I looked at the insurance payment - and I'm embarrassed

[question everything]

I had a freak accident, chopped the tip of a finger. Went to the ER where a dedicated physician took care of me, stitched the finger, explained what to expect, a technician bandaged the put a splint..

The hospital charged $274 and the insurance paid only $42.32?? (no payment from me).

Yes, I know, they have contracts etc. but the time and work that the physician did, not to mention all her training, is worth only $42.32?

[TexasTowelie]

1. The $42.32 was for the bandage.

The physician will be billing you separately.

[jrthin]

2. My experience is different. I had flu symptoms,

went to a local urgent care center. Dr. confirmed I had flu and prescribe tamiflu. That's it. The cost was $800.00.

[DURHAM D]

3. Do you have insurance? nt

[jrthin]

4. I do. I paid a co-pay of $70.00. A month

later I received another bill for $93 and change. The insurance company paid the rest. In general, I am not a fan of doctors. They are a large part of the rip-off of the health care system. On the night the turd was elected my husband's friend, a doctor, texted him saying that this was a good night for doctors. My husband now refuses to speak to him. That said, I do know that there are a lot of dedicated doctors working in rural areas and other places trying to do good with very little. I am in NYC, so I am jaded.

[progree]

6. Part A covers only in-patient costs ... Part B will cover it, but there is a 20% copay

and there's the Part B deductible.

https://medicare.com/coverage/does-medicare-cover-emergency-room-visits/

If you have Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage, more of the cost will be covered..

[jrthin]

8. Thank you. We do not have Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage.

I think both of these programs have an age requirement and my husband and I are not in that age category yet. We hope to get there 😊.

[progree]

9. If you are 65, you are eligible for both.

I like Medicare Supplement since there is no network bullshit. But one must sign up for Medicare Supplement within an approximately 6 month window of turning 65 (I turned 65 in mid-December 2016 and I had until the following May 31 to sign up IIRC) in order to be accepted without any medical questions / medical underwriting. After that, they can charge you based on their assessment of your health condition or refuse to sell you a policy.

[question everything]

5. On second thought, Medicare will probably pay the rest

I hope so. After all, Medicare Part A is supposed to pay for hospitals. Will see.

[progree]

7. "Medicare Part A is supposed to pay for hospitals" - yes, but only inpatient costs

Last edited Sun Jul 8, 2018, 11:49 AM - Edit history (1)

which an emergency room visit is not, unless one is admitted to the hospital.

https://medicare.com/coverage/does-medicare-cover-emergency-room-visits/

[rami999]

10. what!

what kinf of insurence do you have ?