But a lot of the times it's not what you owe it's an estimate of what you owe because they haven't processed the claim. And then you're overpaying for a service they're making money off of it and you're out money for 30 to 60 days while the claim gets processed and don't get me started on how long it takes for them to write you a check to refund the amount owed. |
I was with you until you assumed someone who can’t pay a medical bill is a deadbeat. Medical expenses are the number 1 reason for bankruptcy. And it’s the not very poor (at least at Inova) getting screwed bc the very poor (no matter legal status) can have their bills written off. But the MC who “makes too much money” but can’t shell out thousands and thousands for a bill? Sucks to be them. |
Then you clearly need to find somewhere else to go. I was refunded money in 2 weeks after a claim was processed. I don't care one bit that they had $500 of my money for however long it took to process. That's the cost of doing business with them. And let's be honest, you we're going to invest that money you had to pay upfront anyway. Don't like it? Find a different facility that bills differently. You have choices. Make a different one. |
Huh. Maybe they ought to talk to Congress - because the health insurers ARE making a killing. |
You are not good at math. |
Both husband and I were at Inova for two separate MRIs a couple of months ago. Both of us received an estimated prepayment amount which we ignored and told them to bill insurance. No one forced us to prepay, and insurance covered everything. No copay was necessary at the end. |
I recently had surgery at inova. I was similarly shocked to receive a phone call asking if I wanted to pay ahead of time. They definitely made it sound like if I didn’t do it, they *could* charge a lot of extras down the line, but if I prepaid, I was guaranteed a price. I declined bc I wasn’t paying until I knew the operation was happening; also, their *estimate* was incorrect bc I had unprocessed claims that went toward my deductible, so I actually owed $1k less. Would not recommend. That said, will foto ink a Fairfax any day over other local hospitals |
This is normal for plans with deductibles |
That said, I have Tricare prime and they have never asked for money from me because it's $0 always for Tricare. |
I’ve prepaid several times for surgeries and to have a baby. I thought it was strange each time, but I guess it’s no skin off my nose, ultimately. |
important point |
It's the new way Inova is doing it for the equivalent of economy class health care. Join the cattle car.
If you want different, you have to pay more for their "concierge" VIP health care. |
Not forced to pre-pay, but highly incentivized at Stone Springs Hospital. My out of pocket was estimated to be $3300, but if I paid prior to the surgery it would only cost me $2400.
I paid the $2400, but recently received a bill for close to $400. Need to call to see what that is about. |
This is the logical result of people buying high deductible health plans but not setting money aside to cover the high deductibles - they get stuck with big bills they can’t or won’t pay, and the hospitals get the shaft. I was asked to prepay my deductible for my OB each time, but put them off far enough into the plan year that the deductible ended up being zero or close to it. I ended up having to correct them a few times too, as they were misreading my deductibles. |
why should providers get screwed if insurance denies? my wife had a mamogram, all the insurance rules were followed and they still denied the charge and the provider is forced to write it off. enough is enough. as a provider I can you that times are changing. insurance is the problem at the end of the day. |