Accidents happen.

[snomaster]

Hey NS,

I'm coming up on a one year anniversary of my avalanche accident last Feb 5th. This is a good reminder out there to fellow adrenaline junkies to get health insurance. Healthcare.gov just released a short edit they produced about my story I'd like to share. Accidents happen.

 

[averageMIskier]

you sir are awesome. glad your okay.

 

[edai]

Damn thats badass you got to be in a movie dude! No, but really, good for you brotha glad to see you're doing well, sick beard too.

 

[Pancake_Fucker]

Man glad you're okay. I know how quick avys happen and I know how lucky I was. That looked like some gnarly footage. The ski gods were on your side man.

 

[Lus146]

Would probably take some huge balls getting back out there after an avalanche. Props to you man for making it through that and sticking with it!

 

[snomaster]

I personally think our entire healthcare system is loaded with costly inefficiencies, but this shit really did save my life. And last year when I wasn't making very much (just under $20k/year) insurance was $50/month for a great plan.

We need a real healthcare overhaul, but it sure beats being stuck with a $130k bill. That's how much my total service was after an air ambulance, a second surgery after my splenetic artery reopened, and staying in the hospital for 9 days total.

 

[Nikolaus]

are you biking right near boulder, CO?

 

[mhuddy_22]

Glad your ok man.

 

[theabortionator]

Wow man that's intense. I went a couple years without insurance and I definitely feel that. About to go off next month. Scares me. I've had at least one good friends do their spleen in. Also have had friends that broke their necks and didn't go to the hospital till way later in the night or a day or two later.

You really don't know sometimes. Not having insurance really is a gamble. You just don't go unless there's a bones sticking out your leg and duct tape isn't working.

Definitely a little scared about going back off though. I have one month and I'm off.

 

[snomaster]

So if you don't have insurance after another month you should huck all you can now! I hate to continue the advertisin, but you should also see if you can get cheap insurance on healthcare.gov. You have nothing to lose by just checking it out.

^^^I was biking at Hayden Green just west of Lakewood CO. The camera crew just wanted to get a few action shots of me when they filmed my interview this past Sept. That was just an easy place to get to...

I'm definitely back on the horse but I fucked up that day I was hurt. That slope cracked on one of my friends before I dropped. He then ski cut tree to tree and went right of where I wanted and nothing happened... so I just sent it anyways. It was scary as shit and it's a decision I can't take back. But when the slide was over I thought I was all good, just missing a ski. Shit went downhill as soon as I went into the ER. Between the initial injury and two surgeries (because of the complication mentioned above) I went through 15 pints of blood.

 

[HuckNorris44]

#FUCKOBAMACARE

 

[sNaubi]

I'm in Sweden, so I chose "I'm Canadian" same thing

fucked my ankle 2 yrs ago, required surgery, total was about $35 (administrational fees, the actual healthcare is free)

 

[snomaster]

#FUCKOBAMACARE

Yeah I think the ACA, aka Obamacare, is not a viable solution either. They sold it out to insurance companies and it sucks. My new job offered me this shitty MVP plan, the minimum value plan, which only covers ER visits. If you blow your knee and need surgery from a specialist or physical therapy after, you're on your own. That's not gonna cut it for me. Though because it was offered, I'm not eligible for any subsidy, no matter how much I make. The only truly good thing that came out of the ACA bill is the pre-existing injury clause.

But what are you gonna do about it? Not get insurance and pay a fine? Or cover your ass and vote to get a better solution?

I'm in Sweden, so I chose "I'm Canadian" same thing

fucked my ankle 2 yrs ago, required surgery, total was about $35 (administrational fees, the actual healthcare is free)

Updated the poll for you. Sorry for my arrogance!

Healthcare is never free. But where you live there is a more efficient system that isn't feeding a multi billion dollar third party middle man, aka private insurance, which is now mandated where I live.

 

[_anderson_]

I'm in Sweden, so I chose "I'm Canadian" same thing

fucked my ankle 2 yrs ago, required surgery, total was about $35 (administrational fees, the actual healthcare is free)

What the fuck is the US

 

[SkierX]

To the 5% that voted that they cannot afford it, I argue that you cannot afford to NOT have coverage. Shit can go sideways very quickly, often purely by chance to even the most careful of people. Add in higher risk activities and your odds are going down the toilet. An injury or accident could financially destroy the rest of your life VERY easily. Hell, if your appendix decides it no longer wants to be a part of you, it could easily be $10k.

I'm fortunate enough to be provided great insurance options by both my employer as well as my wife's employer but I recognize the huge risk of doing any sports without insurance. I hate the current healthcare system, but we need to play by the current rules until something better is put into place.

 

[Drail]

Question: Do you have to pay for search and rescue down in 'Murika? If yes/no, is it different per state?

 

[SkierX]

Question: Do you have to pay for search and rescue down in 'Murika? If yes/no, is it different per state?

Depends upon each state's laws, although damages are rarely sought for fear that it would increase incidence of those in trouble not calling for help:
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_22751889/vermont-laws-propose-charges-and-resort-liability-lost

 

[snomaster]

To the 5% that voted that they cannot afford it, I argue that you cannot afford to NOT have coverage. Shit can go sideways very quickly, often purely by chance to even the most careful of people. Add in higher risk activities and your odds are going down the toilet. An injury or accident could financially destroy the rest of your life VERY easily. Hell, if your appendix decides it no longer wants to be a part of you, it could easily be $10k.

I'm fortunate enough to be provided great insurance options by both my employer as well as my wife's employer but I recognize the huge risk of doing any sports without insurance. I hate the current healthcare system, but we need to play by the current rules until something better is put into place.

thanks for adding wise words.

 

[Peter.]

What the fuck is the US

in the US, the costs are definitely comparable if you have insurance.

also, side note, even if you don't have insurance, GO TO THE HOSPITAL if you have a big crash like that. please. worry about your health first. there will be ways to pay for it later.

 

[B.Quincy]

#FUCKOBAMACARE

Agreed^ glad your okay and that you had health care but obama care fucking sucks aka healthcare.gov and just makes the rates higher for those who already have it, like its not fair that you have to pay for someone else who is too cheap and or lazy to get it themselves which happens in a lot (but not all) cases.

 

[Bensun]

Agreed^ glad your okay and that you had health care but obama care fucking sucks aka healthcare.gov and just makes the rates higher for those who already have it, like its not fair that you have to pay for someone else who is too cheap and or lazy to get it themselves which happens in a lot (but not all) cases.

What you are saying is partly true but do you really think you are paying for people who TOO CHEAP AND LAZY? If you do that is sad. I was born with tangled veins which is considered a preexisting condition. My deductible was 7,000 dollars before and now my medical treatment is far cheaper.

so next time you are paying your Health insurance you are helping anyone that was born with a condition that they have no control over. it may not be fair for you but it is for the greater good in my biased opinion.

 

[B.Quincy]

What you are saying is partly true but do you really think you are paying for people who TOO CHEAP AND LAZY? If you do that is sad. I was born with tangled veins which is considered a preexisting condition. My deductible was 7,000 dollars before and now my medical treatment is far cheaper.

so next time you are paying your Health insurance you are helping anyone that was born with a condition that they have no control over. it may not be fair for you but it is for the greater good in my biased opinion.

Okay, this is why i said NOT ALL cases because of people like yourself as it may help you but for the greater scope it is not a well thought out or substainable solution, im sure it helps out many people like your self but once again think about it this way, why do you think it got suddenly cheaper? Because the money is taken from people like me and given to those who dont have that money or health care. Its honestly socialism, and if you disagree, look at the facts. Im sorry i just dont feel that we should be forced to help pay for lower class peoples health care. This does not mean i am a heartless person, i believe in charity, helping others and that everyone should be rewarded for hard work. I even attend a jesuit catholic school which our motto is men for others. However, i just feel that overall this policy is unfair to middle class and above americans especialy those who have worked extremely hard to get there.

But as you stated it obviously helps some people like you in tough situations, but i think their is a better compromise possible but knowing congress that will be a gazillon years down the road haha.

 

[caucasian_chad]

To the 5% that voted that they cannot afford it, I argue that you cannot afford to NOT have coverage. Shit can go sideways very quickly, often purely by chance to even the most careful of people. Add in higher risk activities and your odds are going down the toilet. An injury or accident could financially destroy the rest of your life VERY easily. Hell, if your appendix decides it no longer wants to be a part of you, it could easily be $10k.

I'm fortunate enough to be provided great insurance options by both my employer as well as my wife's employer but I recognize the huge risk of doing any sports without insurance. I hate the current healthcare system, but we need to play by the current rules until something better is put into place.

Yup, to reinforce your point, here's a bill from an outpatient ER visit.

 

[snomaster]

It's good to see active discussion on this subject. it matters.

 

[freestyler540]

One word: Canada

I pay a lousy 65$ a month to live in BC for health premium. Since its government, they have to give you care if you are dying...even if you delay in payments. I just hope it never has to come to it.

 

[ShredAZ]

I personally think our entire healthcare system is loaded with costly inefficiencies, but this shit really did save my life. And last year when I wasn't making very much (just under $20k/year) insurance was $50/month for a great plan.

We need a real healthcare overhaul, but it sure beats being stuck with a $130k bill. That's how much my total service was after an air ambulance, a second surgery after my splenetic artery reopened, and staying in the hospital for 9 days total.

I'm glad you recognize that.

This is coming from someone who skied without health insurance for several years.

Not that I have job with great bennies, I've already managed to avoid paying $45,000 for a broken radius.

IF YOU'RE RISKING THE WELLNESS OF YOUR BODY WITH THE ACTIVITIES YOU CHOOSE TO PARTAKE IN, YOU NEED HEALTH INSURANCE.

If you go the route of government provided health coverage, you're welcome

 

[snomaster]

Yup, to reinforce your point, here's a bill from an outpatient ER visit.

And here's the largest bill from my accident described in the video above (there were also a $25k air ambulance, and another $15k+ of other bills from anesthesiologists, physical therapy, ER in Jackson WY...):