When I was told the doctors saw something in my scan, my first thought went to finances. Even with good insurance ($1,000 deductible and 30% co-pay), it will cost me between $5,000 and $8,000 out of pocket. This is not a good financial time to be hit with these additional costs.
Then I got the notice that my insurance is going up $100/month, a 20% increase, on March 1. And I had not met my deductible in 2008, so the December tests alone would cost me close to $2,000 out of pocket.
This may seem like no big deal when it concerns one’s health, but it is—especially when it’s the fifth time. During the past 12 years my daughter has also had major back surgery twice due to severe scoliosis. So these extra expenses have almost been a yearly occurrence.
It is not surprising to me that the #1 reason for bankruptcy in this country is due to medical bills. It is extremely frustrating to me that I have a bad credit report, yet no one has ever written off a bill that I owe. I pay everything—it just takes me a bit longer than 30 days. This time I am being very proactive. I am calling all the providers and working out a plan. Due to the recession and our financial climate, it is probably easier now to do this negotiation than it has been in the past.
I try not to worry about it because there is no benefit to worry. But it is definitely an additional stress.