Getting sued at Christmas..

[happygirl]

And just last week the OP was talking about upgrading her 7 day pass to an AP.

Then to have the nerve to ask the hospital to just eat the charges That is why hospital charges are so high people expect for them just to eat there charges.

Now don't get me wrong if you really can't afford to pay the bill that is one thing. If you choose to use your money for Disney trips that another

 

[Acklander]

I'm sorry you had to go to the hospital.But you should have to pay what everybody else pays.

I'm assuming that by asking to lower the bill the OP is trying to pay what everyone else does.
The way it is set up now, insurance companies are charged lower rates than people who pay out of pocket. So, if you have a procedure done that costs $5,000.00 The insurance company has negotiated to only pay $3000 for that procedure, yet the out of pocket person is required to pay $5000.00
If someone, who doesn't have insurance, is issued are large bill, many times they will try to negotiate for a lower payment (to equal what the insurance company pays). It's not a sense of entitlement, and it's not expecting others to cover their cost - obviously the hospital can deliver the procedure for the $3000, since that's all they charge the insurance companies for it.
To the OP, good luck with your dealings with the hospital and hope it all works out for you in the end.

 

[MarilIncredible]

Wow. In light of your recent vacation and talk of an upgrade to AP, I can't feel sorry for you.

I rather hope the courts find you responsible for the bill in full. You know an ER will be much more expensive than a strip mall medical center or a GP. You should never use an ER unless it is a real emergency. And if you are going to use an ER b/c you don't have insurance, for goodness' sake, go to a city hospital and not a private one.

 

[mom2twinz3]

And just last week the OP was talking about upgrading her 7 day pass to an AP.

While I do see the OP's responsibility in this situation, it bothers me that every time someone has a money issue, people will do search's of past posts and then pass judgement upon them. There is something unsettling about it.

I wish we could just stick to the issue at hand instead of worrying about when someone has last gone to Disney.

 

[allison443]

Wow. In light of your recent vacation and talk of an upgrade to AP, I can't feel sorry for you.

I rather hope the courts find you responsible for the bill in full. You know an ER will be much more expensive than a strip mall medical center or a GP. You should never use an ER unless it is a real emergency. And if you are going to use an ER b/c you don't have insurance, for goodness' sake, go to a city hospital and not a private one.

It seems like the OP went to the hospital because he figured "they would just write it off" and he wouldn't have to pay anything, according to the first post.

 

[wdwfan16]

I'm assuming that by asking to lower the bill the OP is trying to pay what everyone else does.
The way it is set up now, insurance companies are charged lower rates than people who pay out of pocket. So, if you have a procedure done that costs $5,000.00 The insurance company has negotiated to only pay $3000 for that procedure, yet the out of pocket person is required to pay $5000.00
If someone, who doesn't have insurance, is issued are large bill, many times they will try to negotiate for a lower payment (to equal what the insurance company pays). It's not a sense of entitlement, and it's not expecting others to cover their cost - obviously the hospital can deliver the procedure for the $3000, since that's all they charge the insurance companies for it.
To the OP, good luck with your dealings with the hospital and hope it all works out for you in the end.

Not at our local hospital. They will take off 25% if you call and show them you have no insurance or that your insurance does not cover that particular procedure. They take you word. You need to initiate it and you need to setup the payment plan to get that discount. You ignore the bill you pay the entire amount and then some, just like the OP will be doing.

 

[allison443]

I'm assuming that by asking to lower the bill the OP is trying to pay what everyone else does.
The way it is set up now, insurance companies are charged lower rates than people who pay out of pocket. So, if you have a procedure done that costs $5,000.00 The insurance company has negotiated to only pay $3000 for that procedure, yet the out of pocket person is required to pay $5000.00
If someone, who doesn't have insurance, is issued are large bill, many times they will try to negotiate for a lower payment (to equal what the insurance company pays). It's not a sense of entitlement, and it's not expecting others to cover their cost - obviously the hospital can deliver the procedure for the $3000, since that's all they charge the insurance companies for it.
To the OP, good luck with your dealings with the hospital and hope it all works out for you in the end.

You have a good point, except in the first post OP said he figured the hospital would just write off the bills for the two visits and he wouldn't have to pay anything. These visits were apparently some time ago.

 

[wdwfan16]

While I do see the OP's responsibility in this situation, it bothers me that every time someone has a money issue, people will do search's of past posts and then pass judgement upon them. There is something unsettling about it.

I wish we could just stick to the issue at hand instead of worrying about when someone has last gone to Disney.

What is unsettling is the OP knew she owed the hospital money and prefered to spend that money on a fun item not the bill.

It the OP canceled that trip and paid the money to the hospital she would not be getting sued for Christmas.

This is not a money issue that happened today but a long time ago. I venture more than a year ago.

The AP upgrade was posted on 12/9/09 just 7 days ago!

 

[kellyg403]

I have trouble feeling sorry for you.

My husband lost his job 10 days after we found out I was pregnant. I carry the insurance, but we will still have to pay at least $2,000. We cancelled our planned WDW trip for January so that we would have the money.

You went in to the hospital - not once, but twice - expecting them to eat the charges. Not only the hospital, but the doctors, the x-ray techs, the pharmacy, the lab...all who employ people who helped you get well. And, according to your past posts, you just got back from Disney.

Wow.

I don't go back usually and check previous posts but really OP, if this is true then sorry. I no longer feel like you have a leg to stand on.

Fun is fun, but real life is real life. If this is in fact the case, the real truth is that those of us who do pay our bills and try to do the right thing will absorb the cost. Yeah, you might get a judgement and you might not be able to pay but some of us will have to. Everytime we hit the dr or the emergancy room we will have to absorb the costs for those who are not paying in higher prices and fees. Totally not fair. I can't afford AP's or to take more than one trip a year unless I save and pay everything before I go.

Sorry..but this changes a lot of things for me.

Kelly

 

[lillygator]

Wow. In light of your recent vacation and talk of an upgrade to AP, I can't feel sorry for you.

I rather hope the courts find you responsible for the bill in full. You know an ER will be much more expensive than a strip mall medical center or a GP. You should never use an ER unless it is a real emergency. And if you are going to use an ER b/c you don't have insurance, for goodness' sake, go to a city hospital and not a private one.

NO please don't!!

While I do see the OP's responsibility in this situation, it bothers me that every time someone has a money issue, people will do search's of past posts and then pass judgement upon them. There is something unsettling about it.

I wish we could just stick to the issue at hand instead of worrying about when someone has last gone to Disney.

well, when you complain about not paying your bill but yet you seem to have funds for fun stuff......if it is unsettling....don't post.

 

[mom2twinz3]

What is unsettling is the OP knew she owed the hospital money and prefered to spend that money on a fun item not the bill.

It the OP canceled that trip and paid the money to the hospital she would not be getting sued for Christmas.

This is not a money issue that happened today but a long time ago. I venture more than a year ago.

The AP upgrade was posted on 12/9/09 just 7 days ago!

Yes, and I do understand this part of it; but someone must have had to take the trouble to search their past posts to find this information. It isn't just this group of PP's, and it isn't just this OP, this happens every single time someone has a money problem.

I agree that the OP is wrong to think he/she can just walk away from a bill, but also agree that self-pay patients should be able to negotiate for the better insurance company rates for their care. I also think they are entitled to itemized statements.

I hope the OP will learn from this and work with the hospital or collections to pay off the bill. That should be the goal here; helping them to learn from this and giving advice as to how to proceed in getting this worked out and paid for.

 

[lillygator]

Yes, and I do understand this part of it; but someone must have had to take the trouble to search their past posts to find this information. It isn't just this group of PP's, and it isn't just this OP, this happens every single time someone has a money problem.

actually searching on a poster is easier than posting, you click on the name and click on find more posts....two mouse clicks!

 

[mom2twinz3]

NO please don't!!


well, when you complain about not paying your bill but yet you seem to have funds for fun stuff......if it is unsettling....don't post.

No, it is good that he/she posted because it may help them to see where they went wrong and the importance of resolving it. The past; even if it is only yesterday is gone..in the can. They cannot take their trip back, even if they wanted to.

Yes, they made some big mistakes. Now there is a reality check. But this isn't the end of the world. Hopefully, they can and will learn from this and make changes in their prioritizing.

 

[Joyful3Heart]

Just a few random thoughts...
I am a nurse and you will not be treated without a signed general consent. You probably were in so much pain you signed whatever they put in front of you, but it is highly likely that you did sign.

I have been treated at the hospital where I work, and I also have had bills sent to me with pushy wording (I am on my husband's health care plan which is much better than the hospital's but includes a deductible). However, an IMMEDIATE phone call and check in the mail for at least part of it keeps them happy.

I know independent insurance plans are outrageous but you can get a high deductible plan for an affordable price. Yes, you are still responsible for the deductible but the bills are negotiated at the price the insurance company would pay, which is often 50-75% less than self-pay. I know that doesn't help this situation but could help in the future.

I like the idea of the PP about pretending to be your own lawyer. You can still be yourself but find out and know your rights and call using a firm confident voice. You may not get out of the $5000 but you could set up a reasonable payment plan without going to court.

Good Luck!

 

[CarolinaMomOf3boys]

oh, man, I have read all the posts and it never ceases to amaze me how cruel people can be...even on the DIS
With that said...OP...I am sure this is a lesson learned...probably 2 of them learned...the 2nd one being dont ever post hardships on the DIS, and if you do, NEVER put 'please dont flame me' or make sure there are no countdowns to your next trip or previous posts....
I wish you much luck with this and many blessings in finding a job in the coming year
mom2twinz3: high 5 on your comments, girlie!

Merry Christmas to ALL~

 

[crashbb]

oh, man, I have read all the posts and it never ceases to amaze me how cruel people can be...even on the DIS
With that said...OP...I am sure this is a lesson learned...probably 2 of them learned...the 2nd one being dont ever post hardships on the DIS, and if you do, NEVER put 'please dont flame me' or make sure there are no countdowns to your next trip or previous posts....
I wish you much luck with this and many blessings in finding a job in the coming year
mom2twinz3: high 5 on your comments, girlie!

Merry Christmas to ALL~

Really? That's what you think the OP should have learned.

While I may not agree with digging up people's old posts, I'm thinking that the OP should have learned that they should pay their hospital bills.

And, actually, I will sometimes check out people's previous posts. Not to flame them, but to put their current post into context.

 

[DawnM]

And when people say "eat it" who do you think pays?

The REST of us do!

Call whoever you need to call, ask about a reduced rate that is comparable to what the insurance has to pay, and pay it.

Dawn

 

[crisi]

oh, man, I have read all the posts and it never ceases to amaze me how cruel people can be...

And it never fails to amaze me how irresponsible people can be. I'm not shocked by people being "cruel" - after all, the OP has helped raise health care costs for the rest of us by assuming WE'D all pay his bills for him. What I'm shocked by is anyone thinking that they'll get a lot of sympathy passing their bills onto everyone else - while simultaneously enjoying luxuries a lot of people here choose not to indulge in because it would be irresponsible.

 

[wdwfan16]

And it never fails to amaze me how irresponsible people can be. I'm not shocked by people being "cruel" - after all, the OP has helped raise health care costs for the rest of us by assuming WE'D all pay his bills for him. What I'm shocked by is anyone thinking that they'll get a lot of sympathy passing their bills onto everyone else - while simultaneously enjoying luxuries a lot of people here choose not to indulge in because it would be irresponsible.

 

[Dizneydawn]

I am going to put myself out there by saying this -

I agree with everyone here that people need to pay their bills. Every one of us to the best of our ability.

I also will say that not a one of us will know what the other ones history is by reading old posts or is supposed to be here to ridicule or demoralize anyone.

Advice - yes.
Guidance - yes.
Tough Love & support - Yes.

But calling someone out or throwing their inventory out for the world to see is casting stones. It is also out of context and does not make you a biographer. It makes you a bully in the dark throwing one liners to hurt someone from the privacy of your own home/office. Not very brave.

I travel cash only.

How many here put any of their trip on a credit card? How about Holiday gifts? How many people owe money on a house? Student Loans? A car?

Be very careful of the finger you point when 99% of us live beyond our means every day. If you owe $1 on something - you are living beyond your means.

Because it is on credit or wrapped in the context of a loan - it is still money you owe and if you are saying you should be debt free before you spend dime one on something you don't need, then why is there a forumn of Trip Reports? I guarantee that not all of those people have back medical debt but they do have debt of some sort.

Be honest with yourself and know that if "you" with great credit and impecable morality can afford 100% of your bills if all your income in your home was lost as of tomorrow - then fine. I do not know anyone who can say that besides maybe Bill Gates and Warren Buffet . I doubt they are here hiding behind an avatar.

Most of us would be stewed, including those of us who might go on a trip in 2 days or have just gotten back from one.

The OP had debt she should have been responsible for. No questions asked and I think we can all agree the most ideal circumstance was for her to have a plan on paying it in conjunction to any OOP money she was spending on anything.

That is not what happened and now the OP will have to figure it out.

I can tell you though that for some people who put $8,000+ for example, on a CC for a trip, and leave with grteat credit, can come home and be jobless - and that person would have a hard time paying the $8,000 back as well. Plus their rent or mortgage and auto payment etc.

Hindsight is always 20/20.

Compassion does not equate releasing accountability.

I want the OP to take responsibilty, have hoped to give them some choices on how to do so that may help but most of all not cast judgement.

I can guarantee I would not agree with all of the peoples personal financial decesions here, just like you would not of mine, no matter what your credit history showed.

At the end of the day though, it comes down to what kind of human being you want to be.

Do you want to be someone who lends a helping hand and teaches a better way out of the muck or one who pushes someone down farther?

I came to the Dis Boards and have always found people friendly and helpful. I have not always agreed with what opinions have been expressed but they had always been respectful.

This 6th grade name calling and banter from some here, makes me ashamed to think about what any new person visiting the Dis must think.

It also makes me know that some, have no clue of what Walt was all about.

He borrowed money, stayed away from bills and took loans out on his parents home, his home, brothers homes all with an idea of following his vision. What he wanted. Spent money he did not have and was not his. Lost millions of dollars and kept digging himself farther into financial bancruptcy. In fact it made him so depressed that his doctors prescribed a trip for him to get away from it all.

Foolish - yes.
Risky - yes.
Irresponsible - yes.

Yet here we all sit and are fans of Disney today.

How can you claim love for one and flog the next?

Financial stupidity is something we all can lay claim to.

It's just a matter of who wants to own it and who wants to act like they never did it.