doctor bill!!!

my2monkeyboys wrote: I called to set up my first appt today, and asked about the payment plan they do. (Our new insurance has almost no maternity coverage!) Anyway, they want all $3000 in 6 months! Yes -- that's right -- they want us to pay $500 a month! Even though I've been a patient for 7 years, he's delivered my first baby and all of that. It isn't even based on your income as to how far out they'll stretch the payments.
I don't know what to do. We may could afford that, but more than likely there will be at least one month that we couldn't. Then what? They won't see us any more???
So now we're looking into filing for medicaid, as much as I hate the thought. I mean, I know we pay our taxes and will just be using our own money really, but it just make people look at you differently, you know?
And my dr. doesn't accept our medicaid (different state) so I'd have to hope I find a good dr that will take a new patient and accepts our medicaid. I'm just so stressed now... we were planning on ttc in a few months after we could save up some $, but it's happened now though and I just don't know what to do.

Kaitlin'smom replied: as much as I would hate it I would call around to different docs, and see if this is the norm....

Mommy2BAK replied: I agree with Di, because that is ridiculous, not many people would be able to afford that so don't feel bad.

luvbug00 replied: here the total cost is 4 grand and my friend got a discount card that she found online that covered somthing like %20 of the payments. she payed $300 a visit. Try searching for somthing like that online maybe?

5littleladies replied: Wow! I don't know how they could expect a lot of people to make payments like that! Do they realize that pregnancy lasts nine months and they should at least stretch it out that long? I hope you find a solution-pregnancy can be enough to deal with without throwing finances into the mix.

my2monkeyboys replied: Well, I just talked to the drs. nurse, bc I thought they would want to see me sooner than the appt was made for (april 16), and he did. He like to see you within a week of you finding out, just to check on everything. Anyway, I was talking to her about it and explained our 'self-employed=broke some of the time' deal and she said that as long as I let them know when the pmts would be smaller and as long as I did pay something that it wouldn't be a problem. They just set it up that way so the bill can be paid off quicker, but that they won't turn you away as long as you are paying something.
Whew!!! That made me feel SO much better!!! I really love my dr and hated the idea of having to find someone new.

A&A'smommy replied: Oh that is good news I'm glad it turned out not to be as bad as you thought it was going to be!!!

moped replied: I don't know what medicaid is but who cares........we would be int he poor house to have to pay $500/month for anything else right now.........that is HUGE to me!

Do what you gotta do I say

You are going to be a mommy again!!!!!!!

boyohboyohboy replied: stephanie, we also got a discount directly from the dr when we went if we paid cash in the office in full. so maybe you could ask what would they discount you if you paid cash for each visit?
it might help out in the long run.

my2monkeyboys replied: I'll check on that as well. Thanks!

TrulyBlessed replied: I just had to go down and file for medicaid today and I know what you are talking about. I love helping others and I am glad they have programs to help people in need, but it is hard to accept the help that is there. Please try not to stress. Many prayers.

MommyToAshley replied:
I was going to suggest that you speak with the financial person in the office directly, and then your doctor. The $500/month just didn't sound right. Also, I think you should talk to them again and ask if they can give you a discount. I was self-pay for a long time and most doctors, labs, and hospitals will reduce their rates -- almost in half. Ask them what the medicade rate is and see if you can pay that rate. It's usually about half of the cost they bill to those that are self-pay.

I'd also call the hospital that you will be delivering at and ask them for their rates, and ask them if they can give you a reduction in cost if you make payments before you are admitted.

Insurance sucks -- the last thing you want to worry about is money when you are PG. Try not to stress to much, and don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for the discount. You are simply asking to pay what insurance companies pay instead of the inflated self-pay rate.

Kirstenmumof3 replied: I don't know what to say, but just wanted to offer you my support!

Calimama replied: Wow, that's insane. I hope you're able to work something out.

MoonMama replied: That is crazy....I'm glad you talked to them and got it worked out.