You would think that the city would care about the victims of 9/11. Think again. The billion dollar insurance fund set up to take care of medical costs isn't helping those in need, instead they are fighting the claims in court, 8,000 to be exact. Michael Cardozo is the chief counsel for the fund, and he argues that because it is an insurance fund and not a compensation source, that every claim should be litigated.
So where does that money come from to defend the fund? Take a wild guess. Thousands of victims are in need to be compensated, and many claims are easy to see that they are open and shut. Medical bills should be paid out, but they are not. What a shame. Thankfully there are a few elected officials that are crying foul.
From The Daily News:
Homeland Security Department inspector general Richard Skinner said his probe will determine why the company "has chosen to litigate all claims instead of settling whenever possible."
Documents sent to Congress and due to be released later this week say the review also will determine "what procedures have been established to receive, review and pay medical, hospital, surgical and disability benefits to injured persons," as well as benefits to the relatives of those killed.
The insurance company has also been challenged by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), the chairman of and ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
While Bloomberg wants an alternate fund to pay the open and shut cases, the city has not done anything to help in real terms. After more than six years, a matter like this should not even exist.
Unfortunately, it does.
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