Pre-pay for delivery?

campberson · September 2010

I think this has been talked about here before but I don't remember what the consensus was... My hospital just called asking if I would like to start paying on my deductible right now, for my delivery.

I told them that I am currently paying them on a bill from my ER visit last month and have no extra cash to apply toward a pre-payment. The woman I spoke with said that was fine, but to call them back when I am done paying on my current bill, to set up a pre-payment.

She totally caught me off-guard so I didn't question her, but now that I'm off the phone and thinking about it, pre-payment doesn't make sense to me. I don't feel right about giving them a cent until I'm actually in their hospital, giving birth, in 2011. I have already met my 2010 deductible (thanks to that ER visit)... what if I happen to give birth in 2010... I wouldn't owe them anything in that case!

Am I wrong to say no, I'm not pre-paying anything, or is this standard procedure and I just need to go along with it? Has anyone else gotten a similar phone call or request?

maddychick · September 2010

Have not heard anything from the hospital, my Dr office requires you pre pay their costs though. Which I think is good and bad. I share your opinion on the hospital though!

elizjane26 · September 2010

I am pre-paying mine. I would rather pay a little each month than a lot at the end.

MichelleL1118 · September 2010

I don't think you're wrong. I don't mind pre-paying my OB, since I'm actually getting services from them right now (I still owe $160 or so), but I will not be paying a dime to the hospital until I'm admitted. First, I don't know whether my OB will end up with my deductible due to extra u/s, or if the hospital will, so that won't get paid until I get there. But, beyond that, because I'm slightly high-risk, I may end up delivering in a different hospital than the one where I plan (especially if they decide to induce me before 38w... local hospital doesn't have a high-level NICU) and I'm not about to fight with a hospital to get a pre-payment returned.

This is actually the reason I haven't pre-registered with the hospital yet, and won't until late December/early January, depending on how things are going. I don't want to deal with bills for services I haven't received yet, and I absolutely refuse to pay for services until I actually receive them.

cl84348 · September 2010

elizjane26:
I am pre-paying mine. I would rather pay a little each month than a lot at the end.

This.

I am paying a little bit each month, so I don't have a huge expense afterwards. I'm not paying the full amount though by January in case some fees change. I don't want to end up paying to much and then waiting forever for a refund check.

pawcall · September 2010

MichelleL1118:
I don't think you're wrong. I don't mind pre-paying my OB, since I'm actually getting services from them right now (I still owe $160 or so), but I will not be paying a dime to the hospital until I'm admitted. First, I don't know whether my OB will end up with my deductible due to extra u/s, or if the hospital will, so that won't get paid until I get there. But, beyond that, because I'm slightly high-risk, I may end up delivering in a different hospital than the one where I plan (especially if they decide to induce me before 38w... local hospital doesn't have a high-level NICU) and I'm not about to fight with a hospital to get a pre-payment returned.

This is actually the reason I haven't pre-registered with the hospital yet, and won't until late December/early January, depending on how things are going. I don't want to deal with bills for services I haven't received yet, and I absolutely refuse to pay for services until I actually receive them.

This, definitely.

I'd call them back and ask if it's something they're offering for your convenience, or something they're trying to say they require. Sounds optional, from what you're saying. If that's the case, I'd wait and pay it afterward. I'm sure they'll work out a payment plan with you once the bill is finalized (AFTER delivery - because god knows how many variables can come into play that would change things!)

kknapp25 · September 2010

No Dr or hospital is going to see a dime from me until I've actually used their services. I've dealt with insurance problems in the past & like MichelleL1118 said, if plans change or you deliver at a different time, place, etc. I don't want the headache of trying to straighten out money problems while also learning how to manage with Lo once he graces us with his presence.

kpv · September 2010

I wouldn't prepay for the reasons you stated. Say you will pay it all when you check in to L&D.

headlight · September 2010

Do not pay!. They can not make you pay as you did not receive any services. They will send you a bill after and even then you can ask to have it put into small payments, you do not have to pay the full amount if you do not have the money.

When I was in the hospital I got knock on the door couple hours after my c section from women from billing department putting piece of paper in my face and asking for my credit card number for my $500 deductible. I told her that she knows my address and that is where she can send me my bill and I will take care of it when I get home and can move because as of now I can not get my ass of the bed. She made stupid face, rolled her eyes and left.

JD807 · September 2010

I'm not paying a cent until after i deliver. I have a $1200 deductible...and if i pay it this year and then they bill after delivery (in 2011) my deductible resets Jan 1 and i'm due Jan 2...so instead of only owing them $1200, i'll owe them double. My insurance said there is NO grace period. I do not see the point in paying ahead of time AND paying insurance premiums.

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