For the past 25 years, juggling medical expenses has been a priority when it comes to balancing my budget. Setting aside funds to cover the cost of treating my illness is just as important as paying for food and shelter. Whether the money goes toward medical care providers, covering the cost of prescription medicine or surgical expenses, one thing is certain … each and every month, “the money goes!”
Having had 32 operations related to damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, some inpatient some out, most requiring post-op physical therapy, adaptive equipment or both and all involving multiple physicians skills, not too mention routine office visits and follow-up care, along with medication, I have written my share of monthly checks to various medical communities!
To me, paying off a medical debt is sweeter than making that final car payment. Why? Because the majority of my expenses involve artificial body parts and when I make that final payment, I can take ownership of my limb! Payment in full means I finally own that elbow, shoulder or knee! Until it’s paid for, I can’t call it my own. (Yes, I actually had a facility threaten to remove my joint replacement if they didn’t receive payment in full by the end of the month – good luck with that!)
Following surgery in late 2009, I incurred a hospital debt and began making regular payments in an attempt to pay it off within a reasonable amount of time. Although I had made progress, six months later, I required medical care at the same facility, increasing the balance due. After two months, I was hospitalized unexpectedly, raising my portion once again.
In the last five months, I have desperately tried to pay that debt, sending larger than normal lump sum payments in an effort to drop the balance below $1,000. After sending the monthly checks and feeling good about the balance being less than a four-digit number, I’d receive an updated statement showing a higher balance rather than lower. So far, I’ve received five statements in recent months claiming separate denials for amounts that were once categorized as ‘insurance pending’ and are now my financial responsibilities.
I’m beginning to think there’s a never-ending balance to this bill and I may never become the rightful owner of my newest body parts. Or perhaps the facility has a shortage of replacements and wants it back – I don’t know. It’s almost comical (or maybe a cruel joke depending on how you want to look at it) to send money then receive a bill where the balance goes up instead of down.
Nevertheless, thanks to RA, I am a lifetime supporter of the medical community!
How do you cope with the constant medical expenses related to an ongoing illness? When was the last time your account had a zero balance? Have you been denied medical care because of outstanding accounts? Please share your experiences.
With iv biologics now I'm paying for the office visit and the co-insurance and it is make a huge impact on my wallet.
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