Janell Smith's Suicide and the Magellan Insurance Company
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Posted by Jeannie Delahunt Mar 17, 2009 |
Janell Smith's suicide is a prime example of an insurance company running treatment. Let an insurance company mandate treatment and see what happens. Janell Smith weighed a mere 68 pounds when she was admitted into intensive inpatient treatment. She needed a feeding tube to live. Three weeks later, her weight beginning to creep into the 70s, the insurance company, "pulls the plug" on her treatment, mandating that she be transferred to an outpatient modality.
Now I have two issues here:
- Insurance companies should not be mandating treatment; and,
- Look at the attitude behind the "pulling the plug" statement.
Insurance Companies Mandating Treatment
I know insurance companies mandate treatment. I had more battles with insurance companies when I was a substance abuse counselor, to such an extent, that, I left the profession. I did not feel I could ethically provide the kind of treatment necessary with the rigidity I faced. Insurance companies would tell me that unless a client was suicidal or homicidal, their stay and payment would not be extended. This was the information I had to communicate to my clients. Fortunately, no one to my knowledge committed suicide, but I consider that a divine gift. But, so many times, when I had to discharge my clients, I wondered if I would be facing a lawsuit down the road. Thank God, that did not happen to me.
If an insurance company wants that much control, than a licensed professional from the insurance company must be present at the intake process and throughout the treatment process. Additionally, that insurance representative, must listen and comply with the recommendations of the treatment team, not the other way around. As far as I am concerned, insurance companies have way too much power and control. My heart goes out to Janell's family.
"Pulling the Plug"
I am fascinated with the "Pulling the plug" statement the insurance company made. Just look at the arrogant attitude behind that statement! No compassion what so ever!
Personally, I hope the family wins. Of course this will not bring Janell back to her family, but maybe some justice will be obtained. Maybe, insurance companies will sit up and learn some humility.
Unfortunately, I don't know what to suggest if any of you are facing this kind of a situation. Maybe, calling your state or federal representatives. I really don't know. However, I will be trying to find out. And, please, if any of you know what to do, please let me know!
God Bless! Thank you for reading!
An update: Apparently there has been an outcome. I haven't had a chance to completely decipher the ruling, but here's the link I've found, if anyone wants to read it: