Hate. What a word. It’s not one of the four-letter words, but its weight can feel just as heavy. It carries a sharpness, a rawness, a way of describing something we deeply oppose. More often than not, it’s used to express strong feelings rather than literal disdain.
Take the South Carolina heat. I often say I hate it. Do I really? Not exactly. It’s uncomfortable, for sure, but “hate” feels like a more efficient, visceral way to express the feeling. Ironically, when paired with one of those actual four-letter words, it somehow softens the blow of what “hate” really means.
We’re taught, by religious institutions, families, schools, and even the NFL, that hate is destructive, a driver of negativity toward others. And rightly so. True hate can lead to harmful outcomes. It’s something we should all strive to temper.
Yet, if you’ve followed my public comments, social media posts, or strategies for helping employers navigate health benefits, you might think I hate health insurance companies, health systems, or the distribution channels that prop them up. A friend once joked, “Tom, we know you think XYZ sucks.” Ouch. That’s quite a reputation to carry, a perception of negativity rooted in supposed hate.
Hate and Health Insurance
Let’s be honest: there are moments in this industry that are hard not to loathe. The denial of a cancer claim, leaving a patient in financial ruin. Orphan drugs inadequately covered, costing patients thousands. The widespread but false assumption that having health insurance means being fully “covered” for catastrophic costs. These instances feel worthy of hate.
But hating the industry itself? That’s a slippery slope. After all, the market created this. It demanded it. The industry, in turn, responded to what would sell. To hate what the system has become is, in some ways, to hate the clients we aim to serve. And that’s not the path I choose to walk.
The Gap Between Idealism and Reality
There’s a gap between what we wish were true and what is. We want health insurance to work seamlessly, to prioritize the paying customer’s best interests. We wish it could be as straightforward as homeowners, workers’ compensation, or life insurance. But the reality is, It’s not.
This system is complex, often frustrating, and deeply entrenched. Few have the appetite to challenge it. It’s rare that an employer is willing to step into the ring and fight for something better. For those who do, I’m here for you. With competence, knowledge, and experience, I can help you navigate toward a better solution.
For those who aren’t quite ready, who see the flaws but don’t have the time, energy, or risk tolerance to push against the tide, I’m here for you too. There’s value in shepherding legacy solutions while keeping an eye on the future.
Passion, Not Hate
Let’s clear something up: don’t mistake my passion for hate. Don’t confuse my dedication to improvement with negativity. Yes, inefficiency and miscalculations frustrate me. And yes, sometimes, things genuinely suck. But I don’t hate the industry, and I don’t hate its players.
I want to see it work better; for employers, for employees, and for the system as a whole.
Because in the end, what I really hate is wasted potential, unnecessary suffering, and missed opportunities to do better.