Young Adults Crushed by Surprise Medical Bills

“First, I hope you're okay now. Second, the bill will most likely be greatly reduced once the insurance determines the allowed amount. If the hospital is in network, they have to accept that. Third, there are individual and family deductibles. I haven't had to worry about those in many years, but if two people in your family on this policy have already met the annual individual deductibles, it might be that the family deductible is also met and you won't owe that. Again, it's been”

“Just wait until you receive invoices. They always want the invoice number, lol. The financial responsibility office of the hospital will assist you with forms for reduction/waiver. I had insurance and one bill was waived and one waived barring my (minimal) copay. The ambulance may or may not assist you. We always have 2 show up, one which comes from the City fire departments, and will treat you if they arrive first and there's no charge. But if you are transported, it's done by the other”

“I was admitted to the ER (IU Arnett) this friday and had to stay there overnight. I’m terrified to get the bill and not entirely sure on what to do, I am on my parents insurance plan but it’s a high deductible one however I would qualify for financial hardship since I don’t make a lot of money and I file my own taxes as an independent. Does anyone else have experience with going through charity care and could offer more insights? I also have to pay the ambulance bill but I’m not sure how to go a”

“The health provider in my area also has a cosmetic surgeries department. I made an appointment assuming a consultation is complementary, it was my mistake. But the reason for that was when I made the appointment, and when I was at the visit, they did not clearly tell me how much it would be, never was it explicitly stated or even on their website, After the visit I was charged 6 times the amount other plastic surgeons charge for consultations. This is utterly unacceptable and unreasonably high a”

“That makes me feel better, I’ve got the court receipts and can definately explain the insurance gap. [re: Molina Healthcare Background Check]”

“Yea I agree but I have a lot of grammar and sentence issues when typing with emotions. [re: [Los Angles,CA Med Spa] Forced to pay $563.75 in hidden fees using VISA after being promised my $1,400 credit covered it. Options?]”

“Didn’t sign anything that day except the credit card machine under pressure for at least 10 min and it’s getting really late. [re: [Los Angles,CA Med Spa] Forced to pay $563.75 in hidden fees using VISA after being promised my $1,400 credit covered it. Options?]”

“Be honest with yourself. You won't save the $700, will you? [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“When my kid was going through cancer treatment and our HDHP deductible reset, they wouldn’t do his PET scan unless I paid a percentage upfront, even though that’s a violation of our plan (not supposed to pay up front—it’s supposed to go through insurance first). So yes, they will refuse treatment without paying. It’s not so easy as just running up the bill. [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“You make it sound so benign and like it’s the patient’s fault, like they went on a health care shopping spree. If it’s so heartbreaking to you, why phrase it like that? When, in reality, health insurance is a complete racket, with patients being the victims of a system beyond their control. And pricing is opaque, it’s not “sneaking up” on anyone, it’s a full-on attack on them. [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“You goober that’s how much the bills were. I paid 5k out of pocket. [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“Not everyone's insurance covers cancer payments [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“You can also just, tell the hospital you can't/won't pay. They'll work with you on it. You'll never actually have to pay 200k [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“I'm not sure but if there's a penalty it's gotta be way cheaper than the $15k in premiums [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“My estimated bill for disectomy was $106000. Because of other life situations, kids, spouse having hernia repair, etc.. my portion of the bill was $0 because we use the insurance, which means we use medical care a lot. Im about $9000 in premiums plus $5000 max family out of pocket. Its my third surgery in the last 8 years. I have a good job with good insurance. My major problem im running into now is DOB. I have friends that ignore their health issues and suffer through them. I had a friend livi”

“Just go to the hospital, get the care you need, then tell them you can't pay. If they pursue a judgement go through the bankruptcy process. It's surprisingly easy and doesn't really screw you anymore. The medical system has bankrupt so many Americans that it's just kind of accepted now. [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“I caution you that all it takes is one emergency or critical illness to completely wreck you financially. I ended up in the hospital last year with a kidney stone and it only cost me my $400 copay. When I saw the invoice, I thanked my lucky stars I had insurance, because it was over $100k just to drug me with morphine and do a ct scan. I have a high deductible too, but many plans (not all) have certain things that you don’t have to meet the deductible and just pay a copay. Not sure if that’s you”

“People won't like what I have to say but if you have a severe medical episode with insurance, you'll have to pay 8k out of pocket. Which if you don't have, will make you broke. If you have a serious medical episode without insurance, you'll be 200k out of pocket, and you just declare bankruptcy, then it's zero dollars out of pocket, and your still back to square zero. Where I live in oregon, you can actually go through bankruptcy and keep up to 200k in equity if you own a hom”

“My cancer treatment cost $700k in the first year alone. Within 18 months it easily cleared $1M. [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“See thats kind of where I am, because the issue is as it is right now i cant afford my deductible anyway so if I do need to use the insurance to cover something major I can't anyway so why not just pocket the money to save it and hope I don't need it [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“Yeah my co worker took this risk. He had a heart attack three months later and a big ole 200k bill to boot but with no insurance he’s fully on the hook for it [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“Realistically, it depends on your age. $9k is a lot and you're all set if your biggest health care expense next year is inhalers or a cold. You're very much fucked if it's something like cancer. Fuck, it's expensive to be poor [re: Am I the only person who has decided to not play the health insurance game anymore and am at peace with it?]”

“You just need to weigh the risk, if 2 months from now you end up having a medical emergency, you will be in far more debt than you would be with insurance. A short visit to an ER can easily run you over $1k. A short hospital stay is a couple thousand. If you need any sort of surgery, you are looking at no less than $20k. I do agree though, insurance is a scam, especially high deductible plans. They seem to always cost the most & have the worst benefits. Are you eligible to look at the market”

“Having insurance issues and will need to pay out of pocket for GD test. I have an OB but I’m not actually going to appointments because even meeting with the dr (which we all know is a 1 minute thing) costs $750 minimum. Anyway does anyone have experience getting a GD test thru a place that’s NOT your OB? I was thinking labcorp cuz that’s what we have locally. and if so, how did you go about ordering it? Does a provider need to order it? I found websites that you can order it to labcorp on but t”

“What year was it? (and if you don't mind sharing, what insurance/what sate?) I didn't have to pay anything the first time, but if we decided to have a second I think we'd end up having to pay, so curious what the cost would end up being. Thanks! submitted by /u/Crafty_Pop6458 [link] [comments]”

“I do. I recently lost a large source of my income and have many medical and dental bills and prescription bills. I work full time and make to much to qualify for any type of assistance. My medical costs run upwards of 750 a month and my source was covering all of that. Since then I’ve just gotten very far behind and got into withdrawing funds from my paycheck before I even get it. So my paychecks (should be 1200/2 weeks) are closer to 300. Just trying to keep up with bills. I don’t know what to”

“This needs to be the top answer. Medicaid is reasonable in this situation. If he is re-admitted after being discharged the hospital is on the hook for the bill. Make it clear that home is not a safe option and home health will not suffice. They DO NOT want a re-admission so they will figure something out. Medicaid reimbursement isn’t great to begin with so the margins for them are already thin. [re: Hospital is saying they can’t help my uninsured dad get into rehab after a severe stroke. What ar”

“They framed it as 'voluntary with incentives' during benefits enrollment. I checked the box saying no thanks, keep my HSA contribution. Two pay periods later there's a deduction labeled 'wellness non-participation fee.' HR swears they disclosed this. I have the original PDF. The fee is mentioned in a footnote on page 4 of a 12-page document, phrased as 'adjusted premium contribution rate for non-participating employees.' My base rate didn't change, they just added”

“I went to Aspen dental , and long story short they messaged up my bill . they where saying I owed what my insurance said they could not charge me for . I finally got tired of it and reported them to the state . They went and cleared my balance. But I have already paid 700 through a payment plan . Should I push this further , or just forget the 700 , and be done with it all . submitted by /u/Ok-Idea8348 [link] [comments]”

“We submitted claims to Meritain Health last August, and it has now been over two months without receiving payment. We have called multiple times to follow up, but the representatives keep giving us the runaround. Last September, one representative told us the claim had been paid on a specific date, but we never received the payment. When we called again, another representative gave us a different payment date and said it would be included in the following week's payment cycle. Since then, it”

“Because I could afford a one time out-of-pocket expense. But not for it to go up like $600 a year with my accident 10 years ago. [re: Could someone please tell me if it’s worth trying to offer the driver of this vehicle money?]”

“Thank you everyone for your responses. I was just hoping I could handle it out of pocket because I’m in a very bad place financially right now and I am dreading my insurance rates going up. It seemed like he wasn’t going to do anything through insurance so it caught me off guard. I’m just kind of freaking out right now. I have great insurance though. [re: Could someone please tell me if it’s worth trying to offer the driver of this vehicle money?]”

“I have a bunch of things wrong with me but I'm about to just let them all get worse and worse because I can't deal with one more copay. Its insane... Here is ONE thing Sleep apnea... Copay to PCP. Copay to speciailist. Copay for followup of specialist visit. Copay for getting tested for sleep apnea Copay for followup with specialist CoPay to see PCP again And tell them about all the wonderful COPAYING I just did for help and now asking for anti anxiety and anti depression to deal with co”

“Supposed to be having a surgery at the end of the month, but i can't afford it I 24f live in texas, and I have a 7.6 cm fibroid on my uterus. I have had this thing growing in me like an unwanted child for about 4 years, and the symptoms have become too much to handle. It presses against my bladder, so it gets full faster and painful when I need to go. I have been on birth control for the bad period symptoms, but my job has taken notice of my need for extra trips to the bathroom and breaks fo”

“I was blissfully delusional throughout my pregnancy to so many of the risks of birth. I hired a doula for $2400 out of pocket- I worked overtime for months to afford this because I am totally alone in a new state. No friends, no meal trains, so parents, no in laws. Just me and my spouse as first time parents. I was terrified of the birth and labor process. My pregnancy was overall uncomplicated. Then my baby just wanted to stay inside. At 10 days overdue, the midwives scheduled an induction. My”

“He got sick from daycare. I do get discounted insurance but I still have a copay. I’m trying here and it’s very hard. I’m only 25, my parents never taught me any of this stuff. I don’t even use a real bank account I just have Chime. It’s embarrassing but I am trying to get back on my feet. [re: Advice appreciated]”

“Our form was rejected from missing payment forms and they opened the sealed medical form. Do we get another one or is it fine submitted by /u/NeoNoxThom [link] [comments]”

“I depend on these transportation trips to my doctors and labs provided by my insurance. Unfortunately whenever they use a transportation company other than Uber or Lyft it takes up a great part of my day and many times I have been late for appointments. In fact, too late to even be seen! It happened again yesterday with Best Neighbor Transportation LLC (TX). I don’t know if all of them have changed their policy to make sure they don’t actually have to get you to your appointment or if this is ju”

“Yes, other bills other than her automatic withdrawals. Thank you for your advice and suggestions! [re: Mom in hospital. Questions.]”

“Do not pay any hospital bills until after they have been submitted to insurance and you get an EOB (explanation of benefits) from the insurance company. The amount you owe can change drastically after insurance company pays their part. [re: Mom in hospital. Questions.]”

“I just recieved a huge bill because my insurance did not cover my care. Even though I was insured when I had the care. Because the invoice is dated for after my insurance expired. I figure I must be covered and someone else screwed up right? And if so, how do I contest it? Who do I call? The company the bill is for? My doctor? My insurance? submitted by /u/TrumpIsAPedoFr [link] [comments]”

“Since you have the insurer’s promise in writing, send it to the hospital’s billing office and the collector and ask them to pause collection while the claim is processed. Ask the insurer for the guarantee’s reference number and a named person handling payment. [re: Visit to US - travel insurance]”

“They don’t. I asked if they could cover it and they said they don’t do that as per my responsibility [re: Anyone else done with the expenses we have to cover in order to work?]”

“For context my pet has been dealing with respiratory issues for months, getting her bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasounds etc has maxed out my cards and they won’t approve an increase. I applied for a new card today for a procedure she needs (quoted between 3k-3.5k at one hospital, 4.5-6k at the other) and was denied. I need this by the beginning of next month. I’m already freaked out waiting another month will worsen her condition (told it’s possibly lymphoma) but even working 65 hours each week for O”

“I went to the ER in April, and they never asked for my health insurance. I called last month to give them my insurance and now I need to pay $1,200 between deductible and copay. I'm a college student working a $15/hr part time job and my mom's a teacher, there's no way we can pay that. What are my choices? Is it ok to ignore it? Will I be stuck paying $100 a month for a year? How do I even get a payment plan??? submitted by /u/JollyScarfVGC [link] [comments]”

“I was already having problems with this shady company because my OBGYN said the most it would cost would be 300$ out of pocket for a test, this test was assigned to me June 15th after my appointment. Regardless they tried to bill me 700+ and I told them absolutely not so it was lowered so I paid an out of pocket rate at once. Months later it's in October and I just received a bill for them for 800+$ ? For the same test I took in JUNE that first time!!! has anyone else had this problem? Like”

“Yeah I believe from my understanding, the surgeon told me they’d be losing money to billing for just RNFA but if you had something billed as a assistant during surgery, it pays itself even if you are just doing strictly RNFAs scope of practice. [re: Any RNFAs?]”

“I’ve hit my OOP max for the year. I switched jobs and hit BOTH, plus several major surgeries plus kid in hospital, so in total I’ve paid over $15k in medical bills this year. My baby is due April next year. Apparently the global maternity practice is going away. Yet my office said by 26 weeks I need to pay $1500? And I need to pay $500 a month until then despite hitting my OOP max? Im so confused. I said if it’s going away in 2027 what am I paying for? And she said well we don’t know what the bi”

“They are not your copay is a pre determined dollar amount by your insurance company. The doctor doesn’t want to just eat the fee. You can eat some of their student loans and the time it took to become a doctor.”

“yeah man i feel the stress. first double‑check the itemized bill against everything your insurance actually paid – if the hospital over‑charged or included items you didn’t consent to you can dispute that with them before any collectors step in. next ask the financial‑aid rep to set up a payment plan or a delayed‑payment schedule while you sort out Medicaid or alternative coverage – Ohio has a state screening program that often defers or reduces unpaid balances for people with zero income. also”

not in the us we do get insurance...

“It's also worth checking the GoodRx discount card. Their prices vary from place to place too, but sometimes can be better than your insurance price. Lots of insurance companies use the pharmacy benefit managers they own to steer you to higher price drugs that generate kickbacks, I mean rebates, to them.”

“I’ve been on this journey for 3 years. I’ve had every conversation with doctors, insurances, surgeons, medical professionals, you name it. THEY WILL NOT COVER IT.”

“I have the same question ❓ and if this screenshot is correct NO, co would put you in a worse position. Contact the hospital or medical you owe and they are probably a nonprofit and maybbe able to help or forgive that debt. Money is tight regardless of what people make. Its not bad luck, its life circumstances! If it all gets to be too much 👀 bankruptcy. Its amazing how doors open for people after 🙄 except me lol its been a struggle for some reason. You should also check out credit karma app. I”

“I think from what our HR rep explained, she was very, very confused. After talking with someone else in the comments, they directed me to our state's site and some information about what is going on. Basically I have to state that I am taking leave, have my Dr send in a form, and then, if I qualify for paid leave through the company, I can receive it, but ultimately this should be a declaration of me taking leave. Short-Term Disability is its own separate thing that I have to deal with as we”

“same thing happened to me at a VA clinic after their machine broke mid‑scan. no one actually closed the CPT line until the radiologist saw the images, so the first estimate never produced a bill. once you reschedule, the portal will spit out a fresh estimate, but just because you see it doesn’t mean the invoice is auto‑gouged. call billing before you show up and ask them to void the original and confirm written that you won’t be charged twice. keep a copy of that confirmation in case the front‑d”

“Talk with your doctor about that equipment, they might be able to help you line something up”

Yes, it was cheaper than the insurance for me.

“I read the article but it doesn’t say exactly how it’s calculating this. Giving $500 to people who estimated for 2026 what they’d have in income and it would be above the subsidy cliff? Does that mean the cliff is no longer 400% of the FPL? I guess I’m just unclear…let’s say your application was submitted for $2k over the cliff. So you get $500. And let’s say you lose your job next month. Now your income is less than 400% of the FPL. How does this all shake out? You’d potentially be owed even mo”