An accident waiting to happen

By Ed's View | View Archive March 5th, 2009, 10:08 am

The latest ACC debacle is yet more proof that the previous Labour government had their collective heads firmly in the clouds.

After reading that new Labour leader Phil Goff believes National are beating up a crisis to soften up ACC for privatisation, I no longer need to wonder whether there will be a fight for parliament in the next election.

The idea that the country's tax payers will be forced to save ACC from going belly-up by paying almost extortionate taxes and car registrations is downright rude.

I had the misfortune last year of having to deal with ACC.

This was the first time I had ever had to deal with them for a major injury.

And I can tell you that the place was just a shambles.

The inability of the "case manager" I was assigned to actually do anything of any use for me was outrageous.

I was left wondering why my hard-earned money was being wasted on this inefficient organisation.

The only way I managed to get any sort of help out of the place was to end up speaking to a manager.

And yes, that meant filling out all the paperwork again.

Nothing was simple.

My experience is nothing new though.

There are thousands of Kiwis – if not more - who have literally had the run-around from this dysfunctional organisation for years.

It is a farce.

Current ACC Minister Nick Smith is right; ACC has become a welfare organisation - it certainly isn't an insurer.

I for one would much rather pay for private accident insurance, then at least I would see where my money was going and would be able to select what kind of policy I want, not to mention more than likely get the service I want to pay for.

The current model basically gives me no choice.

I am forced to put up with whatever they decide. Of course as soon as I was given the all-clear, they reacted with lightning force to cancel everything as soon as possible.

I'd love to hear how your experience with ACC has been.

Were you impressed or, like me, absolutely disgusted? Let me know.

Comments

alsplace1701 View Profile
Perhaps if ACC was to stick to pure work place, home and road ACCIDENT cover and stop funding anyone who thinks they have had a bad day and need a few months off and a lump sum to feel better about themselves they wouldnt be so broke. Also anyone who partakes in any physical and high risk sports should have their own cover, you cant expect to go into a full contact martial arts tournament get your nose broken then expect ACC to pay up! and definitly no cover to ANY criminal activity!
Mar 5 10:42 am
dean_tania View Profile
i had a severe head trama and needed facial reconstruction my jaw wired in & teeth knocked out. went ot go to ACC and was told because my employer didn't pay my income tax i was entitled to the minimum amount which was about $298 pw. i had to pay for Physio $5 six times a week, i have to pay to go to the dentist to have my teeth fixed up (on the cheep care of ACC) my rent was $200 pw that left me $70 to travel to the hospital, feed myself, & get medications. I went back to work! i co
Mar 5 10:06 pm
mattherat View Profile
Sorry everyone but I refuse to pay acc levies.It goes against anything you could ever possibly believe in.Id rather go to jail for not paying than pay. Ive always had private insurance,pay acc on registration and god knows what else,and last time Labour brought it back in I had to pay twice.Its just too open for exploitation by employers and employees and acc representatives and government and consultants.And god help me if I had to claim as Im self employed!!!!
Mar 8 06:54 pm
taupo.dave View Profile
ACC what a joke. trying to pay my ACC levy. I have had 18 pages of accounts trying to sort out the exact amount to pay. finnally I sent a cheque only to receive yet another account for a lesser amount than the last account. confused I am.
Mar 9 06:49 am
jackbeanstick View Profile
I THINK IT IS MAD TO SACK EVERYBODY
Mar 9 11:41 am