| A staggering number of people are currently | | | | thousands less than the straight charge, which is |
| without health insurance in the United States, and | | | | what you WILL be billed at if you don't negotiate, |
| we are not just talking about the indigent or the | | | | first). And, you need to get this in writing. |
| working poor. Vast numbers of middle class | | | | 3. Too many people assume that hospitals will not |
| Americans are joining the ranks of the uninsured | | | | pursue collections if you can prove you don't have |
| daily and many are self-employed, small business | | | | the money to pay. Not only will they pursue |
| owners who have found themselves priced right | | | | collections (avidly) but if you don't have the cash, |
| out of the market. Current health care reforms | | | | they have no qualms about taking your house and |
| do not address this problem at all. | | | | your car or anything else of value you might |
| A case in point: we own a small business and | | | | have. Hospitals are doing this every day...believe it. |
| have purchased our own health insurance for the | | | | 4. If you have a long time relationship with your |
| last seven years. Last year, our premiums were | | | | doctor and you suddenly find yourself without |
| raised by 30%; this year, they were raised an | | | | health insurance, contact him or her and tell them |
| outrageous (and completely unaffordable) 50%! | | | | exactly what has happened and ask if they will |
| The greedy health insurance conglomerates know | | | | discount their fees for you until you are able to |
| they can sock it to small business as much as | | | | get health insurance, again. Most doctors will work |
| they want without fear of reprisal or being called | | | | with you on this. Many will go further, providing |
| to account. | | | | free samples of drugs that you normally would |
| If you find yourself suddenly without health | | | | have to pay full price for, etc. But, you must |
| insurance, it is admittedly a very scary place to | | | | have a talk with them and tell them everything, |
| be, especially if you have always had coverage, | | | | up front. |
| up until now. But, there are steps you can take to | | | | 5. If you have children, look into getting them |
| minimize your risk and also to keep health care | | | | covered, at least, even if you and your spouse |
| costs (should they occur) lower than they would | | | | have to risk going without coverage, for awhile. |
| be, otherwise. | | | | Many states offer coverage for minor children at |
| Let's start by dispelling some troubling (and | | | | affordable rates. But, beware of state coverage |
| potentially costly) myths: | | | | offered for adults without insurance; it can often |
| 1. A lot of people believe that "the hospital has to | | | | be twice or even three times as much as a |
| treat you if you come in through the emergency | | | | regular policy. Do you have a pre-existing |
| room, even if you don't have health insurance." | | | | condition? Then, sure, they will cover you (they |
| The truth is that IF it is a life-threatening | | | | take everybody) but only for an astronomical |
| emergency, then, yes, they have to treat you. | | | | price. |
| However, you should know that they will only | | | | 6. If you need medical attention (and it is not |
| treat you to the point at which you are | | | | life-threatening), choose one of the new, |
| considered "stable". Once that happens, you will | | | | free-standing minor emergency care units that |
| most likely be transferred to a hospital that | | | | are springing up all over. They will be, on average, |
| accepts indigent patients. Too many people just | | | | about 70% cheaper than going to a hospital |
| show up at the emergency room of their local | | | | emergency room for treatment. Some have |
| hospital expecting to get free treatment; believe | | | | even opened inside local pharmacy chains. |
| me, it just isn't going to happen. | | | | 7. Try to maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Keeping |
| 2. Once at the hospital, it is a mistake to just sign | | | | well is your responsibility and it will help to keep |
| your life away. You actually have the right to | | | | you out of the hospitals until you can afford to |
| negotiate the rates that you will be charged, but | | | | have coverage, again. Give up risky behaviors and |
| you have to bring it up, yourself. You need to ask | | | | hobbies that have a high rate of accidental injury |
| the admissions clerk to bill you at the discounted | | | | (like skiing, mountain climbing, etc). Eat a balanced |
| rate that they would use if you had insurance | | | | diet, don't smoke and wear your seat belt. |
| (which is always thousands if not tens of | | | | |