Medical bill paid--sort of

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Medical bill paid--sort of
2
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 11:50am
Hi, all. Well, that last ER bill ($800+) was looming. Since I couldnt pay the whole amount from my current paycheck, the hospital offered 10% discount if I could pay the balance in full today. So, I put it on the Discover Card. Why? It knocked the balance down to about $600+, and it will be out of my hair. That way, I wouldnt have to pay the entire balance in full (which they wanted, and I couldnt do) and I can pay monthly on my card. (or, every week if I want). This was the only way to get rid of it, since I couldnt come up with the full amount. Was it worth it? Yes, in some ways. Still have the $3800 x-ray bill that I havent heard about yet. Am standing firm on it, though, and not paying one penny until the insurance pays something. Enough of this medical bill nightmare! Whiz.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-11-2001
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 2:16pm

Were you able to claim any of the medical you paid last year on your taxes? I was able to claim all of mine, and I will have more medical to claim for this year, and that's because of all of the dental I pay for.

I am just surprised at how you have been treated by these hospitals. I had no problems at all setting up a payment plan with all of those I owed money to. When the next bill comes in, tell them you have to be put on a plan, but call them the moment the bill arrives.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 7:16pm
Hi, ATB. Well, it is not so much the hospital's fault. It lies squarely with the insurance company. Period. I am still in the market for supplemental insurance, meaning I would pay all of the premium like a self-insured person would,i.e., small business owner. Had set up several interviews (more to come), and in EVERY instance, the insurance people could not understand why it would take 6-8 months to decide if they were going to pay something or not. In once instance, the insurance company I was looking at had a turn-around time of two WEEKS to respond to a claim. I had set up a payment plan of $150/month, BUT, the one bill was 7 months old and the hospital said it had to be paid in full due to all avenues exhausted. With the outstanding x-ray bill of $3K, I am choosing not to pay anything. My next step will be a lawyer to get to the bottom of this. Whiz.