I just love insurance...not

DanaerysTargaryen · December 2013

@michellexm As I said before we make just a few bucks too much for state help (which is a total load of crap given that I have paid into the system and not allowed to receive any help when I need it) and make too little to pay hundreds of bucks out each month, especially when you must meet a deductible first before anything is covered at all (obamacare). My husband is switching jobs come January 1st and will not have insurance until March. They only cover employee. There isn't much I can do until I can find another job. I was let go November 22 for going to the ER in regards to my pregnancy. Don't worry I am looking very hard, but so far nothing has come along. It is very hard to find a job in Atlanta. BTW, I haven't had insurance since I divorced my last husband back in 2010 and I wasn't really planning on getting any until my husband now and I decided to start trying. Most I was doing was going to the gyno to get birth control.

@BPaws Anything can go wrong with a home birth and I am well aware of that. There is nothing I can do about it right now except pray that I have a job and insurance before then.

DanaerysTargaryen · December 2013

I am pretty sure they have to help you, but you will get a bill later. However, do remember that things are about to get shaken up here with Obamacare, so that could change, that could not change. Only time will tell.

MonkeyJD · December 2013

@BPaws The emergency room can not turn you away. You would simply be billed for the services.

DanaerysTargaryen · December 2013

It depends. When I went on November 22 with the spotting, my entire bill came back about 1700 dollars. That was for fluids and few blood tests. I also got a lovely bill for the ultrasound to the tune of 650 dollars. I don't even want to fathom what it would be if I came in in labor.

MonkeyJD · December 2013

BPaws said:

And what kind of cost is it? Again, no snark meant! I'm imagining ridiculous prices in the hundreds of thousands (based only on my very, very limited knowledge of a completely unrelated situation with a local firefighter receiving treatment in the US)

Honestly I don't know. Every hospital would be different but every hospital I have ever heard of will also work out payment plans. The ER is more expensive because you have lots of people who (a) use it as their regular doctor's office or (b) go & never pay the bill.

michellexm · December 2013

BPaws said:

@BPaws The emergency room can not turn you away. You would simply be billed for the services.
And what kind of cost is it? Again, no snark meant! I'm imagining ridiculous prices in the hundreds of thousands (based only on my very, very limited knowledge of a completely unrelated situation with a local firefighter receiving treatment in the US)

Aaaand...this is one of the best parts! It appears that they throw a dart at a board to decide the pricing. It varies completely by the location, and doesn't seem to correlate at all to services provided.

You never know how much it will be ahead of time, but you always know it could easily be tens of thousands more than you expected! It's an exciting game of chance, every time. And that's why I'm so insistent on insurance.

AmericanInOz · December 2013

I think it's REALLY scary that you're having to consider an unassisted home birth

this is where social medicine really helps...........

Good luck - hope you can sort out insurance for you and your LO

MalLanning · December 2013

Can you get a Cobra plan with his existing insurance at his current job until the new policy kicks in? Or just pay out of pocket at dr visits. Explain to your OB your situation and they should work with you and only do necessary tests.

DanaerysTargaryen · December 2013

His cobra and new plan only will cover employee. I cannot pay out of pocket, it is 650 bucks just for an ultrasound.

runrinserepeat · December 2013

Did you ever go down to the office and talk to them about getting medicaid for the new year? How old are you?

Have you investigated birth centers in your area? They may start out cheaper than a hospital and be willing to work with you on payment. I'm sorry but an unassisted home birth with no prenatal care is about the most irresponsible thing I've heard. I would gladly go into debt to avoid the kind of risks you're thinking about taking. Yes women have been giving birth for thousands of years without hospitals but they typically had assistance. Women and babies have also be dying during childbirth for thousands of years.

I'm really starting to hope this is all MUD.

DanaerysTargaryen · December 2013

I am waiting to hear back from them. I am 30 years old, however, I fail to see how that is relevant. There are no birth centers anywhere near me. It is either home or hospital. Ya, it is irresponsible and I am kicking myself for being a crappy mother that can't even take care of herself, much less a child.

Not sure what MUD means.

runrinserepeat · December 2013

I only asked about age because if you were younger you could get on your parents insurance. It wasn't a dig.

skr1619 · December 2013

@danaerystargaryen I'm not sure how big Atlanta is and how far away you may be from this place... but apparently they do have a self-pay plan for patients and it looks like they will offer some sort of payment schedule.

https://www.intownmidwifery.com/insurance-payments/

Hopefully that'll help get you going. They said with the self-pay, all prenatal care visits, delivery with the midwife and 2 post-partum visits are included.

The price sheet is here Hope this helps!

biglewzer · December 2013

Did you have insurance with your previous job that you were terminated from in November? Was it a full time position that offered insurance?

DanaerysTargaryen · December 2013

I did not have insurance with the previous job and I was hoping that the place I was staffed out to would bring me on full-time permanent given I had been with them for 8 months. It was a staffing agency. I was looking forward to being on my husbands come January 1st. However, he is switching jobs January 1st and won't have insurance until March and they only cover the employee.

biglewzer · December 2013

I think it's absolutely absurd that you're considering an unassisted home birth rather than going to the ER when in labor. You can set up payment plans with the hospital and pay it off for the rest of your life. You've had no insurance since 2010 and had no intentions of getting any until you got married in 2013? That's just irresponsible, times that by 10 if you were having sex without being on birth control.

I also still find it hard to believe that women are having babies in the street of Atlanta with no medical intervention due to how screwed up the healthcare is.

DanaerysTargaryen · December 2013

I think it is absurd too that I even have to consider this option, however I don't have any other options. I am doing the best I can do. Ya, I have had no insurance because no job I have been at has offered it and it is too expensive. I am very glad that you have insurance and can afford it. Be happy in that revelation. Be happy that you have made me feel like shit because I can't take care of myself, my family, or my unborn child. I know it is irresponsible but sadly, food, utilities, a place to live (pretty much squalor), gas to get to a job have taken priority. Couple that with the simple fact that I have not been sick since I was 10 years old and have not seen a true doctor in over 10 years, there simply was no reason to shell out 500 dollars a month (500 I don't have) to get insurance. I went to a simple CVS place to get the birth control script, it was like 75 bucks for the appointment (generic script at walmart).

I am glad you think that women aren't having babies without medical assistance in Atlanta. It happens all the time, unless you are extremely poor (which we are but the state doesn't believe it), or make enough to have insurance. This is my life. I am doing the best that I can god damn frigging do.

biglewzer · December 2013

DanaerysTargaryen said:

I think it is absurd too that I even have to consider this option, however I don't have any other options. I am doing the best I can do. Ya, I have had no insurance because no job I have been at has offered it and it is too expensive. I am very glad that you have insurance and can afford it. Be happy in that revelation. Be happy that you have made me feel like shit because I can't take care of myself, my family, or my unborn child. I know it is irresponsible but sadly, food, utilities, a place to live (pretty much squalor), gas to get to a job have taken priority. Couple that with the simple fact that I have not been sick since I was 10 years old and have not seen a true doctor in over 10 years, there simply was no reason to shell out 500 dollars a month (500 I don't have) to get insurance. I went to a simple CVS place to get the birth control script, it was like 75 bucks for the appointment (generic script at walmart).

I am glad you think that women aren't having babies without medical assistance in Atlanta. It happens all the time, unless you are extremely poor (which we are but the state doesn't believe it), or make enough to have insurance. This is my life. I am doing the best that I can god damn frigging do.

Clearly, given your current situation, there is a reason to have insurance. Ha! I can't believe you'd even write that all things considered. The amount you would have paid in the past 3 years won't amount to what this baby will cost you. Way to go. Great job!

DanaerysTargaryen · December 2013

Once again, this baby was unplanned on BC with a condom, on our wedding night. Yes, my situation sucks, but you have no good reason to make me feel worse other than for your own twisted pleasure. I realize I screwed up and I most likely continue to screw up...obviously that is all I am good for considering how you are writing.

However, there is nothing I can do about it at all right now except keep plugging along and pray I get a job so that I can pay for insurance.

runrinserepeat · December 2013

You don't have a job. Go sit your ass down in the assistance office and stay there until they help you. A lot of the PPs have commented that you should qualify if you are in fact only $5 over the max and have a $1700 ER bill. All the bitching and woe is me going on in here is why we're having a hard time feeling sorry for you anymore. DO SOMETHING about your situation.

And again. I think it's about a million times more responsible to just go to the hospital and have the baby and then work out a payment plan than it is to attempt an unassisted home birth. ESPECIALLY since it sounds like you won't be getting any prenatal care on top of it all. What on earth are you going to do when baby's shoulder gets stuck? Or baby isn't breathing when s/he is born? Or you just don't stop bleeding? There are just so many things that could go wrong. Is it worth dying for? Or worth losing your baby? Again, to me, this is a no brainer and I'd gladly go into debt to avoid those risks.

DanaerysTargaryen · December 2013

Wow, I am so glad people think they know what I have done. Every day last week, I was at DFACS, each day they sent me home and told me to wait for my case worker. I still have not been assigned one to even get approved, and I am still waiting. If I didn't have a job interview today and tomorrow, I would be sitting there now. GA did not expand medicaid, they are sticklers for following the rules, honestly, if I was working for them and I had someone in this situation on my caseload, I would approve them. But that is just me apparently.

If something goes wrong, the hospital is just down the road and at that point we would go and suffer for it. I don't know where we would even get the money to do payment plan. But once again, we will figure it out.

All I wanted was a place that I could get this out given that I have no one to talk to, no one knows I am pregnant, cept DFACS, husband, and my parents (trust me, I am getting this from them too). But apparently that was too much to ask for, so I am done. Have a good 9 months ladies.

tealowl · December 2013

Honestly, I would just utilize the ER for medical care. If you really are unable to get Medicaid by the time you go into labor, just go to the ER and have the baby at the hospital.

If you can't pay the bills, just don't pay them. Your credit will be shot, but unless you need a credit card or a car or a house in the next 5-10 years, just let the bills go unpaid.

That's the only solution I can think for you.

tealowl · December 2013

Also, here's the Atlanta forum, you might want to ask these gals - https://forums.thebump.com/categories/atlanta-babies

tealowl · December 2013

Whoops, I looked and it looks like you already asked them, and they gave you the name of two centers, one being Planned Parenthood, did you call those places?

kwend003 · December 2013

.

tourqeyes · December 2013

DanaerysTargaryen said:

Wow, I am so glad people think they know what I have done. Every day last week, I was at DFACS, each day they sent me home and told me to wait for my case worker. I still have not been assigned one to even get approved, and I am still waiting. If I didn't have a job interview today and tomorrow, I would be sitting there now. GA did not expand medicaid, they are sticklers for following the rules, honestly, if I was working for them and I had someone in this situation on my caseload, I would approve them. But that is just me apparently.

If something goes wrong, the hospital is just down the road and at that point we would go and suffer for it. I don't know where we would even get the money to do payment plan. But once again, we will figure it out.

All I wanted was a place that I could get this out given that I have no one to talk to, no one knows I am pregnant, cept DFACS, husband, and my parents (trust me, I am getting this from them too). But apparently that was too much to ask for, so I am done. Have a good 9 months ladies.

Now you are overreacting. You have spoken, we have listened, people have given you advice and their opinion on the matter. People are genuinely concerned for you and are trying to give you good advice. But if you want to GBCB then fine. Good luck to you and I hope you pursue other avenues of having a safe delivery and prenatal care for you and your baby.

cuntasaurusrex · December 2013

Oh, fucking wah. Woe is you. It's someone else's fault and poooooor DT. Maybe you should cut your internet out and save up to deliver your child in a responsible manner (that link to Intown Midwifery seemed like a good option). Sell your fetal doppler. Get rid of your cat (shitty option, sure, but they cost money that you don't have). Stop eating out (Panera addiction? Who the F are you?) Get DH to stop smoking, ecigs or not. Or, conversely, save for an abortion until you can afford your own life, let alone another innocent one who has no choice in the matter. And I don't suggest that lightly. Abortion is something I would never do, but I'm also a responsible adult who was prepared for the consequences of sex, protected or not.

Hopefully you're smart enough to always carry insurance from this point on.

1982Babies · December 2013

aliletz said:

Oh, fucking wah. Woe is you. It's someone else's fault and poooooor DT. Maybe you should cut your internet out and save up to deliver your child in a responsible manner (that link to Intown Midwifery seemed like a good option). Sell your fetal doppler. Get rid of your cat (shitty option, sure, but they cost money that you don't have). Stop eating out (Panera addiction? Who the F are you?) Get DH to stop smoking, ecigs or not. Or, conversely, save for an abortion until you can afford your own life, let alone another innocent one who has no choice in the matter. And I don't suggest that lightly. Abortion is something I would never do, but I'm also a responsible adult who was prepared for the consequences of sex, protected or not.

Hopefully you're smart enough to always carry insurance from this point on.

cuntasaurusrex · December 2013

Just keepin it reeeeal.

Oh, b-t-dubs, isn't Game of Thrones on cable? Might should cut that out, too. And I see you lost 10lbs from not drinking alcohol.. sooooo you chose to drink your health insurance money. Smart girl.

hgtvmom · December 2013

Honestly, I don't know that she wants our help or ideas. The story has changed since the beginning of this thread. She's pretty much rejecting any suggestions given. Or ignoring them, then throwing a fit when she gets called on it.

Hun, you are going to be a parent. It's time to grow the F up and be responsible. Figure it out. Take a job that you think is "beneath" you if that's what is available. Get off the stinkin internet, cancel your cable and cell phone so you can save money and do what is best for your child. That's what grown ups do. They sacrifice their luxuries to do what is best for their family. But, it takes BEING a grown up and not making excuses.

blackberry1006 · December 2013

I hope to God you are making all of this up @DanaerysTargaryen. Women have been giving birth unassisted for thousands of years? My sister would have DIED if she had not been in a hospital for her first child due to complications. Even at home births have midwives who are CERTIFIED to help women give birth. I hope for the sake of your unborn child that you figure your shit out.

singingirl96 · December 2013

How about getting a job? Have you not thought about that? You're not really showing yet, no reason why you can't pound the pavement and get a job like the rest of us.

ksuper1 · December 2013

One more thing to add as a previous mom that had no insurance when she got pregnant last. If you are without insurance for over a certain amount of time into your pregnancy, I think 90 days, it is then considered a pre existing condition that is not covered. I was lucky and was able to get on my husband's insurance until mine kicked in 3 months later but if it went longer it wouldn't have been covered.

Even if you have to wait to get an app approved after 30 to 45 days it would be better then the lapse going too long or it will hurt even more.

And as a mom that needed strong medical intervention during my childs birth I urge you to go regardless to the hospital at delivery. You may be paying for the rest of your life but it is better than you or baby not making it.

ashtonblair123 · December 2013

BPaws said:

@BPaws The emergency room can not turn you away. You would simply be billed for the services.
And what kind of cost is it? Again, no snark meant! I'm imagining ridiculous prices in the hundreds of thousands (based only on my very, very limited knowledge of a completely unrelated situation with a local firefighter receiving treatment in the US)

I just wanted to throw in that here in small town KY where the cost of living is relatively cheap the hospital bill (if we had not had insurance) would have been close to $15,000 for DD and myself and that was for your basic vaginal delivery without any complications and no pain meds or stitches or anything after delivery. I had awesome insurance though and paid a whopping $35 (no joke, I will really miss that insurance now that we have different insurance)

blacktie3 · December 2013

You can sign up for Obamacare

BoraBoraBaby · December 2013

DanaerysTargaryen said:
I, sadly, have no good updates yet in regards to getting an appointment. I tried to sign up for Obamacare and they said to get medicaid and won't let us purchase. Our state is one that did not expand. We will eventually figure something out. However, at this time, I am betting no prenatal care and a home birth with no assistance.

But if you are losing Medicaid, you'll be fined for not having coverage, so how can you be denied. That makes no sense to me. I'm tempted to make call for you because this whole thing as laid out sounds extremely wrong. Sorry you're going through this but if sounds like a lot of u answered questions and miscommunication.

BoraBoraBaby · December 2013

@tundrabunny Thank you for clarifying. I learned something today

I find it all terribly frustrating. They better not fine those who fall between the cracks because all of this should've been sorted out before launching this program.

Jbosarge85 · December 2013

BPaws said:

@BPaws The emergency room can not turn you away. You would simply be billed for the services.
And what kind of cost is it? Again, no snark meant! I'm imagining ridiculous prices in the hundreds of thousands (based only on my very, very limited knowledge of a completely unrelated situation with a local firefighter receiving treatment in the US)

I found a birth center in Idaho that charges $3000 total. That's for all the prenatal visits, ultrasound, lab work, delivery of your baby, and postnatal care.

JulieTeb · December 2013

It's posts like this that make me happy to be Canadian. I find it just absolutely absurd that such a developed country doesn't provide basic services like this for their citizens. I can't imagine the constant fear involved in it. What happens if you get really sick and your insurance decides not to cover it. Scary to me.

tealowl · December 2013

We have cheap internet, no cable, buy discount groceries, signed up for WIC, rarely eat out, get everything we can at thrift stores, ration the dog food, hang dry most of our clothes, keep the furnace/central air on low, and make most of our food homemade instead of processed.

You can pinch pennies this way and many other ways. Before Xmas season I hadn't been in a retail store in months.

I just ate ground turkey yesterday that was 'expired' by 4 days.

Take some fucking initiative. I budget not only because I LIKE too, but because I HAVE too.

I'm not perfect, I still can slip up and waste money, but my bills are getting paid, and this baby will be born with parents that are better off than they were a year ago.

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