savings.
In Maryland, lawmakers have tackled this very problem, and overrode their governor’s veto last week in order to require Wal-Mart to spend more on employee health care.
Meanwhile, Idaho House Speaker Bruce Newcomb (R) has asked the Department of Health and Welfare to do some preliminary research, to determine whether a similar measure needs to be explored here.
He says he is concerned Wal-Mart’s practices– and its ability to drive out small-town competitors– could eventually hurt Idaho’s economy and force other companies to lower their health care standards.
Click here to read the full story.
Click here to see what other states are picking up the health care tab for Wal-Mart’s employees.
