If you read any one story this weekend, check out Daniel Denvir's stunningly well-researched piece in the City Paper on how the poor and the struggling in Philadelphia have been devastated in the Tom Corbett era -- and that is before the governor's new round of harsh proposed cuts.
Here's how it begins....please go on to read the whole thing:
Anthony Lomax, a 63-year-old North Philadelphian, has no teeth thanks to the state of Pennsylvania.
A survivor of prostate, kidney and rectal cancer, Lomax was diagnosed with gum disease and underwent dental surgery in the fall. He needed only partial dentures, he says, but he was informed the state would cover only complete sets. So, in preparation, he had all his teeth removed.
Last week, Lomax's dentist called with bad news: "Welfare says they can't pay for that."
That's because, among new Medicaid rules implemented by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett, was one that Lomax, who had gotten dentures before, had never heard of: a limit of one pair of dentures per lifetime, per beneficiary. Lomax, retired from working in the copy room at a Center City architectural firm, can only hope his new dentures will be covered on appeal. In the meantime, eating is a challenge.
I blame the dentist. If the rules changed mid-procedure, the dentist should grandfather him in and cover the costs.— journalismIsDead- ....It is all a scam....the guy does not exist....he is a figment of the reporters imagination....— most_of_the_commentors_here_are_losers
- I realize that we don't have all the facts about Mr. Lomax, but it appears the dentist should be sanctioned as he removed the additional teeth, not for medical reasons, but in order to get the state to pay for the dentures. That would be like someone coming in with a sprained ankle and the doctor telling you, well the state won't pay for crutches but if we do an amputation they will.— DuncanIdaho
Comment removed.- Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel for sob stories. My father never wears his dentures and eating is not a problem for him. He just regurgitates his stomach acid on the plate, dissolves the food, then laps up the the broken down goo.— jmc
- I agree. The dentist should be investigated for fraud. Thanks for bringing this outrage to light, Will.— Wiseman6
- Please tell me why we should be upset that this man was denied a SECOND set of free dentures? We have already paid few hundred thousand for his cancer treatments, and a set of dentures, but now we should feel outrage that he will not get another set of dentures? Tell him to brush his teeth and drink milk.— chris_r
- On the bright side, he can start a new career as the "bitter beer face" guy.— CommentdantKlink
- Life sucks for him.— jimmymack
- 60 years of exclusive democrat party rule in Philadelphia has done what for the City's poor?— CD75
- why the hell should i have to pay for someone else's teeth?— gypoe
- Comment removed.
- //That's because, among new Medicaid rules implemented by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett, was one that Lomax, who had gotten dentures before, had never heard of: a limit of one pair of dentures per lifetime, per beneficiary///
Wait, I thought government NEVER made decision like this with regards to healthcare. Everyone gets what they want when they need it, I thought.
Call this what it is: rationing of care. And if you think this won't happen when the bills start rolling in for Obamacare, you're in for a big surprise.— General Turgidson - So at 60 years of age he gets one free set of dentures per lifetime? Sounds reasonable to me. Better than anything I'll get.— FatOwlbert
- As the New Jersey Teacher's Union President said: "Life's not fair."— CD75
Will Bunch, a senior writer at the Philadelphia Daily News, blogs about his obsessions, including national and local politics and world affairs, the media, pop music, the Philadelphia Phillies, soccer and other sports, not necessarily in that order.
E-mail Will by clicking here.
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