The Rev. Jeff King needed a procedure to restore his heart rhythm to normal. Instead of signing up for traditional health insurance, his family had joined a 'medical cost-sharing plan.' A few weeks after surgery, the bill came — for $160,000.
. Instead, they are more of an opening salvo in the high-stakes negotiations between hospitals trying to get as much money as they can for providing care and insurance companies trying to pay as little as possible.
Stormont Vail's assistance program eventually knocked about $107,000 off Jeff's original bill. Sedera provided a negotiator to help him haggle over costs. Lane said he generally recommends that patients carry traditional insurance. He also said the hospital offers a"patient estimates module" and suggests patients wait to schedule surgery, if possible, if they want an estimate"to make an informed decision."Despite Sedera's two-year waiting period to cover preexisting conditions, the plan did give Jeff $15,000 to help with his bills.
"I never expected this to not cost me anything," Jeff said,"but I wasn't expecting what it turned out to be either."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rev. James Meeks delivers last sermon at Chicago's largest African American church after 38 yearsNow, after 38 years at the helm, Pastor Meeks delivered his last sermon at Chicago's largest African American church.
Read more »
I dated my ex after 22 years — I wanted Bennifer, but got heartbreak instead“There was a lot of shared love and a lot of talk about our future,” writer Jen Kaarlo said.
Read more »
Joe Flacco's son spotted wearing Dolphins jersey instead of dad's Jets threadsNew York Jets named veteran quarterback Joe Flacco the starter in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins. During warmups, one of Flacco's kids was seeing wearing a Miami jersey.
Read more »