Co-payments ( Just got the bill, what are we gonna do?)

[frankswife]

  I just found out that we are responsible for a $25 payment each and every time Frank dialyzes. I have MVP, and when I asked HR about copayments for dialysis I was told MVP covered it 100%. However, MVP discontinued our particular group plan and the new plan requires the copay. I got a bill today for $300 and it floored me. His Medicare wont kick in til at least January (thats if the social worker sent in the app, she just sooooo busy) and I don't even know if they pick up the copays or not. OMG. I don't know what we're going to do. We simply do not have another $75 a week to spare, with Frank being on short term disabilty and me only working part time so I can take care of him. Advice or ideas, anyone?

[Sydnee]

Does your state have a renal fund or foundation?
Wyoming has a a program that will cover up to $40,000 of expenses a year.
Talk to your social worker tell him/her what the problem is they may know other things. If they have not filed for medicare and you want the coverage call and do it yourself.

[jeannea]

Definitely talk to the social worker. They often have access to funds that will help. Do it sooner than later.

[boswife]

When we were at the center, there was a lady that went through some of that copay stuff.  She ad a small battle for a bit, but!!!!!!!!!!  when her medicar kiced in, they retro activated it to cover past as well as all the rest.  We would loose it if that happend to us.  I feel for you but i truly believe that ALL of your treatments and everything dialysis related will be covered.  sending   

[Ricksters]

As someone else already said, tell your social worker!  I know the Kidney Foundation has some resources to help...They pay for my Cobra and Medicare as I have no income at the present time until (hopefully( ssd kicks in.

Ricki

[noahvale]

^

[noahvale]

*

 

[jbeany]

Also, as long as you are paying a small amount per month, they shouldn't send to you collections while you are waiting for the help and the full coverage.  I ended up with a $300 bill when I lost regular coverage and had to switch to gap insurance.  I sent out $5 or $10 monthly payments for ages, but at least it didn't ruin my credit rating.

[frankswife]

Thank you all for the ideas. We really appreciate it. I understand that alot of stuff needs to go through Frank's social worker, but there's something about her that sets my teeth on edge. She has never said or done anything overtly, and I just cant put my finger on it.

[jbeany]

She has never said or done anything overtly, and I just cant put my finger on it.

An aura of incompetence will do that to most of us!   

[tiredandthirsty]

OP, i know exactly how you feel.  I have liver issues along with kidney and i got a $2100 bill just yesterday evening from the liver clinic because for some reason the insurance declined the claim.  i won't know until monday morning what the story is but i am totally stressed out on how i am going to pay for this.  i am already making payments on a separate $1200 at another hospital where they did maintenance work on my fistula.  i am totally lost, frustrated and stressed out. it seems this never ends.  one after another.   

not to hijack your thread, i just wanted to say i am in the same boat as you and i know how you feel.  i am so sorry you are having to go through this and hopefully it will be resolved soon. 

[Bill Peckham]

Ask the dialysis unit to bill you monthly - so that you have one copay instead of 13.

[sullidog]

Yes talk to your social worker, as far as medicare you don't need the social worker to do this, I did mine on my own, but unfortunetly you will need her for the other suggestions mentioned. I was in the same vote, not to get off topic I hgo a large bill because they denied a vein mapping I had done calling it unnscesary since I had a working access, I gave the bill sto thesocial worker and never got bugged again about it.