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Across the Fence:  Hospital and Dental Bills-Feel like Sobbing  |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3318 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3318 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 1:00:33 PM
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I just finished typing letters to my dentist and the billing department at the local hospital for my ER visit not too long ago.
I am so embarrassed about not being able to pay in full on time and asked if I could pay in increments until everything is paid up.
It's very scary to me being in debt.
My DH has insurance through work, and it did pay an enormous amount but there is still a huge balance left to be paid and we just don't have the money to do it right away.
I never thought at my age I would be at this point financially. Just makes me very sad how expensive everything is from grocery bills to medical bills----
Thanks for letting me vent girls!
Melody
Farmgirl #525
www.melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
http://www.farmgirlhistory.blogspot.com/
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.longtallsallys.etsy.com
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 1:19:07 PM
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I know exactly where you are Melody. We had filed an extension on our taxes and I just got finished with the accountant getting them completed (seriously about 1 hour ago). When it was all said and done we both just looked at each other and laughed. The big question was where did all that money go? My husband and I make pretty good but at the end of the year it's all gone. We are currently paying $50 a month on a $62,000.00 medical bill when my husband had a heart attack 2 years ago. My sister's husband had a massive stroke 3 weeks ago and the medical bills have already reached over $500,000.00. They have no insurance. My husband's little self treat is creamer in his morning coffee. Last year I was paying $1.97 for the Wal Mart brand large container, now for the same container it is $4.78. And don't get me started on coffee. I paid $10.87 for Folger's Columbian roast the other day. This has got to stop at some point. People won't be able to survive.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 1:35:40 PM
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I hear ya, Melody...even though I have insurance (but not dental insurance), we have a $6,000 deductible and everything is out of pocket except for our little one's wellness visits. My annual examination for my gyno (the only doctor I see) was supposed to be covered in full as well, but b/c I asked a health related question, they charged an additional $150.00 to my balance (from labor and delivery) of $2600...I pay monthly payments, drafted from my health savings account, and honestly, I don't care if it takes me a million years to pay it off. There are plenty of people who DON'T pay their hospital bills, which is just one of the reasons the markup is so high.
I just know how you feel...is there anyway to get it deducted from your account each month so you don't see it (therefore, you simply don't think about it and get depressed?)...it's working for me :)
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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knittingmom
True Blue Farmgirl
665 Posts
AnneMarie
Edmonton
Alberta
Canada
665 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 1:35:52 PM
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I'm sorry to hear that, I know it's disheartening. If you show that you are making efforts both entities have to be satisfied with that.
Money doesn't go far anymore, I'm sure it's the same in the States as it is in Canada, groceries have gone up, utilities have gone up, gasoline has gone up, clothing prices up, wages have pretty well stayed the same. I remember at this time last year in store bread was $1.29 a loaf and now it's up to $2.50, it just increased a bit each month same as everything.
I'll say a prayer for you.
Anne-Marie
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
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clothedinscarlet
True Blue Farmgirl
1333 Posts
Siobhan
Battle Creek
MI
USA
1333 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 1:43:04 PM
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Hugs Melody. Medical bills are ridiculous. I think the majority of us are in the same place when we are confronted with those unexpected bills. We wouldn't know where the money was going to come from. Paying in small amounts is very normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Heck...the doctors don't care. That's why they charge those massive amounts because they know they will get it, even if people have to pay the bills for years. It's really sad. Just do what you can and they can wait. In fact, put the bills at the end of your budget payments. Put away savings first and then bills and the medical bills last. They will get paid when they get paid and then next time you need extra $$$ for the medical bills you can pull from the savings you've been putting away and earning interest on. That's a good Dave Ramsey principle. Pay yourself first (after God, of course). Debt collectors will get what's owed them and they're not hurting for the little amount you owe. As long as you're paying something they typically won't hassle you.
Farmgirl Sister #1110
Siobhan - AKA Liza-Jane (my farmgirl name), wife to my best friend, Trent, and mommy to Camden (11/28/05) and Bennett (7/11/07). and Truman (7/28/09) |
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 1:44:22 PM
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I'm sorry for your frustration and how hard it is to make ends meet for people now.
We got a bill from a nearby hospital and DH knew it had been paid so he called. The person he spoke with actually said that it had been paid but they send out extra bills and if people do pay them they accept it! She said they had to cover those people who can't/won't pay.
Another frustration is knowing that people without insurance are charged more than insurance companies pay for the same procedures. It's just not right!
Susan
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Mary Oliver |
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Ga Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2355 Posts
Karen
Meansville
Ga.
USA
2355 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 1:54:19 PM
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Melody, I know what you are going thru, my hubby just made an er visit,with xrays, ekg., blood test and ect. Then had to go back the following Monday for a stress test. We have no insurance, so I have been trying to go thru the hospital trying to get some written off. I dread seeing the bill. It scares me to death. So I understand your feelings, hopefully they will work with you and you wont have so much stress on you. Blessings,Karen
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10
Farmgirl sister #1156
www.KKJD1.etsy.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 1:56:53 PM
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Melody, I am so sorry. I know how it is though. 1 1/2 years ago my hubby was in the hospital for over a week. It took a long time to get all that paid. We did though. And you will too. Just keep in touch with them. That's the main thing is staying in contact with them. Are you all well from your visit?
Hugs, Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3318 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3318 Posts |
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Lin
True Blue Farmgirl
807 Posts
Lin
Sioux City
IA
USA
807 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 2:58:36 PM
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Melody, you just move forward and be happy because you are doing your best, and that's all anyone can ask! It seems so overwhelming but as all the gals have said, chip away a little at a time. Siobhan had great advice in reminding you to pay yourself first, because if you don't you won't have any left over. As long as you're making even a $5/month, they see you're making an effort and they should leave you alone. Prayers and hugs to you! Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 3:03:14 PM
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Melody, I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this. I know sometimes it seems like we can never get our heads above water doesn't it? I know what you mean about at our age we didn't expect it to be like this. That is happening to a lot of us these days. Everything goes up and up and the pay or retirements don't. It has to stop somewhere. I have worried myself silly many times during my life about money. But know what honey, some way it always works out. My Grandma used to say honey,worrying never solves anything, so don't waste your time on it. Of course she was right, but it's hard not to sometimes.The girls have given you some excellant advice. Just pay what you can and don't worry about it,it will be alright.
Hugs MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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missmuffcake
Farmgirl in Training
45 Posts
kendy
modesto
ca
45 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 3:24:18 PM
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I am sorry, I know how it feels. I had to borrow $ last year for emergency dental surgery and will have to again too in a few weeks for a crown. I have no insurance - it sucks.
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http://www.missmuffcake.com/ |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 3:32:09 PM
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Know you are not alone. It's criminal what they charge for necessary care. I need over $7,000 in dental work done and that's after insurance (what little it covered). DH lost a crown and is afraid to go in and get it replaced because he's expecting them to tell him he'll need just as much work as I do. So in the meantime we are both suffering since we can't see paying that much. And I've put off going to the doctor because I figure they'll tell me I'll need "this and that" and the insurance will only cover a small portion.
It does have to stop but I'm afraid it only stops because we refuse to have the necessary treatment. We won't have to worry about death panels under Obamacare, we'll do ourselves in by not getting diagnosed!
{{{Hugs}}}
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
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urban chickie
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Catherine
Niles
IL
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 5:58:06 PM
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I will share this from my own experience with huge medical bills: never stop paying. If you can only afford to send $25 a month, send that, but NEVER miss one of those payments. As long as you continue to try paying them in good faith, they won't go after you legally. But if you skip payments, if you don't make any payments for a long time because you cannot afford the total you owe, they will come after you. The health care system is so screwed up and they rather get what they can than not get anything. And remember that it's NOT the doctors so don't take it out on them! Many doctors don't even realize what their medical groups charge.....it's more the pharmacies and insurance that raises the cost. Breathe deep and know you WILL get through this hon!
Catherine
Farmgirl #1370
City Girl By Birth,
Suburbanite By Location,
Farmgirl at Heart
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natesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1735 Posts
angela
martinsville
indiana
USA
1735 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 9:55:54 PM
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My sister had no insurance when she got pregnant and had my nephew. She sent as much as she could and paid on it till he was 3! Some months all she could send was $10, but she just kept payin.
I am in the same boat as you for over $7000 for the whole family, but we will pay as we can. We have to keep the utilities on, food on the table, and the house fixed first. We keep the satellite and internet for our sanity and it is considered a neccessity with 3 little ones in the house to us. The rest will be paid as it can.
Farmgirl Sister #1438
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
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HealingTouch
True Blue Farmgirl
3448 Posts
Darlene
Kunkletown
Pa
USA
3448 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2010 : 11:12:00 PM
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For you ladies that don't have insurance there is a government program that will cover hospital bills. It's called the Hill Burton Act. Any hospital that accepts government money:medicare,medicaid etc. must do this program. I don't know all the details but ask at the hospital. Sometimes they will negotiate and lower your bill. Just ask you might be lucky.
Blessings,
Darlene
Sister 1922
The road to a friends house is never to long! |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3318 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3318 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2010 : 05:42:00 AM
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The Hill Burton Act is not available through the hospital they took me too...I did think of that Darlene and have been trying to figure out a way to do this without completely shredding my credit rating-I have always taken great pride in paying my bills on time every month and was so pleased that finally my student loan was paid in full...it took me a long time ( I went to school late in life) but I plugged away at it and one afternoon when I went into the bank to take care of business I handed over my $50.00 for my student loan and the teller said "Mel, it's paid in full!" I almost started to cry.
This is what I find so darn frustrating. Good people, hard working, honest people in our country are being slowly, but systematically smothered by the health care industry with the outrageous medical costs of basic care and blind hit or miss tests or procedures. Where is it going to end?
I personally know of several friends and members of my family that just refuse to go for medical help not because they are afraid but because they just CAN'T absorb the cost! That to me is sinful and very, very wrong not to be able to afford good health care. I am just dumbfounded. I think of my husband and I getting older and with that bringing health problems, additional prescriptions, etc. and frankly it scares the beejeebers out of me...
Melody
Farmgirl #525
www.melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
http://www.farmgirlhistory.blogspot.com/
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.longtallsallys.etsy.com
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2010 : 06:15:37 AM
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Been here Melody. It is scary, but you are trying to resolve it. Most people just walk away.
Lots of prayers for you from the Morgan clan.
Love
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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vintagediva1
True Blue Farmgirl
1251 Posts
Michele
Brighton
Michigan
USA
1251 Posts |
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ramonaj
True Blue Farmgirl
118 Posts
rhonda
gibsons
british columbia
Canada
118 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2010 : 08:09:50 AM
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My heart goes out to you and everyone else who is in this situation. My parents who are in their late seventies are in the same boat, due to my dad's poor health. Medicare doesn't cover everything and their supplement doesn't either. How can this be ok? People need medical care without having to worry about going into debt.
happiness to all sentient beings |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2010 : 9:12:36 PM
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you should ask your hospital billing dept because here where I live they do have programs that help you pay your hospital bills. It is a sliding scale kind of thing and it does go by your income but it will pay some of the bill for you if you can't. Ask about it. they may have it. They don't always tell you they have these things available. and maybe I am mistaken but I don't think they can put hospital bills on your credit records. and just remember your credit ratings are over rated. pay cash and you don't ever have to worry about credit ratings...
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13625 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13625 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2010 : 9:59:16 PM
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Hey Melody . . . know what it's like!!! We have no insurance right now. It's been eons since we had any for my hubby. I used to have for myself when I had a job that offered insurance, but that is no longer the case.
When hubby had emergency gallbladder surgery (laser) we were able to qualify for a program that our hospital has through Colorado. We got a 20% discount from the surgeon if we paid the balance off in a year (or something) . . . and we did. The anesthesiologist was a different story.
Last fall hubby had to have knee arthroscopy and since this wasn't an emergency we didn't qualify for the same program. But, BEFORE the surgery we went to the hospital, sat down with them, turned in required paperwork and qualified for the sliding scale "self-pay" program. Because we were "self-pay" we also received a SIGNIFICANT discount from the orthopedic surgeon and the anesthesiologist. I have learned through both of these situations a lot of things about insurance that are very enlightening.
Before the surgery we went out of town for the knee MRI . . . and paid with credit card (didn't have that much cash) but they considered it "Paid up front" and it was HALF of what it would have been if we made payments . . . and 1/3 the cost of doing it locally. AND it included the radiologist reading fee . . . locally it would not have.
Of course, when you are in an emergency situation it's pretty difficult to work out all these details.
I can tell you this, as long as you pay something, no matter what the amount, it CANNOT be turned in to collections.
Many years ago, when I had bills for my son's ruptured appendix I got a call from an individual telling me that I needed to pay the balance of his hospital bill and I needed to send them post-dated checks! Can you believe that?? Well this was 30 years ago and things have changed, but I told that person that I knew they could not do that and I would continue to make my monthly payments as already arranged.
Anyway, hang in there! I will be praying . . . and try not to stress yourself out over it!!! We don't want to see you having to go for more medical care.
Gotta take care of yourself!!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
From my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3318 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3318 Posts |
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jill skane
True Blue Farmgirl
853 Posts
jill lillian
stacyville
maine
USA
853 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2010 : 07:19:16 AM
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Darlene is right, my husband had a young man working with him that could not pay hospital bills, and they found this to be true. I gave this to a young girl I worked with she looked into it and Hill Burton Act Helped her. Jill Lillian
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Across the Fence: Hospital and Dental Bills-Feel like Sobbing |
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Hospital and Dental Bills-Feel like Sobbing
