Michael Moore’s Sicko: Is It Really Accurate?

Michael Moore’s new film, Sicko, opens in theaters on June 29th and has been receiving a lot of attention. Unlike his previous films, Roger & Me, Bowling for Columbine and Fahrenheit 911, Sicko is attracting a wide viewer ship. Film critics are praising his latest work as being far less biased than his earlier films. But, are the stories he tells in the film really accurate?

The general consensus

The general consensus seems to be yes – and that’s from conservatives and liberals alike. It’s no secret that the healthcare system in America is rapidly spiraling downward. One story in the film tells of a man who lost the upper portion of two of his fingers, the middle and the ring. The hospital told him that they would reattach the middle finger for $60,000 and the ring finger for $12,000. He was happily married – and apparently somewhat frugal – so he went with the ring finger.

Stories like this are commonplace in our healthcare system and affect those with and without insurance alike. In a recent television interview, Moore said, “The film really is about the middle class who think they have insurance. The cost of healthcare is now the number 1 cause of bankruptcy in the US today. However, it’s not the government that’s bad, it’s the system.”

Eliminate the middleman

Our healthcare system today isn’t like it was years ago when a doctor decided what a patient needed, provided that service and the insurance company – relying on the doctor’s prognosis – paid the claim. In today’s system, the doctor must contact the HMO – or middleman – to see what they will pay before administering care. According to Moore, “Doctors now have to call someone else to get permission to treat you. It’s just ridiculous. If they pay for all these claims, they don’t make any money. There simply shouldn’t be an intermediary between a doctor and a patient.”

Insurers have an obligation to their policyholders

Insurance industry veterans like Bob Scott, an attorney with the Advocate Law Group, thinks the film is an accurate portrayal of the healthcare system in America today and says there are lots more stories. “Sicko tells only a fraction of the stories out there – it barely scratches the surface of abuses that occur every day.” Moore seems to agree and genuinely feels that insurers have an obligation to their policyholders. He summed it up very well when he said, “You wouldn’t think about a fire department saying, ‘We’ve been spending too much money on fires, so we’re going to cut back.’”

Case Studies: Examining Healthcare Costs, Middleman Issues, and Insurer Obligations

Case Study 1: The High Cost of Healthcare (John’s Story)

John, a hardworking middle-class individual, faced a devastating choice when he lost the upper portion of two fingers. The hospital informed him that reattaching both fingers would cost $72,000. Unable to afford both, he reluctantly chose to save his ring finger for $12,000. This case demonstrates the financial strain experienced by individuals navigating the healthcare system.

Case Study 2: The Middleman Challenge (Sarah’s Experience)

Sarah, seeking medical treatment, found herself caught in a frustrating process due to the involvement of intermediaries. Her doctor had to obtain permission from the HMO before proceeding with her necessary treatment, causing delays and confusion. Sarah’s case highlights the obstacles created by the intermediary system, hindering timely access to healthcare.

Case Study 3: Insurer Accountability (Mark’s Perspective)

Mark, an advocate for healthcare reform, shares his personal struggle with insurance companies. Despite diligently paying his premiums, he faced roadblocks and denials when attempting to access essential medical services. Mark’s story underscores the need for insurers to prioritize their policyholders’ well-being and fulfill their obligations.