More Money, More Problems!

[sammiejo23]

Medical bills are ridiculous. I found out today that I got denied the financial aid I needed for my hospital stays last month...they assured us when I applied that it would be based on my income alone as I'm of age and financially responsible for myself (for the most part, anyways) and that I should be eligible. Well, they lied. They went off my entire household's income...even though I'm technically only back home temporarily, and now, I've been denied. My family absolutely does not have the money to help me out, and I wouldn't ask it of them anyways, and I'm currently unemployed (as if I couldn't make that any clearer to them). I guess they expect me to pull this money out of my  ? I'm going to be in debt for the rest of my life thanks to this! It really sucks...

[galvo]

I hate to criticise your wonderful country, sammiejo, but from all I hear, your health system stinks.

[PatDowns]

Does your mom or dad have a group health insurance policy?  One of the conditions of Obamacare that went into effect is kids can stay on parent's group insurance policies until age 26 - as long as the policy allows for the insured's kids to be on it.  Check with them.  This could be a financial lifesaver for you.

Medical bills are ridiculous. I found out today that I got denied the financial aid I needed for my hospital stays last month...they assured us when I applied that it would be based on my income alone as I'm of age and financially responsible for myself (for the most part, anyways) and that I should be eligible. Well, they lied. They went off my entire household's income...even though I'm technically only back home temporarily, and now, I've been denied. My family absolutely does not have the money to help me out, and I wouldn't ask it of them anyways, and I'm currently unemployed (as if I couldn't make that any clearer to them). I guess they expect me to pull this money out of my  ? I'm going to be in debt for the rest of my life thanks to this! It really sucks...

[DomJDavis1985]

thats weird..because i thought that once u were on Dialysis  you were already approved for Medicare....and that is supposed to cover expenses for 3 months prior to the date you are approved..unless i am confused...

[PatDowns]

Medicare, when it is primary insurnace, only covers 80% of approved charges.  The insured is responsible for the remaining 20%. 

thats weird..because i thought that once u were on Dialysis  you were already approved for Medicare....and that is supposed to cover expenses for 3 months prior to the date you are approved..unless i am confused...

[sammiejo23]

I am on my mom's insurance plan still, but they won't cover everything. I think it's 80%, if I remember right, but that still leaves me with a lot of bills to pay.

[sammiejo23]

thats weird..because i thought that once u were on Dialysis  you were already approved for Medicare....and that is supposed to cover expenses for 3 months prior to the date you are approved..unless i am confused...

I can't keep that stuff straight, ha. Everybody says something different about it all! But I'm applying for Medicare, I talked to my social worker today and she gave me the paperwork, so we'll see what happens.

[PatDowns]

Seems that the "rules" are always changing.  However, if you are livng at home and on your mom's insurance policy, then the full household would be in effect when considered for financial aid.  You can appeal.  If your parents did not include you as a dependent on last year's income tax return, that should help.  Oh, get those medicare papers filled out and sent in ASAP.

I am on my mom's insurance plan still, but they won't cover everything. I think it's 80%, if I remember right, but that still leaves me with a lot of bills to pay.

[KarenInWA]

I am so sorry to hear this, SammieJo.  I agree with galvo, our country SUCKS when it comes to healthcare!  I am one of the fortunate ones, I work full time and have what appears to be excellent insurance.  This is what you need to do.  Get a job with the phone company.  It's usually a union position, and the benefits are outstanding, to say the least.  (I know, I know, easier said than done. Especially in today's economy.)  We're all pulling for you! Heck, if anything, write a letter to Obama and Senators Murray and Cantwell telling them of your plight.  We need to get the word out about this!  No one should have to suffer kidney failure at such a young age, and to have to suffer medical bills right along with it is just wrong.  Let me know if you need any help.  I can write a good letter when I feel passionate about the subject!

Take care,
Karen

[kristina]

I am sorry to read this, SammieJo.

I know from my own experience
that it is very humiliating
and hurts very much
to be in such a situation.

Take care and good luck from Kristina.

[Tracy]

Please let me know if I am wrong, but the reason I didn't apply for Medicare is because they said it would cost me about $110 a month.  I already pay almost $300 a month for private insurance with my full time job.  I was like I just can't afford another $110.  Is that right? 

Good Luck!! 

Thanks, Tracy

[sammiejo23]

Tracy, yeah that's what I was told!

[paul.karen]

Thats right tracey.  But after 30 months your primary insurance will stop and then medicare will kick in.  I am in the same boat.  But i will keep my private insurance even after medicare kicks in.  To pay the 20% differnce and also for prescriptions.

Unless thre is a better way??

[WishIKnew]

I'm where Paul.Karen are.  Medicare as primary and private insurance as secondary.  All I have to pay is copay on perscriptions and copays on Dr. visits.  SammieJ - keep talking to your social worker - there has to be a way out of this for you!

[sullidog]

Yes, I'd talk to a social worker, I'm sure a good social worker would have some options. I'd also ask the hospital why you were denied as I work part time and still was approved for financial aid.

[RightSide]

I can't keep that stuff straight, ha. Everybody says something different about it all! But I'm applying for Medicare, I talked to my social worker today and she gave me the paperwork, so we'll see what happens.

Don't forget to apply for Social Security Disabiilty too.  Having renal failure qualifies you for both.

Once Medicare becomes your primary insurer, it will pay 80% of the cost.  Then your mom's insurance plan should pay around 80% of the rest, leaving you on the hook to pay only 4% out of pocket.  That you should be able to pay out of the SS Disability paychecks.

[brandi1leigh]

Also talk to your social worker about applying to one of the National Kidney organization's funds that help pay for premiums. I don't pay for my Medicare or private insurance because a national charity pays the premiums for me.

[kamar55]

Also talk to your social worker about applying to one of the National Kidney organization's funds that help pay for premiums. I don't pay for my Medicare or private insurance because a national charity pays the premiums for me.

I thought I'd be in debt forever, too. I had Medicare paying 80%, but 20% is a lot left if you're talking about a hundred thousand dollars to begin with. 2 years ago my dialysis social worker told me the National Kidney fund would pay premiums for secondary insurance (State Farm) which is about $10k/year. It's been a godsend. Anything that Medicare won't pay for, State Farm does. I pay nothing any more....no hospital, no drs., no dialysis, no meds. It's great knowing my family won't have $$$$$ debt to pay when I'm gone.