UPDATE: MsLibrarian posted a great diary on this last week that I missed. She's got a spot for mojo below.
UPDATE II: Bakersfield Paper is taking up the story again. Their blogs are going strong too. http://www.bakersfield.com/
Final Update: If you have another take on this, please post a diary on it. Stuff like this needs to be whomped. Steal what you want. Thanks.
By now, many of you have seen the Colbert piece on Bakersfield's Dr. Gary Merrill. For those who haven't...
I think a lot of us were shocked when doctors and pharmacists began to refuse certain services based on their religious beliefs. But now some have decided that they will only render services to those who they see fit.
The original story is here on Bakersfield's KGET: http://www.kget.com/...
BAKERSFIELD - A family is turned away by a local pediatrician, they say because of the way they look.
The doctor said he is just following his beliefs, creating a Christian atmosphere for his patients.
Tasha Childress said it’s discrimination.
She said Dr. Gary Merrill wouldn’t treat her daughter for an ear infection because Tasha, the mother, has tattoos.
The writing is on the wall—literally: "This is a private office. Appearance and behavior standards apply."
For Dr. Gary Merrill of Christian Medical Services, that means no tattoos, body piercings, and a host of other requirements—all standards Merrill has set based upon his Christian faith.
The first question that springs to mind is "How did these folks end up even going to a doctor who would turn them away?" It turns out that Dr. Merrill is a member of the Heath Net Group a group which sports the slogan "A Better Choice". The family that took their daughter to this doctor was refered to him by their insurance. I can see being refered to a doctor who is not right for you, but for an insurance company to refer people to someone who would refuse to treat them is ridiculous.
We've done a great job here lately convincing companies that supporting small minds doesn't pay. So far, they have stood by this doctor. Let's help them make a better choice. Remember, keep it polite.
Here's the contact info:
https://www.healthnet.com/...
Contact us by phone:
For questions about plans that include medical coverage:
Arizona
* 1-800-893-1392 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
* TTY 1-800-977-6757 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
California
* 1-800-949-3022 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
* TTY/TDD 1-800-929-9955 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
Connecticut
* 1-800-949-2561 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
* TDD 1-888-747-2424 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
* TTY 1-800-929-9955 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week, including holidays) - for private-fee-for-service plans with prescription drug coverage
New York
* 1-800-949-2564 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
* TDD 1-888-747-2424 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
Oregon/Washington (Clark County only)
* 1-800-949-6165 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
* TTY 1-888-802-7122 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, 7 days a week, including holidays)
This is their email contact form: https://www.healthnet.com/...