Insurance
Insurance
Posted on Nov 4, 2017
One Veteran’s Health Insurance Nightmare – Better Blog
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RP Members and Connections if you thought your health insurance was bad, wait until you hear this veteran’s story. Contact me if you want to share your story! [login to see]
This is a story of how ordinary Americans get into medical debt through no fault of their own. Jania is a veteran who served our country. When she had to use the health insurance she was given as a veteran she ended up with $3,585 worth of medical debt and damaged credit. This is her story.
At Better we are on a mission to share #medicaldebtstories as we forgive $16M worth of medical debt across the US. Col. Mikel Burroughs, Director of Military Debt Acquisitions and Relief at RIP Medical Debt put us in touch with former US Marine, Jania Masterson.
“It Was a Nightmare” Check out the Blog at the link above!
This is a story of how ordinary Americans get into medical debt through no fault of their own. Jania is a veteran who served our country. When she had to use the health insurance she was given as a veteran she ended up with $3,585 worth of medical debt and damaged credit. This is her story.
At Better we are on a mission to share #medicaldebtstories as we forgive $16M worth of medical debt across the US. Col. Mikel Burroughs, Director of Military Debt Acquisitions and Relief at RIP Medical Debt put us in touch with former US Marine, Jania Masterson.
“It Was a Nightmare” Check out the Blog at the link above!
One Veteran’s Health Insurance Nightmare – Better Blog
Posted from blog.getbetter.co
RIP Medical Debt
Insurance
Health
Veterans Choice
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 20
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Great article sir. You are performing a great service.
Jania has a cautionary tale. I have a few comments that may be helpful to others in similar situations to hers.
1) Healthcare is a complex process where providers and insurers operate as a cartel. Very little transparency. It's important to understand the arcane processes and to insist on billing transparency before an expensive procedure. Most people don't know this, but most facilities will disclose if you are insistent. Many will negotiate if you comparison shop.
2) It's always best to stay within the system, such as in-network with insurance. Convenience will often cost a lot. Lebanon VA has a nuclear medicine department. It's only a 30 minute drive from Hershey. If an alternative is necessary, then calling local facilities is a good idea. In Jania's case, there is likely 2 or 3 hospitals and 1 or 2 medical imaging centers in her area with nuclear medicine facilities. It might have gone much better had she called those facilities and gone to one that understood and was fine with Veteran's Choice.
3) With regard to collections, always ask bill collectors for the address to send communications. Send a certified letter instructing them to cease contact. Keep a copy. They can then only contact you to advise you of a change in legal status. If calls continue, record the calls. Pennsylvania is a two party consent state, so Jania would have to advise them she is recording it. Most states have an Attorney General office that deals with collectors breaking the law. A letter from the AG will usually improve their attitude and behavior.
4) For most procedures, ignore the advertising claims of "we are the best". Gallium scans are standard. All of the gallium comes from the same supplier and all of the machines come from the same manufacturer. MRI machines are one of two different levels of resolution. Ask your doctor which you need. Save money.
Jania has a cautionary tale. I have a few comments that may be helpful to others in similar situations to hers.
1) Healthcare is a complex process where providers and insurers operate as a cartel. Very little transparency. It's important to understand the arcane processes and to insist on billing transparency before an expensive procedure. Most people don't know this, but most facilities will disclose if you are insistent. Many will negotiate if you comparison shop.
2) It's always best to stay within the system, such as in-network with insurance. Convenience will often cost a lot. Lebanon VA has a nuclear medicine department. It's only a 30 minute drive from Hershey. If an alternative is necessary, then calling local facilities is a good idea. In Jania's case, there is likely 2 or 3 hospitals and 1 or 2 medical imaging centers in her area with nuclear medicine facilities. It might have gone much better had she called those facilities and gone to one that understood and was fine with Veteran's Choice.
3) With regard to collections, always ask bill collectors for the address to send communications. Send a certified letter instructing them to cease contact. Keep a copy. They can then only contact you to advise you of a change in legal status. If calls continue, record the calls. Pennsylvania is a two party consent state, so Jania would have to advise them she is recording it. Most states have an Attorney General office that deals with collectors breaking the law. A letter from the AG will usually improve their attitude and behavior.
4) For most procedures, ignore the advertising claims of "we are the best". Gallium scans are standard. All of the gallium comes from the same supplier and all of the machines come from the same manufacturer. MRI machines are one of two different levels of resolution. Ask your doctor which you need. Save money.
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SSgt James Tadlock
Actually I have had a mound of problems with medical in the civilian world. The latest being with choice program. I'll take VA, thanks.
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CPT John Sheridan
SSgt James Tadlock - I prefer the VA as well and not only for cost. When I first got out in 1992 to go to grad school, I needed it because research assistants get paid little. Later, going into the corporate world, my company provided gold plated insurance, so I found a physician near where I lived. Recently, I've returned to the VA. In the early to mid 90's at North Chicago and now at Lebanon, I find it to be world class care.
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SSgt James Tadlock
Cpt Sheridan, I thank God for it every day. I would be in a pickle if I did not have it.
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Man I share her pain as all do with chronic conditions requiring regular care with doctor visits.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs What a wonderful thing you are doing for veterans. I feel her pain. I am struggling with the VA myself. See a VA rep tomorrow.
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