I found out about this tragic accident on Facebook, through the group ("Save Bill Kapoun!") created to get funds to help this man out. It's not only a tragic case of an apparently bright, handsome man in the prime of his youth being given a huge heaping of horrible luck, but it highlights the vulnerable situation of a lot of us foreigners living over here, caught between a visa system that's so idiotic that I don't blame most small institutions for not wanting to go through the hoops, and often not having the means or will to get proper health insurance. (Still, HT to Marmot)
This happened at a really curious time for me, since I JUST GOT HEALTH INSURANCE, for the first time since leaving the paltry insurance I had back at grad school in 2002. I've been living uninsured most of this time, jumping from gig to gig. I could get insurance myself, but I would have to pay all the back months from the last time I entered the country.
So I went with a private insurer, set up by one of my cousins, who works at an insurance company. I'm getting older, and getting to the age to start thinking about such things. I was going to post about this once my cousin had figured everything out, since the regulations for foreigners are confusing and intricate.
Also, I believe I am signed up for some kind of accident insurance as a KEB customer, but I don't know much about that. Anyone else have info on that?
Let's keep each other safe, and let's help William pull through. Literally, his life depends on the goodwill of others; and since the foreigner community is as tight in many ways as it is large, I think we should be able to make a difference.
I don't know the guy, but I shouldn't have to – there, but for the grace of God, go we all.
So, let's pitch in and drop at least what would be the equivalent of a round of beers, a couple DVD's, or any other amount of petty cash we often drop without giving nary a thought and do something useful -- literally, help this guy MAKE IT.
From the Facebook page, I've copied and pasted both these pictures and information as to how you can help:
If you wish to donate visit: www.billkapoun.com
Make checks payable to Help Bill Fund and mail them to:
Help Bill Fund
P.O. Box 283
Bloomington, IN 47402
IF IN KOREA - direct transfer into this account
KB Bank
794002 04 03 1635
Warren Franklin-William Fund
Sometime later on, I'll talk about how I got some very decent private insurance (paying $70 a month) that I think would cover something like this, and hopefully I'll more information for you in general about being safe and covered while in Korea.
