So our baby that was born August 1st needed surgery after he was born so he stayed in NICU for 26 days. We knew that he would be in NICU, but given all of our other medical and debt obligations we weren't able to sock money away to pay for any of this.
DS and I have each met our $3000 out of pocket max and we have roughly another $1400 before me meet our family out of pocket. This will be met shortly as the actual hospital stay is still processing...it was billed out to our insurance company at $123,000!!
He will probably need physical therapy soon to strengthen his abdominal muscles (he had an abdominal wall defect known as an omphalocele) so that will likely be a copay of $30 per visit also. Plus we have to weight checks with his pediatrician which is not considered a "well-baby" check so that will require a copay also.
So far, we have only received a couple bills for small amounts. I have started keeping a binder with a tabbed divider for each provider. I know this is going to get crazy really fast. I'm sure I will have to go up against insurance on some of the charges that they will be wanting to deny also and that will be tough.
I'm just looking for a little support from you guys since y'all have always been so great when in comes to financial hardship before. I have a feeling that our previous hardships will be nothing compare to this.
Congratulations on your beautiful baby. He is adorable, thanks for sharing his precious picture. I am so sorry for what you are going through with the bills. Keep your chin up. Continue to keep all your records like you are doing, in case you need to fight any of it.
Can you ask the hospital to write some of it off based on hardship circumstances?
Absolutely precious picture!!! So worth it. Always so worth it.
Good idea with the binder. How about a calendar as well so hopefully you can start seeing a pattern of when the different billers are coming in? Can just put the initials of the company on the day it arrived, day it is due.
Cooper is a handsome little guy! I'm sorry about all those medical issues/insurance you'll be up against. Looks like you are doing the right things- keeping records and keeping things organized. Just wanted to send some hugs your way
I also suggst keep a detailed recorded of everything, your son Cooper is a VERY HANDSOME LITTLE GUY. Keep detailed records of everything the doctor tells you, it might come in handy down the road, you will never know when. I did this and it helped down the road with my son nicholas.
You can also ask if they can write off the amount owed (especially if a catholic hospital) or make arrangements to make payments.
My husband owes hospital bills we are fighting to pay.
Definately talk with the social worker and financial people at the hospital to see if you can work out a reduction. Since they will receive (hopefully) a substantial amount from insurance it might work. Of course, if your income is in upper range they will want paid in full.
Sorry about the medical bills. Lots of good advice. A friend of mine has a grandson with the same condition. He is a thriving, healthy boy of 6 years now. Hugs to you and enjoy being his Momma.
The binder is a great idea. Also keep a binder(or under a seperate divider) what the doctor says and results of tests etc. Any info from a previous visit can help a new doctor. Bood work doesn't have to be duplicated etc. Keep copies of insurance cards there and even well baby stuff like shot records.
That's a smile that will mean trouble when he's four years old. How adorable is he!?!
I think the binder is a fantastic idea. It is something you can have at your fingertips when ever you need it. I would also recommend a section for phone conversations.... knowing who you talk to and when (date and time) and what information they give you will be invaluable if there is any type of dispute because they might try to deny things that their representatives have already stated.
The hospital bills out room and board twice monthly, so his room and board from 8/1 to 8/15 was billed out at roughly $98,000. Since we'd met our out of pocket for the year insurance did a network discount and completely paid the $79,000 balance. I thought for sure they'd try to weasel out of that one.
And a bit of mixed news...
The largest bill that we owe completely to one provider is $1700 to the surgeon. We got the bill and they want us to apply with Care Credit. There is an 18 month interest free plan which would put the payment at about $94 a month. We could handle that payment! Problem is our credit score sucks so I doubt we will qualify at all much less for the interest free plan.
I am trying to "cut the fat" where I can. I am going Monday to end our YMCA membership since we mainly use it in summer anyway. Since school started we haven't been once. That'll be $63 a month savings!
Adorable baby! It sounds like your are super organized with all the incoming bills. I like others would suggest you talk tot he hospital to see if they can write any of what the insurance won't pay off or let you make reasonable payments.
I posted before reading the whole thread, so didn't see your last post. I'm glad the insurance will cover your hospital bills. If you get turned down for the carecredit, most doctors won't turn down reasonable payments per month, they would far rather be receiving something than pay for either a collection agency to get the money only to have to share it with them or pay court costs. I'd send the 63a note explaining that your just don't have anymore than this per month but you promise to pay it faithfully. I cannot hurt to try.
your baby is adorable. I have nothing to add except do not hesitate to ask for a social worker, for a health worker, for a financial advisor at the hospital & at ever single doctor's office until you get what you need. Do not feel shy and do not feel like you are begging. And ask here again because there are so many marvelous caring people in this group who will try to help.
We were officially declined for Care Credit. They cited excessive debt obligations, not surprising. Monday I need to call both the surgeon's office and the cardiologist's office to see if they will make arrangements.
I sold a few things at a consignment sale and listed a few things on Craigslist. Also, Monday I am going to sell some broken jewelry at a local jeweler that pay decently for gold. Hoping "find" a little extra money to help out wherever I can!
Just a comment about the hospital billing tactics, always put your ability to pay your other bills + expenses (well baby checkup co-pays) before the hospital's bill repayment demands. Payment plans are usually mandatory to satisfy the hospital.
I spent some time with the bills last night. I made a "journal" sheet for each provider listing current balances and I have plenty of space for notes.
I noticed a few things that I want clarification on such as why both the hospital and doctor charged me for an ultrasound when the doctors detailed bill states that he was charging for the ultrasound and his consult, so why the hospital also charging? I'm not saying it's incorrect, but I'd like clarification especially since this happened 6 times!
I need to *really* look at our budget and decide what we can pay per month to each provider. I know that they will want me to pay more per month than we can afford, but they are going to have to take what they can get at this point.
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