BCBS - OMG!

[Jaded]

I just got the statement of what BCBS did not pay for my testing, and it's unbelievable! They didn't pay for ANY of the blood tests, although I was very careful to go to a lab in my network. That alone is over $500. The others I just skimmed, but I'm sure altogether it's around $1,000. I will just have to cancel all the rest of the tests, because I can't afford this.

[Missy]

That's incredibly frustrating!! Argh! Is there something you can get...something in addition to what you have already, maybe through the state or the county? The health and human services dept might know where to look.

[Jaded]

False alarm...I misread it. They didn't pay for any of the lab tests, but they disallowed most of them, so the most I will have to pay them is $120. All totalled, it will be between $300-400. Still, that's a lot of money. Well, my deductible is at least satisfied now!

[jettsmom]

My Dr. wants a special blood test. The lab they use don't know how to do it properly. The won't allow me to go somewhere else because they consider it exploritory. That one test is $300. I'm not getting it because I just won't pay anything when I have insurance.

[FrugalMomof3]

You might want to try your local welfare agency, they might be able to give you medical assistance and pay back bills (up to 3 months). Might be worth a shot to look into.

[Jskell911]

We took out a FSA this year for this very reason! How very disappointing it is to pay so much for medical insurance and have so much uncovered. All told there will be 3 surgeries this year in my family :

DS had major Dental surgery where we got stuck owing @ $700
I had one surgery costing over $300 in August and am scheduled for another next month.....

I feel for you guys!

[Jaded]

I only pay $18 a week for my insurance, so I'm not complaining. My employer picks up most of the bill.

[mom2bobsarah]

Are you sure it is not covered? I have Horizon BC/BS and frequently I have to call them and say "hey listen, this is covered" and usually it is just a wrong code or something like that entered by the doctor office or lab. If the lab is in network it does not make sense that they are not covering it. Dealing with insurance is frusterating to say the least, I worked for a doctor a few years ago so I realize that they frequently try to "not cover" things that are indeed covered. Sometimes you just may need to speak with a supervisor to double check. Hope you can get some more of it covered.

[CampCrazyMom]

I agree with what Danielle said - call to make sure it wasn't an error first. Then what I have done is call the Dr. office or hospital.

BC/BS has a deal worked out with our hospital and their doctors where they get this huge discount! (it comes up on our explanation of benefits as negotiated rate) I call and ask for that discount for myself since I am now paying that amount in full. They have always given it to me.

Negotiate if you have to pay that amount! They're almost always willing to make a deal. I once negotiated a $1,200 bill that was in collections down to $650.00!