Insurance Company claims actor "no longer quadriplegic" after hand, wrist movement
Short Hills, NJ– Actor Chistopher Reeve amazed doctors recently when he voluntarily moved his left hand, and reported that he had sensation in his wrists. After breaking several vertebrae in his back and neck during a horse riding accident in 1995, Reeve’s prognosis was for complete paralysis, meaning he would never walk or regain movement in any part of his body.
Reeve, best known for his movie role as “Superman”, has inspired millions across the globe, and gives hope to others who suffer from paralysis. He and his wife have also raised millions of dollars that are going into research that may someday make paralysis a thing of the past. After his most recent triumph, and with renewed spirit, Reeve’s previous wish of being able to walk again does not seem so far-fetched.
Now, however, another battle has come Reeve’s way, and this one may be tougher than paralysis to beat. It seems that Reeve’s insurance carrier, American International, is trying to reduce his medical benefits. The company, headquartered in Chicago, says that they are re-evaluating Reeve’s policy after the actor regained movement in his hands.
“Mr. Reeve is receiving substantial benefits, based on the fact that he is a quadriplegic”, said American International spokesman James McEvoy. “If (Reeve) is no longer quadriplegic, he may not be eligible for those benefits going forward.”
Reeve, his fans, and the medical community met the announcement with outrage. Reeve fan club president Sally Washington called American International “Greedy bastards with no feelings” in the most recent club newsletter. Blue Brick medical correspondent Karen Bower added that the insurance company “is not looking out for the best interest of Mr. Reeve and his family”, but added that the company may be on the right side of the issue in a legal sense. “Technically, they may be justified in reducing Reeve’s benefits. Morally, however, they are disgusting”.
While Reeve denied requests for an interview, he remains an American International policyholder, for now. Bower says that despite his dissatisfaction, Reeve may be stuck with the policy, as most insurance companies will not grant new policies to patients in Reeve’s condition.
McEvoy attempted to spin American International’s move during a press conference held yesterday. “We are not cutting off Mr. Reeve entirely. He will still qualify for our paraplegic benefits, unless of course he moves one of his legs. Those benefits are quite substantial. However, we owe it to our shareholders and underwriters to give Mr. Reeve exactly the benefits that he is entitled to. Nothing more, and nothing less. To continue to pay full quadriplegic benefits to a man who is obviously no longer quadriplegic would only increase premiums for our other policy holders and lower the company value to our stockholders.”
American International is expected to make an announcement regarding Reeve’s benefits following its quarterly board of directors meeting, scheduled for next week.
Following the announcement, American International’s stock rose 11% in after-hours trading
Short Hills, NJ– Actor Chistopher Reeve amazed doctors recently when he voluntarily moved his left hand, and reported that he had sensation in his wrists. After breaking several vertebrae in his back and neck during a horse riding accident in 1995, Reeve’s prognosis was for complete paralysis, meaning he would never walk or regain movement in any part of his body.
Reeve, best known for his movie role as “Superman”, has inspired millions across the globe, and gives hope to others who suffer from paralysis. He and his wife have also raised millions of dollars that are going into research that may someday make paralysis a thing of the past. After his most recent triumph, and with renewed spirit, Reeve’s previous wish of being able to walk again does not seem so far-fetched.
Now, however, another battle has come Reeve’s way, and this one may be tougher than paralysis to beat. It seems that Reeve’s insurance carrier, American International, is trying to reduce his medical benefits. The company, headquartered in Chicago, says that they are re-evaluating Reeve’s policy after the actor regained movement in his hands.
“Mr. Reeve is receiving substantial benefits, based on the fact that he is a quadriplegic”, said American International spokesman James McEvoy. “If (Reeve) is no longer quadriplegic, he may not be eligible for those benefits going forward.”
Reeve, his fans, and the medical community met the announcement with outrage. Reeve fan club president Sally Washington called American International “Greedy bastards with no feelings” in the most recent club newsletter. Blue Brick medical correspondent Karen Bower added that the insurance company “is not looking out for the best interest of Mr. Reeve and his family”, but added that the company may be on the right side of the issue in a legal sense. “Technically, they may be justified in reducing Reeve’s benefits. Morally, however, they are disgusting”.
While Reeve denied requests for an interview, he remains an American International policyholder, for now. Bower says that despite his dissatisfaction, Reeve may be stuck with the policy, as most insurance companies will not grant new policies to patients in Reeve’s condition.
McEvoy attempted to spin American International’s move during a press conference held yesterday. “We are not cutting off Mr. Reeve entirely. He will still qualify for our paraplegic benefits, unless of course he moves one of his legs. Those benefits are quite substantial. However, we owe it to our shareholders and underwriters to give Mr. Reeve exactly the benefits that he is entitled to. Nothing more, and nothing less. To continue to pay full quadriplegic benefits to a man who is obviously no longer quadriplegic would only increase premiums for our other policy holders and lower the company value to our stockholders.”
American International is expected to make an announcement regarding Reeve’s benefits following its quarterly board of directors meeting, scheduled for next week.
Following the announcement, American International’s stock rose 11% in after-hours trading
