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frogfactory
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« on: October 27, 2009, 11:43:40 AM » |
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Hey all.
If you have been following my doings obsessively for a few months now, you'll recall that I was hit by a scooter, cracked some ribs, and had a ride in an ambulance to basically have nothing done. Much to my surprise, I discovered that my crappy insurer actually covered part of the bill for the ambulance, but sadly not all of it.
I can't afford to pay the remainder in a single month, though (unless I forgo eating and other such luxuries). Before I call up and ask, what do you think my chances are of being allowed to pay in a few instalments? I've never had to deal with this kind of bullsh*t before (you don't have to have been following me all that obsessively to know that the US healthcare system [or, rather, lack thereof] makes me very sad and angry) - what would be the best way of approaching this?
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At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to masturbate in the bathroom.
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buglet
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« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2009, 11:48:16 AM » |
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Pretty good actually. Work out a plan with them to pay what you can afford. And, be sure to get an itemized bill, and question stuff on there you don't understand or that is vague. In this economy, I'd imagine it would be cheaper and more preferable for the insurance company to get all their money over a few months, then try to start legal proceedings against you because they don't have all the money in 30 days.
My dad was rattlesnake bit, and though Medicaid covered most of the bill (almost $30000...yeesh), they didn't cover about $500 of it. We questioned every item on there, and got the bill lowered to about $150.
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larryc
Hu hatin'
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 18,285
Eschew the hu.
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« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2009, 12:10:29 PM » |
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I think they will go for the installments in a heartbeat. Figure out the number of payments you want to make, and stretch that by 50% for your initial offer. Tell them that you absolutely cannot pay any interest.
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stitch
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« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2009, 12:30:33 PM » |
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Be prepared for the possibility of getting a jerk employee. If this happens, ask for a supervisor or hang up and try to get a different rep when you call back. You might even ask for a different accounting dept if you're having trouble - like ask for AP instead of AR.
That said, you are way ahead of the game, since you are proactively calling them to work something out. They will love you for that. If you talk to a good, or even average, employee, you should be fine.
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frogfactory
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« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2009, 01:21:19 PM » |
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Thanks, that's encouraging. I'll give them a call after pay day.
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At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to masturbate in the bathroom.
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higherandhigher
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« Reply #5 on: October 27, 2009, 01:24:51 PM » |
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You should also review your ambulance bill and the EOB from the insurance company in conjunction with your benefits booklet. Insurance companies make lots of mistakes.
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zuzu_
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« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2009, 02:21:57 PM » |
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I've had a bunch of medical bills over the past few years, and I've had good luck getting things managable with two strategies:
1.) Look into assistance available to low-income people. I qualified for a 50% reduction for my hospital bill because my Asst. Prof Salary + Family of Four = Low Income. I did not have to jump through extreme hoops with proof of income/assets, etc. Essentially, I just had to write a letter explaining how much I make, what my expenses are, why I have no equity in my cars/house etc.
2.) Every single provider (pathologist, hospital, anesthesia, etc.) has been willing to stretch things out for 12 months with no interest.
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namazu
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« Reply #7 on: October 27, 2009, 02:27:31 PM » |
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People have given good suggestions for working something out with the ambulance people, but I am curious: Will the scooter driver's insurance reimburse your expenses? Or was the scooter driver uninsured?
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frogfactory
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« Reply #8 on: October 27, 2009, 03:53:44 PM » |
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Scooter driver didn't stop.
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At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to masturbate in the bathroom.
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namazu
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« Reply #9 on: October 27, 2009, 03:57:14 PM » |
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Scooter driver didn't stop.
Ah. I missed that part of the initial account. I'm sorry you've had to deal with not only the accident, but also the insurance issues. |
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higherandhigher
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« Reply #10 on: October 27, 2009, 07:39:35 PM » |
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Scooter driver didn't stop.
Do you have automobile insurance? You may find it will cover your medical expenses. |
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frogfactory
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« Reply #11 on: October 27, 2009, 07:40:20 PM » |
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I wasn't in a car; I was crossing the street.
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At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to masturbate in the bathroom.
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higherandhigher
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« Reply #12 on: October 27, 2009, 08:17:24 PM » |
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I wasn't in a car; I was crossing the street.
Yes, but you were hit by a vehicle. Many personal auto insurance policies have coverage in such situations (in this case uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist for example may cover a hit-and-run). |
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frogfactory
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« Reply #13 on: October 27, 2009, 08:51:39 PM » |
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Ah, I was not aware of such a thing. I've never even learned to drive, let alone owned a car and insurance, though.
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At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to masturbate in the bathroom.
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menotti
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« Reply #14 on: October 27, 2009, 08:54:55 PM » |
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Is your insurance through the school? If so, see if you can track down someone in benefits who can help you out with this.
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