ProMedica puts squeeze on patients

12/28/2008

I believe I know how ProMedica is able to turn such a large profit: by squeezing those of us who turn to them for health care. Almost two years ago, I had surgery at Toledo Hospital. My insurance covered all but around $2,500 of the cost.

I made repeated attempts to obtain a loan or secure other funds to pay the bill to Toledo Hospital without success. I called their accounts receivable department, trying to set up a payment plan.

Their response was that it wouldn't keep the account from going to collections.

Since then, my account has been turned over to a collections attorney who accepted my payment plan, but still filed for a judgment against me in court, which is now on my credit record. The attorney also has an order pending that if I miss a payment, my wages will be garnished, which will jeopardize my employment.

A letter sent to Alan Brass has gone unanswered, and an e-mail sent to their corporate headquarters brought the response of sorry, nothing we can do. Like their ad campaign says: "At ProMedica, we wouldn't have it any other way."

David Kozina

Perrysburg

Regarding The Blade's Dec. 12 editorial, "Voinovich must prove his worth," I offer this: Union officials also accused the senators of retaliating for the United Auto Workers' overwhelming support of Democratic candidates in federal races. The union gave $1.9 million to Democrats but only $11,500 to Republicans in the 2008 election cycle. Well, duh, of course. Dry your eyes. You and the liberals should have made sure you killed all the Republicans in the Senate. You failed.

You're getting your just desserts.

Nick Borgert

Huntersville, N.C.

In this day where there's so much negativity, I would like to publicly thank Kathy Benya, her husband, John, and the students at Northview High School in Sylvania for giving the gift of joy to our residents here at Liberty of Toledo Nursing Center.

For the last five years Kathy, her family, and the students make donations during the year to give Christmas to 27 or our residents. Most of them have no families. She sees that every resident gets what they want or need. She also brings cookies, goodies and pizza for everyone.

Kathy goes beyond the call of duty to make so many happy. We cannot thank her enough.

Judy Samson

Gibsonburg

After reviewing the salaries of Toledo-area hospital offi cials in The Blade on Dec. 14, I wondered what the Grey Nuns were paid when they ran a local hospital before hospitals became big business.

JIM RICHARD

Sylvania