Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 1988)
Insurers anxious as AIDS epidem ic worsens Although that was only 1.1 percent of all claims paid, it was a noticeable increase over 1986, and claims will continue to rise as AIDS takes its toll. THE OPEN DOOR NEW AGE CENTER books • new age music • incense ome of the nation’s insurance companies subliminal tapes • greeting cards may be faced with insolvency in the not- crystals • jewelry • and more too-distant future if they continue to sell insur Some states set AIDS testing guidelines M editation and Chat In four states — California, Florida, New ance to individuals without first testing for the Jersey and New York — insurers may require AIDS virus. That’s what insurance executives w ith Ishvara AIDS testing if a policy amount exceeds a were told in a recent New York meeting. Sunday, 10 a.m . certain limit. One insurance expert, Dr. Robert Gleason, The controversy over testing has some major medical director of Northwestern Mutual Life Wednesday & Friday, 7:30 p.m. insurers setting their own testing policies in Insurance, was quoted by United Press Intema- states where the issue has not been legislated. Private Chats (readings) mmmmm UPI reports that New York Life, for instance, by appointment mmmmm has developed strict guidelines for its under mmm Call your Cable access writers. An AIDS test is mandatory for life mmm insurance if the policy sought is more than channel for Ishvara’s mmm $150,000. TV schedule. But insurance companies are rich and power (503) 994-2488 1644 NE Highway 101 • Lincoln City, OR 97367 mmmmm. ful. Their computers and agents can gather volumes of data that may lead them to “ red . • • Betw een the lain e s.. . lining” certain potential policy-buyers because mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwmmm. of age, marital status, past reported medical history, job and even address. Such redlining is now illegal in Washington, D.C., where a five- year moratorium has also been imposed on HIV and other AIDS-predictive tests for insurance purposes. As a result, many insurance B Y J A C K R I L E Y companies have packed up and left town. Insurance companies will make every legal effort to keep their AIDS claims minimal, but if tional as warning his fellow insurers that not to the impact of the disease is greater than test is foolhardy. COMPANION BIRDS, DOGS, CATS expected or if more states legislate the testing “ Do you sell fire insurance to someone issue, then consumers may see increased costs AND OTHER SMALL ANIMALS whose house is on fire?’’ Gleason said in for coverage. defense of his company’s AIDS testing policy. COMPLETE MEDICAL/SCIRGICAL SPAY/NEUTER FACILITIES AIDS-related claims from policyholders who VACCINATIONS • NUTRITION ADVICE contract the disease are expected to cost the The column I did not want to write DENTAL CARE • BIRD BLOOD TESTS & CULTURES insurance industry billions of dollars by the end of the century. So far, nearly 64,000 Americans friend of mine died the other day, and “ IN THE R E D rj ^ A A <f 2 5 1 9 E. B U R N S I D E have been afflicted with AIDS, more than half what hurt the most is that only a few of of whom have already died. his closest family and friends knew it was AIDS B R I C K B U I L D I N G “ L J j U U 1 P O R T L A N D , OR A 1985 study showed that 54 percent of the that was bringing him down. nation’s AIDS patients were covered by More of us would like to have been closer to Medicaid, 17 percent by private insurance, and him in the final days of his life. What a missed another 17 percent were responsible for paying experience for all of us! their own hospital bills. I bid farewell to this friend by sharing a quotation from his funeral program. To lest or not to test S PET SAMARITAN CLINIC PATRICIA E. H U F F , D.V.M . A At the heart of the controversy are the issues of when insurance companies can test for the disease and under what criteria an applicant can be denied insurance. At least four states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation regulating AIDS testing by insurers, and other states, including Oregon, are considering similar laws. Insurance-company anxiety stems from the fact that a person could have contracted AIDS seven or eight years ago— before insurers were testing — and still not show symptoms of AIDS today. That leaves the insurance companies in the dark as to how many policyholders will develop the disease in the future. Meanwhile, the AIDS claims are mounting: $34.4 million was paid in the first half of 1987. Do not stand by my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am a diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awake in the morning hush I am the swift uplifting rush. O f quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starshine at night. Do not stand by my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die. — Anonymous Mi: TABOR PLORISI Contemporary and Distinctive Designs Created Specifically for You and Your Lifestyle Goodbye, Byron. We are going to miss your smiling face. • • • • • • • Announcing a new, unique service AGATHA PET SERVICES In-Your-Home Pet Sitting • Ever worried about boarding out your pet? • Ever wished you knew someone trustworthy to • • care fo r your pet at home, instead o f leaving him/her in a foreign environment ? Ever had to travel out o f town unexpectedly ? Ever cut short a visit tv return home to care for your pet? gift ideas cut flowers plants «silks balloon creations parties all occasions serving all hospitals and funeral homes AGATHA PET SERVICES is licensed to provide care fo r your pet in your home. AGATHA PET SERVICES is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. AGATHA PET SERVICES is convenient. AGATHA PET SERVICES ln-Your-Home Pet Sitting 775-3766 234-1276 2 0 0 8 N.E. SANDY BlVD. • PORTLAND 7819 SE Stark Teleflora 256-2920 Just out» 9 • September I9M