Part of being Mrs. Bankrupt is real life managing of finances and debt management. I suspect you can’t get any more “real life” than to delve into the events of my past few weeks. The start of my fiscal slide over a decade ago was a quantity of medical bills due to some significant health problems. I’ve been spending several years struggling post bankruptcy with recurring bills.
Recently, I’ve been having yet more health problems, which have the potential to be serious, long term and/or costly. I’m uninsured. Like most folks without health insurance I put off seeing a doc until absolutely necessary, especially if it incurs more than an office visit bill. This week, due to some very real medical issues, I’ve had to have tests. I’m still waiting on results and likely more tests, which of course means further money spent.
Because I have a history of cancer, ruling out a secondary cancer is imperative. I’m glad my medical professionals are being thorough. At least the medical staff took my symptoms seriously. Yet, its four weeks before Christmas and I’m really despondent about dropping upfront cash that only more cuts deeply into my already fragile finances-along with some normal concerns about my health.
It’s been a while since I’ve needed the medical system like I do at present. Things have changed a bit regarding financial mercy toward those who are uninsured. I suspect it’s due to the increased media coverage. While each local hospital or medical clinics are unique, here are some options that many health care providers are offering:
- Discounts if the debt is paid in full at the time of service. I was offered a 40% reduction if I paid in full immediately or a 30% reduction if I paid in 28 days. (Gee, just in time for the holidays)
- Opting for the cheapest lab rates. Blood work in the ER, (versus a clinic or a doctor’s office) usually costs much more. If it’s not a life threatening condition, ask if you can have those same lab tests performed somewhere else more cheaply.
- Getting medication at a pharmacy of your choice instead of an ER. Shave off a ton of money here, folks. Have them call a script in for you before they dismiss you, instead of using a hospital pharmacy. Even if it’s convenient to take meds with you from the hospital, it’ll cost you nearly double in some cases.
- Many health care providers will now give you a reference sheet with options for various facilities that do CAT scans, X-rays or MRI’s at lower costs. In my small town, it means to get the best rate; you’d need to drive to larger cities imaging centers- which are $500.00 cheaper for some tests. If your provider doesn’t offer these comparative rates, ask for other options or price on your own. Then request your tests at the facility of your choice.
While I’m thankful that I no longer feel like quite as much of a second class citizen due to this new heightened awareness for the uninsured’s plight, I’m none-the-less perplexed by a few items.
If medical facilities have a 30-40 percent margin to work with, why don’t they simply cut the costs over all to begin with? Don’t get me wrong, because I’m grateful for some of these new changes, but we are talking about vital health care, not buying gas at the pump with cash. Could it be that a visit to my doc, plus labs might really cost only $279.00 instead of nearly $500.00 all along?
The very people, the uninsured, who need the discount often are strapped with other bills and can’t pay at the time of service (or even within the 28 days) to get a lower rate. (This means the service amount will then nearly double and I’ll be on the slow boat to China route of paying). Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t that seem as if this process still rewards those with money and punishes the poor?
Those with decent credit scores and no health insurance should truly investigate getting a credit card for medical emergencies such as the one I’ve described above. You’ll save a bundle if you can opt for this discount. I discuss the many perks of rewards credit cards in purchasing necessary items frequently. However, if you’re still dragging your feet about getting a credit card, medical issues might be a worthwhile reason obtain one.