I am lucky. So far. I have not had to be concerned about medical costs because I am a pretty healthy person. I am on little medications, and I don’t need insulin, or dialysis, or on-going treatments of any kind. I don’t see specialists often. I do my best to stay away from doctors’ offices. I’m really a blessing to my insurance company. I am one of those people who is on an insurance plan, yet, I rarely need help paying the bills. I pay in – But hardly ever need help covering my bills.
Well, if some of you remember, a few months ago I had a severe allergic reaction after eating egg rolls in a restaurant. The egg rolls had been deep fried in the same oil used for shellfish, and I am severely allergic to shellfish. Fried crab was the speciality of the day in fact – and I didn’t realize until it was too late. I ate my dinner and almost immediately had a horrible reaction. I passed out, and I sweated profusely. I lost all ability to make decisions on my care. Thankfully my hubby was with me – and he took me quickly to the ER at our local hospital.
I was in the ER for a few hours. During that time I had two tests run: a cat scan and an EKG. I was hooked up to an IV. I had blood drawn and tested. I was monitored until I came out of the reaction.
Last week the bill arrived for the ER visit. That event, because I ate the wrong food, cost over $5000! It was itemized – and yes, the tests that were run were expensive. But there was no hesitation in my need to have them. I am glad I did. I appreciate everything the doctor, the nurses, and staff did for me.
I have insurance. So my out of pocket cost is $600. And – I have a cap on what I have to pay per year. , I doubt I will reach it, unless something catastrophic happens to me. Ha! I hope I don’t reach that number! It turned out though – my bad meal cost me $600 (on top of the restaurant tab) – And I can handle it.
But, it sure got me thinking about those people who can not handle it, and the people who do not have any health insurance at all. One night in an ER can cost a person thousands of dollars And it can put a person into debt, on a payment plan with the hospital, or worse… unable to pay anything at all.
There is a way now – it’s called the Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare. It’s rather inexpensive each month, and it’s a life saver for keeping some people out of financial devastation. I don’t know all the particulars about it, but I know some have complained that it has caused their Insurance rates to rise a little bit. Yet, We can’t forget that others who were unable to qualify for health insurance before it, now can get it. It’s a way of helping ALL, and therefore it comes with some drawbacks for those who previously could get cheaper private coverage.
What happened to me eating bad egg rolls, and being taken to the ER was an example of how expensive emergency medical care is. I was lucky that I didn’t need an ambulance, and I didn’t need to be admitted to the hospital, or I didn’t need on-going prescriptions and treatment. All of those would have jacked up the cost even more. And, thankfully, yes, I am in a situation where I have insurance and I can pay my part. Not everyone can.
I think about how one incident can set a person back – physically of course, but also financially – which turns into emotionally. A spiral downward. And I think about how if a person already had medical bills to pay then perhaps they would not seek future medical care when needed. I know someone who fell Last year, broke his hip, and needed ER care, then surgery, and physical therapy. He had no insurance. So he set up a program to pay a tiny bit each month, knowing he will never pay off the total bill. He won’t live long enough to do that.
I thank hospital systems who will not turn anyone away. And, I thank free clinics set up in areas where they are needed.
In the long run I realize that I am paying for those who can’t. My hospital bill has ‘hidden costs’ to cover the staff, the needs, the tests, the stays, of those who can’t pay. Yes – I am paying for my friend who fell and needed help – and many others like him. But I’m alright with that. Just like I needed help after bad egg rolls, others need it too – when they get sick, or hurt. Regardless of cost.
Marla’s Musings 