NOTICE OF CONTINUED SURVIVAL AT A PREMIUM
A Mandatory Update Explaining Why Breathing Remains Optional but Billable. For the "Public Announcement" challenge.

ATTENTION EMPLOYEES, DEPENDENTS,
AND OTHER BILLABLE ORGANISMS:
Effective immediately, the cost of health insurance
will continue its proud tradition of rising
like a motivational poster you cannot afford.
This increase is necessary.
Necessary for reasons explained in a brochure
printed on expensive paper,
featuring smiling people who have never met you.
Please note: your coverage remains unchanged,
except where it has been revised, narrowed,
redefined, or renamed something inspirational
that no longer applies.
Preventive care is encouraged,
provided nothing is discovered.
In the event of discovery,
please schedule courage.
Deductibles have been updated
to reflect our confidence in you.
Copays have been recalibrated
to remind you who is in charge.
Out-of-pocket maximums now exist
as a thought experiment.
If you experience confusion,
consult the FAQ, which answers a different question.
If symptoms persist,
consider not being sick.
This announcement recognizes your commitment
to staying alive responsibly,
preferably on weekdays,
during business hours,
and without involving specialists.
We understand this adjustment may cause concern.
Concern builds character.
Character is not covered,
but we admire it from afar.
Thank you for your understanding.
Your health is our priority,
ranked just below shareholder satisfaction
and slightly above admitting the system is strange.
This notice will renew annually.
About the Creator
Tim Carmichael
Tim is an Appalachian poet and cookbook author. He writes about rural life, family, and the places he grew up around. His poetry and essays have appeared in Bloodroot and Coal Dust, his latest book.
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Comments (5)
Brilliant entry… I love it!
Painfully accurate
WOW, if symptoms persist consider not getting sick. I have actually had an employer tell that one time. Loved your story!
"If symptoms persist, consider not being sick." made me laugh out loud. I shared this with some of my other ER coworkers. Well done, as always, Tim
Nothing pisses me off more than open enrollment season. A nice look into how fucked the system is