Hospital Bills?

**Jasmine** · 01-12-2006, 02:38 PM

Are hospitals usually easy to work with in setting up payments?

We just recieved news that instead of $250 to have this baby, we're looking at up to $3000 out of pocket. If they aren't willing to set up payments, I don't know what we'll do. Everything changed the first of the year. I hate our insurance company right now.

**Valerie in WA** · 01-12-2006, 02:42 PM

Most are quite nice about it, as long as you are up front about the situation and meet the agreed-upon payments. If you cant, make sure you stay in touch with them.

Some hospitals will even write it off as charity care. Your soon-to-be SAHM status may qualify you. It's worth asking!

**Darlene** · 01-12-2006, 03:15 PM

Yep, they should work with you. You take good care and I'm wishing you well.

**homesteadmamma** · 01-12-2006, 03:26 PM

Just wanting to send

**PrairieRose** · 01-12-2006, 04:39 PM

You do have a couple of options if you have good credit. (you don't have to reply about that)

If you do have good credit, go to the bank and make arrangements to borrow the money and then go to the hospital and ask how much of a discount they will offer if you prepay today. They will work with you if you say you're self insured or have a huge deductable. Just don't hesitate to talk to them. I made a call a few days ago to the hospital (we have a huge deductable) and saved us almost $900.

**dwallyfam** · 01-12-2006, 06:20 PM

Jasmine double check that. Since it is a existing condition you may qualify under a state law that says that if the company changes carriers it can be covered like it was under the previous carrier. Not all states have that law, but it is worth checking out.

Kellie