it never hurts to ask

[mom2d&b]

I became unemployeed in Nov and as many others I have been looking for ways to decrease the cash going out. My Dr suggessted an updated MRI for an medical issue I have. Well, with no job there is no cash for the co pay ( DH carries me on his insurance). I did some research and found a medical association to cover the MRI. The bad thing is the Dr needed a bran and a Cspine and the association will only cove the brain. Well, spoke to the MRI center, explained the situation and they agreeded to do the Cspine for no out of pocket from. They will accept whatever the insurance company pays. I am so so happy.
In the past I would never have thought to ask for the financial break but I am so glad I did.

Remember, all they can say is no, but in this case they were happy to help.

 

[jodifla]

Good idea. Thanks for posting your experience!

 

[Jennifer823]

That's great! I think more and more we're seeing people and businesses willing to help out with situations like this.

 

[01spirit750]

I would suggest that you get it in writing. Remember that the billing is most likely done by an outside firm or is not directly connected to the front office people you spoke with.

Also, is the person who authorized this really in a position to do this.

I tell all my suppliers not to do anywork until they have a confirmed purchase order because I might not be here tomorrow (If I quite, get fired, etc) and they won't get paid.

 

[Lisa_M]

I would suggest that you get it in writing. Remember that the billing is most likely done by an outside firm or is not directly connected to the front office people you spoke with.

Also, is the person who authorized this really in a position to do this.

I tell all my suppliers not to do anywork until they have a confirmed purchase order because I might not be here tomorrow (If I quite, get fired, etc) and they won't get paid.

I agree with this. Also, I thought a doctor's office can't exempt you from paying a co-pay since that is an agreement between you and the insurance company. IDK maybe I'm wrong. Anyone else have experience with this type of thing?

It's wonderful that they are working with you like this OP. I just hope you don't have a big bill and a lot of hassle after the fact.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I agree with this. Also, I thought a doctor's office can't exempt you from paying a co-pay since that is an agreement between you and the insurance company. IDK maybe I'm wrong. Anyone else have experience with this type of thing?

It's wonderful that they are working with you like this OP. I just hope you don't have a big bill and a lot of hassle after the fact.

We have done this with one of our doctors. DS was having ongoing treatments, and the dr. wrote off our copayments and was reimbursed for the normal approved billings from the insurance company.

 

[Heidict]

I agree with this. Also, I thought a doctor's office can't exempt you from paying a co-pay since that is an agreement between you and the insurance company. IDK maybe I'm wrong. Anyone else have experience with this type of thing?

It's wonderful that they are working with you like this OP. I just hope you don't have a big bill and a lot of hassle after the fact.

Technically you are right. The patients contract between themselves and the insurance company specifically states that they are responsible to pay their copayments and coinsurance amounts. They should not be adjusted.

It's like that here where I work and they stress it at the meetings. Then they go and adjust them. I don't understand it, but what are you gonna do about it? They are the higher ups and if they say to adjust, we adjust. At least if it comes back to bite someone in their behinds, it's theirs and not mine.

 

[brittsmum1998]

I'm so glad this worked out for you.

There have been a few times when co-payments have been waived for me. I had to see Dr. every couple weeks during liver therapies. He never charged me a copay throughout the whole 6 months.

I had a surgical procedure done when we had an 80/20 plan on the dr. waived my 20%.