Monday, May 8, 2006

and the answer is...

$85,774.  But with a contractual adjustment of $33,105, which brings it down to $52,119... 100% of which the insurance is expected to pay.

But Cliff spent his first night in a different hospital (these two Independence hospitals will soon be combined into one new facility).  That hospital bill is $7,646.

Anesthesia costs are $4,670.

The heart surgeon's bill is $10,033, plus another $610 for painfully inserting a chest tube, which interupted his Sunday afternoon off.

The wonderful thing about it all is that our insurance handles most of these costs.  The largest out-of-pocket amount for us so far is to the heart surgeon:  $578.  Since Cliff's great job benefits keep our income rolling in while he's off work, I believe we can handle that.

So I won't complain about the costs.  Cliff and I went for many years with no insurance at all, and it amazes me that we managed to stay away from doctors and hospitals for the most part, during that time.  We are thankful every day that he now has a job with great benefits, which includes health insurance.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW, unbelieveable figures.  Now we can understand why insurance costs so much.  Sad thing is that many do not have it and don't get needed care because of that.  I hope you both have a great day - the sun is shining here !  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Wow I was WAY off!!!  Sheesh!  Well...the billing end of hospital stuff isn't my department!!  
You guys have a great day!
Pamela

Anonymous said...

Glad your insurance will take care of most of it. Helen

Anonymous said...

that's a lot of money. Good thing for your insurance.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for. One hospital stay can bankrup people.
Terrie

Anonymous said...

I was a little low with my figure.
Missie

Anonymous said...

yep, i knew it would be close to 100,000... and this is a "common" surgery!!    not surprising that a sickness or illness would wipe out and chance of having a decent (not even a good) chance at retirement without winding up in so much debt you can never get out.  For every one like yourself w/ insurance that will cover it.. how many have no insurance or so little it will finish any life they have left?  

I will always wonder why this country can't find a way to take care of the elderly like some other countries do. (I'm not saying that I'd want to be in those countries but there's things to be learned from others, that if they found a way..why can't america?)

Sure glad for you that you had a good insurance!!!  

Anonymous said...

And his life if worth every penny!     Anne

Anonymous said...

Thank God for Insurance!  Your out of pocket, in view of how high everything was, is outstanding!

Jackie

Anonymous said...

Oh wow.  That is just rediculous.........
That's why we have insurance...and it just feeds on itself.  They know we have insurance so they charge rediculous prices.  And the Pharmaceuticals....shame on them.  They make a killing off us.  Some of the richest beings in our country, I hear are in the Pharmaceutical companies.  One day, our nation will experience some overwhelming perils as all of this crashes - b/w health insurance and gas!  

Anonymous said...

God sure had you prepared.  I quit looking at the bills long ago.  We are very careful not to upset our insurance co.  I'm so thankful you had the right things in place when this was discovered.