Medical Debt
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| Fri, 04-09-2010 - 6:08pm |
I got out of credit card debt just to get right back into it again! ARGH! I have doctors appointments coming out of my ears and I'm starting to wonder if my thoughts that this year would be the year that we'd get our health back on track wasn't a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom!
I made 4 doctors appointments today and even though we have health insurance, they aren't free! My youngest has already been to the doctor twice this week. He has thrush and a viral infection that causes mouth sores. Plus we had some circumcision issues! What a joy! So there's $40 dollars in copays. Then I went in to get my THS (thyroid) level checked and my insurance has crappy lab coverage. They charge it as a surgical procedure to stick me in the arm with a needle! I just finished paying off my middle childs adenoid surgery (which was about $600 dollars) and now my doctor is telling me that my youngest child may need the same surgery. He has all the same issues, plus he has clear fluid in his ears at all times and this could be causing his delayed speech. I scheduled a hearing test and we'll have his adenoids checked too. That entails an X-Ray which is another thing I'll have to pay for. To top it all off, my THS levels came back as high so the doctor called in another prescription ($10) and I have another lab test in 2 months and then a follow-up doctors appointment.
But wait!!! That's not all! My husband has a lot of dental work on his horizon. He needs a perio treatment (horrible since he's only 30. He hates the dentist and has avoided them for over 5 years) but if he wants to keep his teeth, he needs to get this done and it's going to cost us $700 dollars even with the insurance coverage. After that he needs a root canal and we have to decide whether to give him a bridge or to just leave him without one of his teeth. At this point, I feel like saying "Just live without the tooth, because you can't seem to take care of the ones you have anyway!"
I filled out a few credit applications today for the dental work and after being declined twice, we were given a credit card with a $1500 dollar credit line. I'm sure we'll get the highest interest rate, which is %24.99. But what am I supposed to do! I mean, dentures are much more expensive! And he's only 30! I'm at my wits end.
So all in all, I'm pretty frustrated today. I'm just feeling like the struggle never ends! And I forgot to mention that my oldest child needs 2 baby teeth pulled. I'm sure that will cost me some money too.
Hopefully I'll reach my $1500 dollar family deductible this year. I don't know how that works, but aren't things supposed to be cheaper after that?






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I don't know if it's financially easier. Maybe the insurance will kick in at the normal rate. But your house sounds a lot like mine with the exception of that my husband needs all 4 wisdom teeth pulled (already did one with the next 3 in 2 weeks), my middle child had 6 baby teeth pulled at the same visit to the tune of $500 (that's with insurance), now he needs braces. Don't even get me started on the stupid co-pays that I have to pay for my new doctor visit and prescriptions. It's a never ending battle. I feel for you. Hang in there.
Kelly
When I lived in the states I remember that the co pays maxed out after a certain amount. You will have to check your individual plan.
The good news is that you don't have all that other debt weighing you down Abby like you used to. This too will pass and you will recover, just like your credit will in time.
I know its frustrating. It seems that when ever someone here gets out of debt it doesn't get easier it just changes. I believe it is a good change though and your family will be better off. You have learned the tools to move forward.
I hope everyone is feeling better soon!
It generally is less expensive once you meet the deductible because you only pay a percentage after that instead of the full amount.
Robyn CL- Debt Support Group
Abbie.
I think that times like yours is why the sinking funds play such an important part of our lives.
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus
First, I have to preface this with "I am no expert", but this has been my experience.
What I have learned is to try and work out payment plans when ever possible, especially with medical expenses.
Abbie, I am sorry to hear that.
Hi Abbie,
I am soo sorry to hear about all of your upcoming expenses. You sound like us last year. We spent about 3000 on ear infections and couple of other random things. I think like Norma said Sinking funds are great for these things. Not that we have one yet :). However, after you are caught up again it might be your next goal. Also, in my experience when we were seeing the ear, nose and throat doctor they let me make my own payment plan as long as it was the same amount each month. We ended up paying it off sooner.
I am also always worried about doctor bills since we have a high deductible plan. I think for my family we are going to look into getting more coverage next year just to have more peace of mind when these things come up. My DH's employer has several option and we go with the cheapest one since the cost goes up soo much every year but I think next year we will bite the bullet and look at the better coverage plans. It is soo sad when you feel like you are working for healthcare.
Liz
Student loan paid in full 2/2010
Car loan remaining balance
Liz
student loan paid off 2010
Bathroom remodel loan paid off 2013
Pending Car loan to be paid by the end of 2014!!!!!
I didn't read all of the other posts, so Im sorry if this is repetitive.
My DH didn't take care of his teeth either... and ended up needing a partial.. at first I was thinking like you.. why bother?
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