What a Relief!

Speaking of "health care" access (see post below) I feel extremely fortunate and blessed that my family has health care coverage through my place of employment. Yes, we have co/pays, but from a $6,000 clinic bill for a health issue last winter, to have to pay a bit over $500, we are happy to do so. And that was only the doctor's fee!

Hanging over our heads since my surgery in March was a $42,000 plus hospital bill that my insurance declined, even though it had been pre-authorized before my surgery. (and remember, I was only in the hospital overnight). The hospital insurance person that I worked with kept telling me it was in "appeals" and I shouldn't worry about it...of course I have worried about it. Especially when I got a call saying it was in "collections", I just about went through the roof...called the hospital again and was told "not to worry, that was a mistake because it is in appeals"... so finally, finally, I was so so THANKFUL when I opened a letter on Saturday that said "Appeal Resolution: Overturned". I jumped and shouted for joy. I mean, really, $43,000 would have bankrupted us! They say that most people file bankruptcy due to medical bills... I can see why! I was never so glad to see a piece of mail!

Now, a procedure that was done last October, still has a $1940 charge that is in appeals. Also, my two esophageal motility tests that had to be done in Nov. and Dec. have not been paid yet, still arguing with them over those. I will feel better when those amounts are paid ...but if they aren't ...somehow over time we can pay those amounts ..but NOT $43,000! I hope the motility tests get paid for, because I have to have another one done next week that's very similiar, it will be a 24-hr ph acid test. My surgeon from my procedure in March wants to be sure his "Anti-reflux" part of the surgery is working effectively. He said with my acalasia, I could have acid reflux and not be aware of it. I just dread having the test done, but don't want acid ruining my esophageaus either!

I just feel so sorry for, and feel compassion for those that do not have health care coverage, I don't know how, in this day and age, with the costs of health care, anyone can be without it.

Yes, health care is definitely an issue that must be dealt with. Everyone needs to have access to affordable health care!