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How To Survive Hospital Costs without Insurance
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Sheriff
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 отправлено 3/19/2008 12:29:53 PM
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Excellent reading, there's a free chapter in this book you can download as PDF, a MUST read:
http://land.netonecom.net/tlp/index.shtml
Interesting points the guy makes:
1) Insurance companies have negotiated better rates with the Provider (Hospital, Doctor's Office) that YOU ARE ENTITLED TOO AS WELL
2) Pay cash
3) Don't disclose your SSN, DOB, or work's address or phone
4) Don't sign anything, especially "blank check" addmissions forms!!!
5) GET COPIES OF EVERYTHING
6) Hospital admission forms fail a test of being a Valid Contract - typically it is a "take it or leave it" contract that you have no way of negotiating, you are not in position to negotiate (you are sick) - therefore it is not a good faith contract
7) You CAN negotiate better prices with a Hospital.
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brad62
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отправлено 3/20/2008 5:53:47 AM
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That's not entirely true Sheriff.
When I had my skiing accident, on March 1st 2006. I tried to negotiate a price with Speare's Memorial Hospital.
They told me; You are more than capable of paying the whole bill.
I provided all paperwork showing that I was broke.
They did not care.
I'm still paying those thieves.
Healthcare in America is bullshit. I pay so that people who don't work can ride the system for free.
I pay them $10 a month. They've threatened me with Court action.
I told them; Bring it on, No Judge in the State will ever make me pay more than I can afford.
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Акакий
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отправлено 3/20/2008 12:16:52 PM
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Brad, it probly depends on a hospital. I read an article in WSG that you can often negotiate your payment. And hospitals/Doctors may agree on a lower amount if you pay right away. It kinda makes sense, it's better for them to get something now, then potentially getting nothing and spending time for collection.
Their fees are crazy. One freaking ambulance will cost you $1000. I think many people never pay them, so they try to get money from people who work hard and supposedly can pay. The system is not fair and really ****ed up.
If you need some major surgery or something, a really good place is India. If I ever need something like that I'll never go to the ****ing american hospital.
I had a minor surgery in december, the bills total is already $1000 for 20min work. The actual fee from the Doctor is $290 which is ok. But the "facility" fee is $800!!!
next time I'll fly to India or Russia for that money.
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Sheriff
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отправлено 3/20/2008 2:58:14 PM
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brad, that's the whole point, if they don't think they can charge you outrageously, they won't.
I know several examples of russian women giving birth in a Hospital here in US (wealthy husbands). They easily negotiated a discount of 60% or more, because they have no way of attacking foreign citizens. Apparently here in America people are too worried about their credit and collections that they would rather pay x3 to x5 times charges upfront.
Second thought - Collectors are usually negotiating as well. If you are broke, why do you worry about them? Because they are going to "ruin your credit"? 
As it goes right now, for non-significant or non-critical things A FOREIGN HOSPITAL is better than American. You may even get qualified help. Hey, you may even get to talk to a competent doctor for a change. Ofcourse, if it is a brain surgery...still I'd look for a cheaper solution abroad.
Just 3 weeks ago I was basically talked into a blood test trap, which I DIDN'T NEED and which cost me $850. Besides, they also take x3 blood they need and sell 2 other samples, making INSANE PROFIT on a 2-minute procedure.
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brad62
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отправлено 3/20/2008 5:51:59 PM
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Sheriff, You didn't read my sentence correctly.
They would not negotiate with me.
I submitted the financial forms 3 times.
Each time the financial officer told me I had sufficient income to pay it.
The last time I went over her head. The hospital administrator
said; Just put it on your credit card.
At that point I pretty much lost it. I don't think anyone has ever sworn at him like I did that day.
So they want me to pay full boat, yet if I don't? They will sell my bill to a collection agency for 5 cents on the dollar.
And that makes no sense at all.
They didn't really do anything to me. I did get a CT scan. But it came out inconclusive.
The nurse the next morning asked me how I slept.
I said that I slept like $hit.
She said; " you should have said something, I would have given you a sleeping pill "
I said; I'm in here for a concussion. Do you read the charts? Or do you just wander the halls aimlessly handing out pills?
I don't think that I was their favorite customer that night.
Maybe even of the decade.
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