Okay, the boxing gloves are on. How many rounds, and whether Tootsie will win, is another story. This story began yesterday (actually last March when YnB broke her wrist) when I received yet another new medical bill. Can anyone guess how much it costs to fix a broken wrist? Well, neither can I because the bills just continue on and on. I think we're up somewhere in the $15,000.00 range, but I'd have to sift through all the paperwork, and I have no interest in doing so. All I have been concerned about has been how much it has cost ME, which has been my total out-of-pocket for the year - $5,500.00. (For those who are not familiar with U.S. Healthcare, this does not include the astronomical monthly premiums) Yes, that's stomach turning isn't it? That doesn't even include Mr. YnB, he has his own policy. This new bill comes from medical supply company wanting in on the piece of action. They have already received $3,000.00 from BC/BS which apparently wasn't enough. They'd like to choke out another $500.00 from moi. Would you like to know what it was for? I thought you would. Now, this is not a joke, nor am I exaggerating....it's a bill for 7 screws, 2 drill bits and 1 metal plate all of which are in my wrist and the surgeon claimed are so small that the airport metal detectors would never pick it up. Albeit, there must have been some extremely precise instruments involved in manufacturing these small things, but what are the chances they weren't made here in the states, but maybe let's say, China? I feel pretty confident they are not made of gold nor platinum, but even if they were......$3,500.00?
I actually wrote the check out, but my conscience said "WHOA....hold on a minute there missy. Think about what you're paying for before handing it over without a fight." Damn it, my conscience is right and I'm not going to take it anymore! We need that money more than that greedy company does, and they'll have to deal with me first before they get their dirty little hands on it that easily.
So, there it is. Tootsie's ready for a fight. (Not until next week though, she needs mental preparation and some practice rounds first. This is one of them.)
Have you ever gone any rounds with the health care industry?
