medical bills

robang13
robang13 Member Posts: 333
in Breast Cancer #1
Wow, this is really shocking to see all these bills come rolling in!! Can I ask what everyone did once yours started? How did you find the money to pay all of them? Did you get payment plans? What did you do? Is there any help out there? The woman from the ACS said something about financial help but I was still reeling from the news that I didn't really hear what she had to say. I have a deductible and then a minimum out of pocket. It's not cheap!! It's like I'm just getting used to this cancer idea and now to worry about how to pay for medical care. Wouldn't it be nice if they had to wait till after you were well to bill you!!

Angela
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Comments

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #2
    I'm sure there are many who
    I'm sure there are many who can give you info - I can't really. My care is through VA. Not Service Connected and Hubby's income is enough that I have to pay a co-pay but it is definately do-able for me.
  • wndringmnd
    wndringmnd Member Posts: 44
    #3
    Hi Angela,
    I knew there
    Hi Angela,
    I knew there would be a lot of bills just by the sheer number of times I was visiting different doctors. The first thing I did was buy a spiral notebook and on each page I would write the name of the biller, the amount due and most importantly, the account number. you can have 3 different MRI's but they all register differetly in the accounting department. if is not all ready listed on the 'request for payment' letter to you, then I call the company and ask for an accounting of what the insurance has paid. (you may have to appeal some of their decisions).This is of course is a second job,and I used to use my chemo days to update my accounting. I figured if chemo was going to interrupt my life, I would at least be a little constructive with my time. as far as payment goes that depends on what your family can handle. I had a hospital bill years ago that I couldn't pay but $25 a month on, I went and talked to them and the lady I spoke to said, 'I'm not suppose to tell anyone this but as long as your paying $5 a month, we can't do anything to you' (like legal stuff) and remember to save your cancelled checks for your taxes next year, and make sure to write down the miles you drive to and from each time you go to a doctor. i've racked up over 3000 this year alone. that spiral notebook stays in the car. HOPE THIS HELPS

    -Marilyn
  • robang13
    robang13 Member Posts: 333
    #4
    wndringmnd said:

    Hi Angela,
    I knew there
    Hi Angela,
    I knew there would be a lot of bills just by the sheer number of times I was visiting different doctors. The first thing I did was buy a spiral notebook and on each page I would write the name of the biller, the amount due and most importantly, the account number. you can have 3 different MRI's but they all register differetly in the accounting department. if is not all ready listed on the 'request for payment' letter to you, then I call the company and ask for an accounting of what the insurance has paid. (you may have to appeal some of their decisions).This is of course is a second job,and I used to use my chemo days to update my accounting. I figured if chemo was going to interrupt my life, I would at least be a little constructive with my time. as far as payment goes that depends on what your family can handle. I had a hospital bill years ago that I couldn't pay but $25 a month on, I went and talked to them and the lady I spoke to said, 'I'm not suppose to tell anyone this but as long as your paying $5 a month, we can't do anything to you' (like legal stuff) and remember to save your cancelled checks for your taxes next year, and make sure to write down the miles you drive to and from each time you go to a doctor. i've racked up over 3000 this year alone. that spiral notebook stays in the car. HOPE THIS HELPS

    -Marilyn

    nice to know
    Marilyn,

    Wow! What a good idea. Never even thought of the miles or the notebook. Going to buy one this weekend! Time to get organized!
    Thanks!!

    angela
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #5
    robang13 said:

    nice to know
    Marilyn,

    Wow! What a good idea. Never even thought of the miles or the notebook. Going to buy one this weekend! Time to get organized!
    Thanks!!

    angela

    Also - my DX Radiologist
    Also - my DX Radiologist said to be sure to get a copy of every blood test/scan/anything/everything done to you. Yeah you wind up with a tall pile of papers but you have the proof of what was done.
  • robang13
    robang13 Member Posts: 333
    #6
    Rague said:

    Also - my DX Radiologist
    Also - my DX Radiologist said to be sure to get a copy of every blood test/scan/anything/everything done to you. Yeah you wind up with a tall pile of papers but you have the proof of what was done.

    Do I just ask the office to
    Do I just ask the office to send me a copy? Should I do this for the hospital too?
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #7
    robang13 said:

    Do I just ask the office to
    Do I just ask the office to send me a copy? Should I do this for the hospital too?

    I'm always asked who all I
    I'm always asked who all I want copies to be sent to - I always include myself. If you don't get it, then ask at the next appt you're at - the Dr will have report in his/her 'puter and they can print off a copy then.
  • robang13
    robang13 Member Posts: 333
    #8
    Rague said:

    I'm always asked who all I
    I'm always asked who all I want copies to be sent to - I always include myself. If you don't get it, then ask at the next appt you're at - the Dr will have report in his/her 'puter and they can print off a copy then.

    I never thought of that!!
    I never thought of that!! Thanks for the info!! I am going to start doing this on monday.

    angela
  • LVG
    LVG Member Posts: 128
    #9
    Shocked as well..
    I too was besides myself when all of the out of pocket expenses started rolling in. I haven't had any major 'ongoing' illnesses before. I've always just had a problem - saw a doc, had surgeries (many times in the past). Then, all I had to do was pay the co-pay for the specialty doc; and co-pay for the hospital stay.

    But with this.. the chemo treatments, bi-weekly specialities, labs, shots, meds - oh my. I'm already at $4,750. out of pocket. And really was thinking this will do us in. But it hasn't. We've basically used $$ that would have probably been used for a few vacations we've already missed and will not be doing any home improvements what-so-ever this year. Cut back on birthday gifts for the grand kids, nieces & nephew. That has helped a lot. But I often think of those who didn't have $$ to spare for vacations, home improvements, etc... to begin with. What an absolute worry for them.

    I always remind others though that the hospitals have in fine print that if you cannot pay your bills - you should ask the financial dept. for assistance. I know also that you should ask for a social worker at the hospital also. Let the social worker know of your concerns and don't be afraid to ask for help. Also - please contact the American Cancer Society at your hospital and ask for help. They really want to help. If not avaiable where you get treatment - go online and put in your zip code and their local office will come up. They are helpful with questions and answers and where to seek help. Pharmaceutical (sp)? companies do often offer help - I'm told. I've sent you a private message with a few links / info that might be helpful. This entire process can be overwhelming. However, I'll bet before the week is out, someone or more on this site will have some answers.

    The spiral notebook and a folder to hold all of that incoming medical info is a must. Might as well put the staple, highlighter, sticky notes and paper clips next to the stack of papers. It truly is a second job. And it wore me out - especially since I felt my brain was functioning at 100% during chemo. I'm sorry you had to come here.. but I'm so glad you found this site for help. I rely on how others have handled their journey - to keep me focused on the prize.

    Continued success to you on your journey to better health.
  • robang13
    robang13 Member Posts: 333
    #10
    LVG said:

    Shocked as well..
    I too was besides myself when all of the out of pocket expenses started rolling in. I haven't had any major 'ongoing' illnesses before. I've always just had a problem - saw a doc, had surgeries (many times in the past). Then, all I had to do was pay the co-pay for the specialty doc; and co-pay for the hospital stay.

    But with this.. the chemo treatments, bi-weekly specialities, labs, shots, meds - oh my. I'm already at $4,750. out of pocket. And really was thinking this will do us in. But it hasn't. We've basically used $$ that would have probably been used for a few vacations we've already missed and will not be doing any home improvements what-so-ever this year. Cut back on birthday gifts for the grand kids, nieces & nephew. That has helped a lot. But I often think of those who didn't have $$ to spare for vacations, home improvements, etc... to begin with. What an absolute worry for them.

    I always remind others though that the hospitals have in fine print that if you cannot pay your bills - you should ask the financial dept. for assistance. I know also that you should ask for a social worker at the hospital also. Let the social worker know of your concerns and don't be afraid to ask for help. Also - please contact the American Cancer Society at your hospital and ask for help. They really want to help. If not avaiable where you get treatment - go online and put in your zip code and their local office will come up. They are helpful with questions and answers and where to seek help. Pharmaceutical (sp)? companies do often offer help - I'm told. I've sent you a private message with a few links / info that might be helpful. This entire process can be overwhelming. However, I'll bet before the week is out, someone or more on this site will have some answers.

    The spiral notebook and a folder to hold all of that incoming medical info is a must. Might as well put the staple, highlighter, sticky notes and paper clips next to the stack of papers. It truly is a second job. And it wore me out - especially since I felt my brain was functioning at 100% during chemo. I'm sorry you had to come here.. but I'm so glad you found this site for help. I rely on how others have handled their journey - to keep me focused on the prize.

    Continued success to you on your journey to better health.

    Thank You so much. I'm going
    Thank You so much. I'm going to check out those links : )
  • LVG
    LVG Member Posts: 128
    #11
    robang13 said:

    Thank You so much. I'm going
    Thank You so much. I'm going to check out those links : )

    ... you are welcome
    I should add - I have BSBC insurance.
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    #12
    Hi Angela,
    I've got great insurance through a private company but unfortunately, I have to meet a 1,500 deductible. They do give you a spending account but it seems it disappears with just the costs of office visits and prescription meds for my daughter and I. So, I'm always paying some medical bill off. PET scans, MRI's, Colonoscopy, all those are so expensive.

    Yes, I agree...that would be great if they waited for you to get well before billing you...LOL!
  • poplolly
    poplolly Member Posts: 346
    #13
    Robang,
    I have insurance but
    Robang,

    I have insurance but it's not enough to cover the expenses of this treatment. I am one of those people in the middle--I make too much to qualify for help and I make too little to be able to afford this. I pay some of the people I owe $25.00 or $50.00 a month. They usually want me to pay more, but I can't. When I have a little extra money, I send a little more to one of them. I try to pay down on one at a time. The others just have to wait.
  • poplolly
    poplolly Member Posts: 346
    #14
    robang13 said:

    nice to know
    Marilyn,

    Wow! What a good idea. Never even thought of the miles or the notebook. Going to buy one this weekend! Time to get organized!
    Thanks!!

    angela

    I also keep up with how much
    I also keep up with how much I pay for parking. We have to park in one of those underground garages.
  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
    #15
    poplolly said:

    Robang,
    I have insurance but
    Robang,

    I have insurance but it's not enough to cover the expenses of this treatment. I am one of those people in the middle--I make too much to qualify for help and I make too little to be able to afford this. I pay some of the people I owe $25.00 or $50.00 a month. They usually want me to pay more, but I can't. When I have a little extra money, I send a little more to one of them. I try to pay down on one at a time. The others just have to wait.

    Medical Bills
    Was dx in 2009.In 2010 my husband's work insurance started deductibles for us.Since my husband works and also get SS his was paid through Medicaid and the rest with United Health Care.My bills came rolling in.I got tired of it and called doc office etc .Some were being paid.Some they didnt have my insurance card info and once it was for a mammo and by the time I called to see what the problem was,It had been paid. I have some bills now I am needing to call about. Probably don't have my deductible paid yet.Early in the year but bills are slowing.We keep getting checks from insurance.I know one was from the hospital and I must have paid it.They made a check out to me.

    It funny you should mention this because this is really getting to me.After so many years of paying for nothing wouldn't you know after my dx I see bills all the time. My head is spinning.

    Next year I can get Medicaid and my bills will be paid. I hope I can stay well till then.Just have my mammos and doc appts. One mammo to go and 4 doc appt.Family doctor, oncologist, breast surgeon, urologist.Most of my doctor bills are paid. I have no co pay for that.

    Lynn Smith
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #16
    so sorry Angela
    all these bills are piling up...I am one of the very lucky ones..I ONLY pay co pays for office visits & co pay for my meds..rest is covered by my medical insurance (happy to say)
    I think IF YOU make little payments showing trying to pay-there isnt' much they can do if just don't have the funds!

    I wish you luck and hope someone has some good advice here!

    Denise
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #17
    disneyfan2008 said:

    so sorry Angela
    all these bills are piling up...I am one of the very lucky ones..I ONLY pay co pays for office visits & co pay for my meds..rest is covered by my medical insurance (happy to say)
    I think IF YOU make little payments showing trying to pay-there isnt' much they can do if just don't have the funds!

    I wish you luck and hope someone has some good advice here!

    Denise

    Excellent information .. Thank you for
    sharing .. Also, ACS helps pay for gas -- getting to appointments, surgeries and procedures .. please check with your local American Cancer Society branch office .. and we all know gas prices are far too high here in America. Every bit helps.



    Vicki Sam
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #18
    VickiSam said:

    Excellent information .. Thank you for
    sharing .. Also, ACS helps pay for gas -- getting to appointments, surgeries and procedures .. please check with your local American Cancer Society branch office .. and we all know gas prices are far too high here in America. Every bit helps.



    Vicki Sam

    wow good to know
    I wonder why cancer centers or Dr offices dont' hand out info on this..I waited almost 2 + yrs to look up this site...

    I like many was totally cluelss...
  • robang13
    robang13 Member Posts: 333
    #19
    poplolly said:

    Robang,
    I have insurance but
    Robang,

    I have insurance but it's not enough to cover the expenses of this treatment. I am one of those people in the middle--I make too much to qualify for help and I make too little to be able to afford this. I pay some of the people I owe $25.00 or $50.00 a month. They usually want me to pay more, but I can't. When I have a little extra money, I send a little more to one of them. I try to pay down on one at a time. The others just have to wait.

    So far I have told a few
    So far I have told a few that I can only pay what I can pay. Hopefully they will all except this. You can't get money out of empty pockets, right?!
  • robang13
    robang13 Member Posts: 333
    #20
    disneyfan2008 said:

    so sorry Angela
    all these bills are piling up...I am one of the very lucky ones..I ONLY pay co pays for office visits & co pay for my meds..rest is covered by my medical insurance (happy to say)
    I think IF YOU make little payments showing trying to pay-there isnt' much they can do if just don't have the funds!

    I wish you luck and hope someone has some good advice here!

    Denise

    Funny, whenever I did have
    Funny, whenever I did have an HMO I never got sick!! Now when I'm on private insurance with a deductible and an out of pocket min I get this!! I just can't win!!!

    Angela
  • robang13
    robang13 Member Posts: 333
    #21
    VickiSam said:

    Excellent information .. Thank you for
    sharing .. Also, ACS helps pay for gas -- getting to appointments, surgeries and procedures .. please check with your local American Cancer Society branch office .. and we all know gas prices are far too high here in America. Every bit helps.



    Vicki Sam

    Really?

    They help for all that? You know, a rep was in the office 2 weeks ago and told me she would send me info on how to get help for this and never sent it. DO I just call and ask if they have financial help?

    Thanks!

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