Posted by Snoozin on July 25, 2006, at 12:45:05
In reply to People, I am getting financially F-KED by hospital, posted by PhoenixGirl on July 24, 2006, at 17:35:17
PG,
Don't know what hospital you went to, but if it accepts federal/state money from a program for Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSHs), it must have certain free and reduced-charge programs in place.
If you make less than 125% the federal poverty level, your care is free (less than $12,250 a year). If you make less than 200% FPL ($19,600), your charges are reduced, I believe on a sliding scare according to income. (This is if you are an individual, no children/dependents).
http://www.healthassistancepartnership.org/assets/pdfs/ICTF_Manual_07-01-030ea5.pdf
If these income limits do not apply to you, it's worth trying to negotiate with the hospitals. They inflate their charges for uninsured people. Health insurance companies negotiate a *plan's allowed amount* and the hospital willingly takes this discounted payment. There is no reason they shouldn't take it from you, too. For example, as an uninsured person, you might be charged $1,200 for the ambulance ride, whereas a BlueCross BlueShield person's insurance policy would pay only $600, the plan's negotiated amount. On this principle alone, the hospital should reduce your charges at least by half.
I hope some of this helps.
poster:Snoozin
thread:670098
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060721/msgs/670363.html