Hospital bills

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and took every option I could to heal. My provider suggested I enter into their program and proceeded to contact my insurance company about my benefits, who stated that I was good to go. But the insurance co. also voiced their disclaimer, "This is not a guarantee of benefits." I was unaware of this statement. Trusting in the hospital and insurance company, I went ahead with the program. I now owe a bill that I cannot pay, and both the hospital and insurance co. claim that it is my responsibility, that I should have known more about my benefits. At the time I was too busy fighting for my life, so I just didn't know what to ask. I believe it should have been the hospital's responsibility to verify fully if I was eligible for benefits. Has anyone else had this problem?


(I added a subject line -- serafena)

Post Edited By Moderator (serafena) : 12/6/2008 9:11:01 AM (GMT-7)

Thanks very much for the reply--yeah, I'm working on the Charity Care package now. I also found a woman in the financial department who was very eager to help, and claimed she believed the hospital should have taken more steps to verify eligibility.

I want to work with the provider; I have some savings, and I want to pay my fair share. I don't want them to take the bill away. I want them to acknowledge that this whole scenario could have been prevented and take steps to improve their process. When I got this bill I freaked out and nearly returned to the inpatient ward again. The worst part was that the provider suggested I was at fault, which drove me lower. I'm at a much more effective place right now and can manage this type of stress, but at the time, no possible way.

Just to pose a counter-thought: it's true, I may have undergone their treatment regardless of benefits, but I would also have explored my options--or at least have someone help me. There are less expensive facilities, and closer to home. I am glad, however, that I received their care, because they did indeed help a great deal.

I believe that we can hold hospitals accountable for the security of their patients, which they can do by asking the right questions. It may be difficult to know what those are. I'm sure the system will evolve one day so we don't have to fret the monetary repercussions of life-threatening illness.

thanks again

heh heh heh