Marijuana Policy Project

RIP Kimberly Reyes

If I were a religious person, my first question today would be: "When did God die -- and who appointed HMSA as his/her successor?"

What exactly was Kimberly Reyes' mistake? Was it taking a few hits of marijuana to alleviate her pain? Was it that she was of modest means and not a famous person? Or was it that she angered some bureaucrat at HMSA? If Ms. Reyes had applied for a medical marijuana license, would she have been rejected for a new liver? My guess is that HMSA would have found some other "reason" to reject her claim.

Just prior to his passing, Mickey Mantle received a new liver while his blood was probably 90 proof. He was much older than Ms. Reyes, a boozer, not a doper and obviously had a different health insurance plan. Yet, Mantle received a precious transplant, jumping ahead of many people on the waiting list, while Ms. Reyes was refused. Is this how it works in the wealthiest country in the world? It is indeed the golden rule: You have gold, you rule.

Thankfully, I do not have to deal with HMSA. I am a very satisfied patient with Kaiser and feel lucky to have it as my insurer.

And to all you teabaggers out there protesting any kind of health plan reform: I know you don't want the government involved in your health care decisions, but is it okay that some guy hiding behind a desk can decide who lives and who dies based upon their own view of morality and a profit and loss statement?

It is not okay with me. What happened to Ms. Reyes should never, never occur again.

My heart goes out to the Reyes ohana.