@srscott3 I explained to the financial lady that we were not aware this was policy and could not pay that bill right now. I further explained that I fully intend to pay the bill, just not until after delivery, I am not comfortable paying for services not yet rendered. The form I had to sign said the same thing, if I didn't sign it I'd have to get a new OB. In the end, I wound up having to sign the form, but the financial office swore to me that they had made notes on our conversation and that I didn't have to pay anything upfront unless I wanted to. Otherwise, I will get a bill after delivery.
And honestly, it's for services not yet rendered, so what are they going to do if you don't pay it? They can't send you to collections until you have actually been billed for the services, which you have not. I confirmed with my OB's office that they don't send anything to collections until 90 past delivery, unless you've made arrangements for a payment plan.
Side note, I forgot to ask for a copy of the notes they made in my file, I will be asking for a copy when I'm there again next month. If you run into the same thing, ask for a copy of any notes they make for your file, that way you can back yourself up if you need to.
@Afkash My brother is 16. I doubt he will get counseling. We don't really deal with things in my family, we're all super unhealthy in that we just stuff it all down and never talk about it. He's already doing the typical "let's not talk about it ever and just move on" thing that we all do. My parents mean well, but we come from a long line of not dealing with emotional problems. My mom has 5 kids and so far 4/5 of us have all been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety at some point in our lives, all have been recommended counseling/therapy, none ever got it. I think it comes down to money, their insurance is terrible. I remember when I was looking at therapy for my anxiety when I was still on their insurance and it was going to cost $400 for one session, yikes!
@Afkash My brother is 16. I doubt he will get counseling. We don't really deal with things in my family, we're all super unhealthy in that we just stuff it all down and never talk about it. He's already doing the typical "let's not talk about it ever and just move on" thing that we all do. My parents mean well, but we come from a long line of not dealing with emotional problems. My mom has 5 kids and so far 4/5 of us have all been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety at some point in our lives, all have been recommended counseling/therapy, none ever got it. I think it comes down to money, their insurance is terrible. I remember when I was looking at therapy for my anxiety when I was still on their insurance and it was going to cost $400 for one session, yikes!
The bolded makes me sad.
We need to have more accessible resources when it comes to mental health. It sucks that a person who is aware of their need for therapy can't actually seek it out because it's not affordable.
@scifichick09 the fact that it's hereditary in your family just means even more that you guys need therapy. Are there any community clinics in your area that will allow you to pay on a sliding scale? My mom's side of the family has a lot of depression and my dad's side has anxiety. I have three older sisters and we all have depression and anxiety. However, only two of us get regular therapy. And you can certainly see the difference it makes. If not for yourself, at least do it for your child. That was my biggest motivator when I decided to get help years ago. I didn't want my future kids to have to deal with this or see mommy having a depressive episode. But in the end, the decision is yours and I respect that. You know yourself better than anyone else.
I just experienced the most disgusting thing guys... I live in a small town currently with absolutely no amenities so when it came time for my appointment this morning I decided to go around town a bit with my daughter. We check out the mall, are having a great time... I spot this play area and although normally I would cringe at the thought of all the germs, I figured what the heck. My two year old stands watching for a few minutes and then finally decides to climb through this tunnel , coming through on the other side with actual POO on her hand. What the actual F!!!!I took her and sprinted to the bathroom and now am scarred for life.
@scifichick09 the fact that it's hereditary in your family just means even more that you guys need therapy. Are there any community clinics in your area that will allow you to pay on a sliding scale? My mom's side of the family has a lot of depression and my dad's side has anxiety. I have three older sisters and we all have depression and anxiety. However, only two of us get regular therapy. And you can certainly see the difference it makes. If not for yourself, at least do it for your child. That was my biggest motivator when I decided to get help years ago. I didn't want my future kids to have to deal with this or see mommy having a depressive episode. But in the end, the decision is yours and I respect that. You know yourself better than anyone else.
Edit: because auto correct
@Afkash Thanks, I appreciate your concern and advice. In regards to my brother, he lives in a very small town with my parents, there is one facility there and it's outrageous. The nearest community center would probably be in the closest city that's 2 hours away.
I probably could access therapy at an affordable rate, but I honestly don't feel that I need it anymore. I've pretty much got a handle on my anxiety and haven't dealt with depression in years. One of my younger sisters is looking into therapy as we speak, we'll see what she finds. My older sister doesn't want therapy, she prefers meds. And the middle sister refuses to acknowledge that she needs any type of meds/therapy...even though I think she probably needs it the most.
We are definitely aware that it mental illness runs in my family though and will be very mindful of it with our children.
@scifichick09, I so sorry. How sad for your brother, and the state of Healthcare and mental health care insurance in our country stinks.
Since he is 15, I assume he is in school. Hopefully they gave a guidance counselor that can talk to him at least. Typically when schools lose a student they put measures in place for the students.
Married - 7/29/06 Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09 Mia - 6/16/11 Surprise! due 2/23/17
@partyof6? Yes, he is still in school, and I would hope they would do something for him. I remember when I was in that High School and a student died they had counselors at the ready for any kid who was affected. The school has drastically gone down hill since then, but I would like to think that is still their standard practice.
@NiceyMeany There's an older man who works across the hall from me who is really nice, but also super creepy (example: he brings me chocolate, nice! But then he whispers in my ear "you are so beautiful, I love your legs"....creepy). He's foreign and I honestly don't think he realizes how creepy he's being, but anyway, with all that said I do not plan on ever telling him I'm pregnant. But I can tell he's starting to wonder and it's really funny to me, he just stares at my belly and asks "Anything new? How are you?" I'm wondering at what point he'll just pint blank ask me,
My random is that my weekend was absolute hell. Our A/C went out Friday, couldn't get it fixed until Saturday (and it was the hottest weekend of the year so far). Then I got the news the my little Brother's best friend died over the weekend while they were swimming at the river, drowned right in front of my brother. It was awful, I can't even imagine what he must be going through, it breaks me heart. Then I had my doc appointment on Monday and they hand me a contract saying I need to pay my deductible in full BEFORE the delivery...that's $350/month....uhm...no? Pretty sure I got that handled (we will not be paying before the delivery), but damn, wtf? Since when is that a thing?
Edited, because words are hard.
this is our OBs protocol too. Seems weird but they reimbursed us afterwards since we went over the deductible before delivery.
I'm glad I'm not the only one dealing with this prepayment stuff. We were so confused when we went to the doctor last Friday. They told us we had to pay just shy of $2000 by the end of October. That includes my $900 deductible for NEXT year. It also includes my 20% portion for this year. So basically what they are telling me is that I will rack up $4000 in services from their office this year? This doesn't include the perinatologist who will be doing all the u/a' and blood work going forward or the actual hospital for the delivery. Once my H and I got home, we were both like "huh"? I need to call the OB and get a breakdown of their charges. But how can I disputed not paying all that this early? That is so crazy to me.
Oh and they refunded me after I called multiple times, like.. 3 months later. It was a huge pain.
Luckily this time it will only be $450 (deductible and co-insurance) for all of the delivery so it's not as bad as the $1800 just from the OB from when I had my DD with my husbands insurance. I already met my $250 deductible for this year anyways so I'm only paying my co-insurance (10%) now which isn't too bad. Still it is a really annoying process and I don't see why they could "fire" you as a patient. Maybe they have a lot of patients who don't pay their bills or something.
I just did my pre-payment to the OB'S office as well... just shy of $2,700. Ouch. They get paid in full before 28 weeks, or they will drop you from the practice.
@winchesterGirl That's crazy! I would have been so pissed. I am so glad I was able to work this out with my OB's office....I couldn't imagine having to pay that much up front. Seems like a dick move to drop you from the practice if you don't pre-pay.
@scifichick09 I knew I'd have to pre-pay, because my SIL used this same OB and she was shocked by the pre-pay thing. I just didn't know how much it was going to be!
@fourPsinapod how did you get a deductible of only $250?! Again, that's unheard of these days. Lucky you! You must work for a very large organization or something. But still, when I worked at Cedars-Sinai hospital (they employ 20K+), I still had a deductible of $1000 and that's considered a steal!!
@BumpasaurusRex Its perfect because he's Canadian! lolololol
Okay, I just puked and napped for two hours in a bathroom at work (work on a college campus- no students, male dominated dept) and it was disgusting but great. (Nap took place on the cot outside the pee room). But all because I had a headache and took a stupid tylenol that tore my stomach up.
DD1- Aug11 Angel Baby- June13, said goodbye Oct12 DD2- Aug13 DD3- due Feb17
@fourPsinapod how did you get a deductible of only $250?! Again, that's unheard of these days. Lucky you! You must work for a very large organization or something. But still, when I worked at Cedars-Sinai hospital (they employ 20K+), I still had a deductible of $1000 and that's considered a steal!!
I'm a teacher
ETA: for clarification - teachers in this area get awesome health benefits. I'm not sure if that is the case everywhere but I guess my answer sounded weird if you didn't know that! Haha!
@fourPsinapod how did you get a deductible of only $250?! Again, that's unheard of these days. Lucky you! You must work for a very large organization or something. But still, when I worked at Cedars-Sinai hospital (they employ 20K+), I still had a deductible of $1000 and that's considered a steal!!
I'm a teacher
ETA: for clarification - teachers in this area get awesome health benefits. I'm not sure if that is the case everywhere but I guess my answer sounded weird if you didn't know that! Haha!
I wish H got those kind of benefits! His insurance isn't awful but all of our teacher friends back in NJ have amazing insurance because of the unions. No Union here.
@fourPsinapod high five for teacher insurance! My deductible is $500, but my coinsurance for my OB global care (which covers evvvvverything) was just $400. And we got the best of both worlds - my husband has a shitty high-deductible plan, so he qualifies for an HSA. Welp, you can use HSAs to cover your spouse and dependents. So we paid our $400 out of the HSA, which is basically like getting a 30% discount, since HSAs are funded with pre-tax dollars. It's like we got the best of both worlds. Like. For once.
You know who really gets the sweet insurance, though? Paramedics. My sister just had gallbladder surgery and the whole shebang cost her less than $150. Then yesterday she fell and hurt her foot, and the ER visit and X-rays and everything only cost a $15 copay. FIFTEEN AMERICAN DOLLARS. I couldn't believe it when I heard that.
My entire pregnancy will cost me a single $15 copay. That's until baby is 5.
ETA: #teacherinsurance
As far as we can tell, ours will be similar. I pd $15 for my first appointment copay and they said our insurance is excellent and we "are done". Husbands health insurance is crazy cheap and covers extremely well, and he works a factory position for a company that manufactures rolled roofing. My step fil is a VP for a tire company, makes ridiculous amounts of money, and doesn't receive as nice benefits. It seems like it's the luck of the draw when it comes to benefits and coverage. It's not really fair, and is pretty weird how there are so many differences, when you think about it.
Where are my high deductible sisters at?? My prenatal care is 100% covered if it's routine, but labor and delivery?? Hello $3600 deductible (at which point more insurance kicks in, and I'm responsible for 20% of costs until I hit $8600 out of pocket). I'm already of the mindset to try to avoid an epidural because that's a mortgage payment.
@Patience7150 I'm here! My previous job last year had a deductible of $2500 and out of pocket maximum, both of which I met. When January rolled around, I was getting apprehensive again about the new deductible. But lo and behold, on NYE I ended up in the hospital and was there for 5 days. So I had already met this year's deductible and out of pocket max by January 5th! But then I started a new job in May, so I had to start all over again with their deductible. But alas, I just got let go last week so I don't have any insurance now. It's been a crazy year.
@Patience7150 I'm right there with you and also paying 6k a year in premiums. I don't think my prenatal care is covered but I haven't been able to talk with billing yet. Eep. I'm hoping to avoid epidural for partially financial reasons as well!
@AfKash that's terrible!! I thought meeting our deductible on December 2 was bad, but having to hit it all over again from changing jobs is miserable! Blech.
I have so far just paid my co-pays but I am not at my regular OB yet. Our insurance has been pretty good, but I haven't really looked into our pregnancy and delivery coverage. It didn't seem relevant when he started his new job last year.
I seem to remember making payments to my OB before. . . All around, health insurance is crap around here!
Married - 7/29/06 Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09 Mia - 6/16/11 Surprise! due 2/23/17
I've got a 5k deductible and 6600 out of pocket limit. H and I work for companies too small to require providing coverage and we have private insurance.
@Patience7150 we are back to being twins again! LOL $3000 deductible here, but after that they cover 100% of costs. Cover all labor and delivery, but not private room. We would have to pay the difference in room costs if we decide to go with a private room.
Out insurance is a PPO, so one of the benefits is I can go see any doctor I want whenever I want. I was having some weird heart palpitations early this year and was able to go straight to a cardiologist, get an EKG and a bunch of other tests and overall it cost me $200. Insurance was billed like $8000. So I guess that's the trade off.
Me: 36, H: 37 FTM, 2 Furbabies married 03/17/07 lived in Houston, Austin, Los Angeles and NYC due: 2/15/17
I'm really glad you guys said something about this pre-paying thing. I'm pretty sure I've hit my deductible for this year, but I've got next year's to worry about. Something to keep in mind so I'm not totally blindsided if it happens.
** December BMB Siggy Challenge - Animals in Pools **
Me: 31+ H: 32 TTC Since 11/2015 #1 - MMC 6.5 weeks (2/16); #2 - MC due to cystic hygroma at 20 weeks (10/16); #3 CP (2/17); #4 - Due 12.16.17
Re: Weekly Randoms (8/8)
@srscott3 I explained to the financial lady that we were not aware this was policy and could not pay that bill right now. I further explained that I fully intend to pay the bill, just not until after delivery, I am not comfortable paying for services not yet rendered. The form I had to sign said the same thing, if I didn't sign it I'd have to get a new OB. In the end, I wound up having to sign the form, but the financial office swore to me that they had made notes on our conversation and that I didn't have to pay anything upfront unless I wanted to. Otherwise, I will get a bill after delivery.
And honestly, it's for services not yet rendered, so what are they going to do if you don't pay it? They can't send you to collections until you have actually been billed for the services, which you have not. I confirmed with my OB's office that they don't send anything to collections until 90 past delivery, unless you've made arrangements for a payment plan.
Side note, I forgot to ask for a copy of the notes they made in my file, I will be asking for a copy when I'm there again next month. If you run into the same thing, ask for a copy of any notes they make for your file, that way you can back yourself up if you need to.
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
We need to have more accessible resources when it comes to mental health. It sucks that a person who is aware of their need for therapy can't actually seek it out because it's not affordable.
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
My mom's side of the family has a lot of depression and my dad's side has anxiety. I have three older sisters and we all have depression and anxiety. However, only two of us get regular therapy. And you can certainly see the difference it makes. If not for yourself, at least do it for your child. That was my biggest motivator when I decided to get help years ago. I didn't want my future kids to have to deal with this or see mommy having a depressive episode.
But in the end, the decision is yours and I respect that. You know yourself better than anyone else.
Edit: because auto correct
I just experienced the most disgusting thing guys... I live in a small town currently with absolutely no amenities so when it came time for my appointment this morning I decided to go around town a bit with my daughter. We check out the mall, are having a great time... I spot this play area and although normally I would cringe at the thought of all the germs, I figured what the heck. My two year old stands watching for a few minutes and then finally decides to climb through this tunnel , coming through on the other side with actual POO on her hand. What the actual F!!!!I took her and sprinted to the bathroom and now am scarred for life.
@Afkash Thanks, I appreciate your concern and advice. In regards to my brother, he lives in a very small town with my parents, there is one facility there and it's outrageous. The nearest community center would probably be in the closest city that's 2 hours away.
I probably could access therapy at an affordable rate, but I honestly don't feel that I need it anymore. I've pretty much got a handle on my anxiety and haven't dealt with depression in years. One of my younger sisters is looking into therapy as we speak, we'll see what she finds. My older sister doesn't want therapy, she prefers meds. And the middle sister refuses to acknowledge that she needs any type of meds/therapy...even though I think she probably needs it the most.
We are definitely aware that it mental illness runs in my family though and will be very mindful of it with our children.
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
Since he is 15, I assume he is in school. Hopefully they gave a guidance counselor that can talk to him at least. Typically when schools lose a student they put measures in place for the students.
Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09
Mia - 6/16/11
Surprise! due 2/23/17
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
Once my H and I got home, we were both like "huh"? I need to call the OB and get a breakdown of their charges. But how can I disputed not paying all that this early? That is so crazy to me.
Me: 37 - H: 39
TTC#1: 01/2016
BFP: 06/18/2016 - EDD: 02/20/2017 - Born: 01/27/2017
Luckily this time it will only be $450 (deductible and co-insurance) for all of the delivery so it's not as bad as the $1800 just from the OB from when I had my DD with my husbands insurance. I already met my $250 deductible for this year anyways so I'm only paying my co-insurance (10%) now which isn't too bad. Still it is a really annoying process and I don't see why they could "fire" you as a patient. Maybe they have a lot of patients who don't pay their bills or something.
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
ME: 25, DH: 27
TTC #1 since 09/2015
Miscarriage @ 10 wks 02/28/2016
BFP 05/28/2016!
Okay, I just puked and napped for two hours in a bathroom at work (work on a college campus- no students, male dominated dept) and it was disgusting but great. (Nap took place on the cot outside the pee room). But all because I had a headache and took a stupid tylenol that tore my stomach up.
ETA: for clarification - teachers in this area get awesome health benefits. I'm not sure if that is the case everywhere but I guess my answer sounded weird if you didn't know that! Haha!
You know who really gets the sweet insurance, though? Paramedics. My sister just had gallbladder surgery and the whole shebang cost her less than $150. Then yesterday she fell and hurt her foot, and the ER visit and X-rays and everything only cost a $15 copay. FIFTEEN AMERICAN DOLLARS. I couldn't believe it when I heard that.
ETA: #teacherinsurance
As far as we can tell, ours will be similar. I pd $15 for my first appointment copay and they said our insurance is excellent and we "are done". Husbands health insurance is crazy cheap and covers extremely well, and he works a factory position for a company that manufactures rolled roofing. My step fil is a VP for a tire company, makes ridiculous amounts of money, and doesn't receive as nice benefits. It seems like it's the luck of the draw when it comes to benefits and coverage. It's not really fair, and is pretty weird how there are so many differences, when you think about it.
It is crazy, @kswiger06. I wish everyone had awesome coverage!
But then I started a new job in May, so I had to start all over again with their deductible. But alas, I just got let go last week so I don't have any insurance now. It's been a crazy year.
Edit: ....and out of pocket maximum is $3600
I seem to remember making payments to my OB before. . . All around, health insurance is crap around here!
Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09
Mia - 6/16/11
Surprise! due 2/23/17
Out insurance is a PPO, so one of the benefits is I can go see any doctor I want whenever I want. I was having some weird heart palpitations early this year and was able to go straight to a cardiologist, get an EKG and a bunch of other tests and overall it cost me $200. Insurance was billed like $8000. So I guess that's the trade off.
FTM, 2 Furbabies
married 03/17/07
lived in Houston, Austin, Los Angeles and NYC
due: 2/15/17
** December BMB Siggy Challenge - Animals in Pools **
Me: 31+ H: 32
TTC Since 11/2015
#1 - MMC 6.5 weeks (2/16); #2 - MC due to cystic hygroma at 20 weeks (10/16); #3 CP (2/17); #4 - Due 12.16.17