And
Speaking of Money--
Another
huge stressor is the final bill, most of which dribbles in over several months.
Even with good insurance, there can be blips that require several phone calls
to straighten out. For example, procedures get coded wrong and unknown to you,
the insurance bounces. You only find out when a nasty collection letter shows
up, so you end up having to make multiple calls. Or someone didn’t write down
the account number correctly. Or something didn’t get sent to your insurance
company at all. You’ll be on your phone a lot. Make and keep copies of
everything!
Durable
medical equipment doesn’t always show up when you need it—check with your
provider to make sure the order went in, then bug the supply company. Repeat as
necessary.
Double
check prescriptions for the right kind and dosage. Check with your
insurance if necessary, and ask your doctor about generics or alternatives.
Report any adverse reactions (the patient’s, not yours! We already know you’re
not happy.)
With
not-good insurance, go in person to
talk to the doctor’s/hospital’s/rehab’s financial people. There are different
rates available and they can often give you a lower one or otherwise
drastically cut your cost. You can also work out a reasonable pay-back
schedule, if needed.
Case
managers at hospitals, surgeon offices, and rehab can often work wonders. Ask
who is assigned to your loved one’s case and enlist their help in finding
affordable solutions.
And pour
yourself a good, stiff drink—unfortunately, at least in the US, this is a
common and unavoidable headache for almost everyone.
