I am really starting to think that I should have stayed in South Carolina, just until Abby was born and a few weeks out of the gate.
The way my insurance works is that you pay a ‘global fee’ of $3,500 to have your prenatal care/birth and anything over what they consider a ‘normal birth’ minus the 80% they cover is billed to you after your pop the kid out. Also, before Chris was promoted we qualified by the skin of our teeth for pregnancy medicaid. Meaning that the $3,500 I was expected to come up with in four months would be covered as well as any extra testing related to the baby. Now that I am in Indiana, I am covered but only under the condition that the doctor be willing to bill out of state or let me copay the rest of my appointments without the use of medicaid, which is fine. I have a handful of appointments left and I know that when the birth bill comes I can send it to my insurance in SC.
As of yesterday, the several doctors I HAVE called are not willing to work with me on this, they want the $3,500 and they want it before 36 weeks. Even with Chris’ new pay, ain’t gonna happen. I do have three more to call and one seems like they might work it out with me. I decided to try to make an appointment without letting them know the whole insurance backstory and explain it in person. It’s easy to tell someone you don’t want to copay the rest of the appointments over the phone, it’s not as easy with them in front of you. Truthfully? I would be fine without going to the doctor, they weigh me, check my BP and listen for baby. All things I can/could do at home by myself. The only reason I’m even trying to find one is because I’m supposed to have a growth ultrasound every month (my next one is supposed to happen by this Friday, middle of next week at the latest) and while I ‘feel’ like Abby is growing fine, we need to know for sure.
And that my friends is why I’m feeling like I should have stayed. The reason I didn’t is because I was promised it wouldn’t be this difficult. Wish me luck finding someone to take pity on me!!
I’m sorry it’s been so hard! Fingers crossed this one works out!
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That’s some pretty shitty insurance you guys have. I hope it all works out because that is just obscene to ask anyone to pay that kind of money.
Insurance is so glorified – everyone thinks we should all be insured (which we should) – but the reality is dirty and ugly. My insurance SUCKS. And I’ve been in the medical “industry” in one form or another for 20+ years dealing with insurance companies. I’m sorry you are going through this. Is there anyone back in SC that could or would put in a call to a doc where you are to help smooth the way?
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Sending you prayers, because this just sucks! Have you tried a midwife? What about calling Planned Parenthood for a list of resources or meeting with counselor there to see if they have any suggestions?
This is a crappy situation. I’m really ticked off that none of these doctors are willing to work with you. I know that dealing with insurance companies is one of the nine levels of hell, but really you’d think someone would know this and just be able to handle it. Wishing you luck – let’s hope there is a compassionate office that has a manager that’s not lazy!
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