oldnavy170
Board Addict
Reged: 05/12/03
Posts: 357
Loc: New York
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Hello everyone. Ever since my divorce 5 months ago I have been without Health Insurance. My doctor has been very helpful and he has given me samples and has written out scrips for me (ones that I have paid cash for). I have however have had 2 times that I have been in such pain that I wanted to go the ER but was afraid of what kind of bill I would receive.
Has anyone one else out there gone to the ER without Insurance and what did it cost you?
I am curious............Thank you!
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myrrine
Member
Reged: 08/10/03
Posts: 163
Loc: Western PA
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Some hospitals have programs set up that will forgive your bill if you live under a certain income. Check with your local hospital and speak with someone in the billing department and they may be able to point you in the right direction. Usually, you have to bring in proof of income and fill out some papers to verify your income. My local hospital has this program so I can treated for free at the hospital, it's a great service when you're broke and you don't have health insurance. Some programs will make you go through the process for each incident, while others, like mine will allow to use the service for as long as your income/ insurance status stays the same.
Hope this is helpful. Take Care,
Myrrine
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They say "time marches on," I just never got used to the beat...
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tribal717
Stranger
Reged: 10/14/03
Posts: 21
Loc: east coast
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Hello OldNavy,
I recently had to go to the hospital without any insurance for severe pain in my abdomen.I'll break the bill down as follows:
cat scan - $265
ultrasound - $250
E.R. visit - $110
2 morphine inj- $ 85
Bloodwork - $ 60
Antibiotics - $180
For a grand total of $950 - for a four hour visit.
Hated to do it, but I couldn't take the pain anymore. The price of healthcare these days sicken me, but what can we do?? Good Luck!!!!
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All I have I got in this Tree OF Pain, carve my name why not, in this Tree of Pain.
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oldnavy170
Board Addict
Reged: 05/12/03
Posts: 357
Loc: New York
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Yeah, I'm not sure if my local hospital has that or not. I did apply for this government run type Health Insurance but they told me it will take another 4 months to get approved. I only wish that they back dated any medical bills so that I knew that I would be safe going to the hospital while I wait to get my approval, ya know?
If my hospital doesn't cover any bills for people with low income is there anyone else out there who has been charged for a emergency room visit?
Really what is someone to do if they get really sick and can't afford to pay a medical bill? I don't want to be in debt forever.
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oldnavy170
Board Addict
Reged: 05/12/03
Posts: 357
Loc: New York
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WOW, this is what I was afraid of! How is anyone suppose to pay that kind of bill, ya know? Did everything come out OK for you?
What do you all think about the way that Canada runs there Health Care System? Do you think that we all should be entiled to Health Insurance regardless of income?
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tribal717
Stranger
Reged: 10/14/03
Posts: 21
Loc: east coast
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Absolutely,
I've worked my whole life since I was 13, and I was laid-off back in april. I couldn't afford to pay for the monthly COBRA insurance ($300 a month) so I had to go without. I heard of a local program called "Access" that will give you insurance if you qualify, but with my unemployment checks and my fiance's income I don't qualify. They count her income even though we are not married, but because we live under the same roof. It's ridiculous that they give this insurance to people on welfare, some that have no interest in getting a job at all, just juicing the goverment and our tax money. But hardworking people just going through a tough time cannot get any help. So to sum it all up, lost my job because large companies in America are sending our work to other countries because of cheap labor (thanks to NAFTA), can't afford COBRA because they want a obscene amount of money, and I can get no help from the government because I make too much money even though I can't find a job and I'm not on welfare. So I have to go into debt with medical bills that I can't pay. So I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank our great government for all the help they have given me and others like myself. It's a great country to visit, but I'm thinking of moving to CANADA!!!!
Sorry for the venting, but I feel better now. 
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All I have I got in this Tree OF Pain, carve my name why not, in this Tree of Pain.
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oldnavy170
Board Addict
Reged: 05/12/03
Posts: 357
Loc: New York
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Yeah, here in New York they offer a plan called Family Health Plus. You can get it either for free or at a reduced price depending on your income. I applied for it 5 months ago but they are so far behind that I have to wait another 3-4 months to get approved (oh thats not the part I'm worried about). I don't know what they offer in other states but this is a good program but the waiting for the approval is the hardest part.
I agree about the way that Canada runs there Health system. The government needs to help the middle to lower class that needs help with health insurance. I almost went over the limit for this Health Insurance to get it for free because of my childrens Child Support. Thats Child Support not income!!!!! Anyways, I feel that we need to come up with a new system!!!!!
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